Harold Matthews Team List: Five grand final winners named

Five members of the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2025 grand final-winning squad have been named to start the club’s Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) title defence against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles at Bruce Pulman Park in Manukau City on Sunday (10.00am kick-off).

Captain and second rower Tusi Fanolua is joined by front rowers Kenny Lafituanai and Hanita Takulua plus fullback Kaian Olsen with Christiano Elia – 18th man in the grand final win over Newcastle – named at loose forward.

Included on the extended bench is Shannon Pai who made one appearance last season.

Around them will be players making their Harold Matthews Cup debuts for the One New Zealand Warriors.

If it’s a momentous day for so many young players it’s also a huge occasion for former Warriors front rower Albert Vete who begins his coaching career leading a side seeking a third straight premiership.

In a repeat of last season's opening round fixture, the Warriors face the Sea Eagles. In last year's corresponding match they started their premiership run with a 28-10 victory. Fanolua, Lafituanai and 18th man Elia are the only survivors from the squad used that day.