JFC Preview: Another top of the table clash on the road for Warriors

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Sun 31 May 2026, 06:43 AM

For the fourth game on end the One New Zealand Warriors are on the road facing the Panthers in their round 13 Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) clash at Parker Street Reserve in Penrith today (11.00am kick-off local time; 1.00pm NZT).

And for the third straight game they’re taking on one of the competition’s top four sides.

The run of road trips started when the Warriors travelled to Hamilton on Anzac Day for what was a home match against the Silktails at FMG Stadium Waikato (which produced a record 66-6 victory).

Then came the first of three straight trips to Sydney with now fourth-placed Parramatta in round nine, competition leader St George Illawarra last week and today second-placed Penrith (on the same points as the Dragons but second on points for and against).

The One New Zealand Warriors were right in the hunt against both the Eels and the Dragons but were ultimately held off 30-24 and 30-22.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Sunday 31 May

Full Time

Panthers

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Darcy Feltham

Fullback for Warriors is number 5 Motu Pasikala
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Cameron Kanaan

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Brandon Norris
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Zeik Selwood

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Caelys-Paul Putoko
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Joshua Debritt

Centre for Warriors is number 12 Nganatatafu Vake
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Ranui Kapua

Winger for Warriors is number 21 Lauti Lauvao
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Isaiah Cochrane

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Harry Inch
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Ellyjah Birve

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Jack Thompson

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Judah Galuvao

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Hohepa Chandler
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Ryan Goodsell

Hooker for Warriors is number 13 Amasio Tiatia
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Lucas Rossi

Prop for Warriors is number 20 Mikaele Ilaiu
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Tyson Sangalang

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Dezman Laban
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Leo-Stipe Latu

2nd Row for Warriors is number 18 Kahu Capper
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Kye Raven

Lock for Warriors is number 9 Maui Winitana-Patelesio

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Nathanial Tolu

Interchange for Warriors is number 4 Taipari Wikitera
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 George Talatonu

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Krushil Koteka
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Talmage Brown

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Lucas Carmine
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Danny Johnstone

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Militonimolela Sikuvea

Reserves

Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Harry Wald

Replacement for Warriors is number 14 Tama-Teahorangi Darlington

Last updated: 5/31/2026 9:14:24 PM

After 10 games and two byes, they sit eighth on 14 points, six points outside the top five which is in play for this year’s finals.

They’re not only measuring themselves against this season’s best sides but the players are also taking in the reality of life for every Warriors side of making constant trans-Tasman trips.

Back in the lineup today is winger Brandon Norris who missed the encounter with the Dragons while halfback Maui Winitana-Patelesio is named at hooker and regular dummy half Amasio Tiatia at loose forward.

Included in Penrith’s side is Judah Galuvao, son of rugby league great Joe Galuvao, the former Kiwi, Warrior and double premiership winner with Penrith and Manly Warringah.