Setu Tu scores his second try for NZ Warriors in the NSW Cup final. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport
Winger Setu Tu has grabbed a try double, as NZ Warriors reserves capped a fine NSW Cup season with a 30-12 victory over St George-Illawarra Dragons in the Grand Final.
After finishing 11 points clear of their rivals during the regular season, the Auckland-based NRL outfit were toppled by the Dragons in the playoffs, but took advantage of their second life to reach the title game.
The two teams had split previous games - a win each and a draw - but bolstered by several first-grade performers, the Warriors snatched control of the contest midway through the second half, with back-to-back tries to Tu and second-rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava in quick succession.
They led 16-6 at halftime, but conceded a converted try soon after the restart. Dragons half Lachlan Ilias then crossed for another that would have levelled the scores, but replays showed a knock-on in the build-up.
Soon after, Ilias was sin-binned for an early tackle on Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki, halfback Tanah Boyd slotted the resulting penalty and Tu scored his second try soon after to regain momentum for his team.
The result rounded out a successful year for the club, with the first-grade men reaching the playoffs for the 10th time in their 31-year history, the women ending a five-year hiatus to return to the NRLW and the U17 team retaining the Harold Matthews Cup.
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