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.
Match: Warriors v Sea Eagles
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Sea Eagles
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Kaian OlsenFullback for Sea Eagles is number 1 Carlito Vesely
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Winger for Warriors is number 2 Lennox-Rua Limu FranklinWinger for Sea Eagles is number 2 Tom Longland
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Daniel KaliCentre for Sea Eagles is number 3 Jack Smith
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Chris SauCentre for Sea Eagles is number 4 Jett Watkin
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Blake BruceWinger for Sea Eagles is number 5 Zac Gedz
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Keanu SimpsonFive-Eighth for Sea Eagles is number 6 Mitchell Peterson
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Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Jackson RobinsonHalfback for Sea Eagles is number 7 Samuel Clarke-Moar
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 Kenny LafituanaiProp for Sea Eagles is number 8 Billy Miller
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Kayce Perese-SukrooHooker for Sea Eagles is number 9 Ashley Dene
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Hanita TakuluaProp for Sea Eagles is number 10 Oliver Johnson
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Nathandavid Tapusoa2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 11 Ryan Grigorian
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Tusi Fanolua2nd Row for Sea Eagles is number 12 Jayden Richards
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Lock for Warriors is number 13 Christiano EliaLock for Sea Eagles is number 13 Khyanu Mahon
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Agelu MalaesiliaInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 14 Riley Carter
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Rilee McGrath HugginsInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 15 Bryn Wooldridge
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Hemiata TogiaInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 16 Bailey Coxsedge
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Thomas ChristensenInterchange for Sea Eagles is number 17 Harrison Brunker
Reserves
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Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Charles HenryReplacement for Sea Eagles is number 18 Harry Smythe
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