Rugby League: Financial boost for local game going into final

The New Zealand Rugby League has secured a financial fillip with the re-signing of national competition sponsor Bartercard.

And yet the benefactor is not yet sure what it will be getting in terms of the competition.

The NZRL is leaning towards sticking with 12 teams, with Ngongotaha, who pulled out during this season, to be replaced by Manawatu.

But it is still not clear that Wellington can support two teams. There is also a lack of opportunity for players in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty area to be considered.

The sport gained further with the agreement by Sky to feature tomorrow's Hibiscus Coast-Eastern Tornadoes grand final live.

Both sides are relatively unchanged since their last finals appearances.

The Tornadoes named Warrior Justin Murphy on their bench and he qualifies to play by virtue of irregular games throughout the season, although there was still some to-ing and fro-ing over his availability.

The Raiders' best have been prop and captain Anthony Seuseu, fullback Daniel Floyd, and Karl Te Mata in the second row. Seuseu is signed with the Warriors, Floyd is on a development contract, and Te Mata is in their sights.

The Tornadoes' danger lies with halves Corey Palmer and Hare Te Rangi, rangy lock Fred Tupou, centres the Fisiiahi brothers, and in Phillip Leuluai's power off the bench.

There have been 34 Warriors-contracted players on display in Bartercard Cup this season. They include end-of-season regulars Wairangi Koopu and Shontayne Hape when they returned from injury.

Prop Richard Villasanti kept fit there, then worked his way into a regular bench spot after Justin Morgan and Mark Tookey suffered knee injuries.

Jason Temu struggled to make an impact beyond the domestic competition, but Mark Tookey worked his way back from the knee surgery through the cup to come from the interchange in the late-season games for the Warriors.

Iafeta Paleaaesina and Motu Tony were elevated from the cup competition to the Warriors' starting team, Tony finishing the season with 19 NRL games, with his 10 tries earning the rookie of the year award. Paleaaesina would have pushed him hard had he not ruptured his spleen. Cliff Beverley, Nathan Wood and David Myles played occasional Warriors games.

Jonathon Smith played more in the cup than for the Warriors, and the club have not renewed deals with him, Richard Utai and Joe Galuvao.

The Raiders and Tornadoes drew 28-all in round five and the Raiders won 28-24 in round 26, so another even encounter is likely at Carlaw Park.

Hibiscus Coast: Daniel Floyd, Joe Vaifale, Steve Matthews, Mikio Filitonga, Shaun Ata, Jeremy Smith, Aaron Heremaia, Anthony Seuseu, Regan Wigg, Tyrone Pau, Taite Daniels, Karl Te Mata, Richard White: Interchange Tuale Fuimaono, Dallas Rennie, Brendon Solomon, Chris Shears.

Eastern Tornadoes: Taki Pulini, Joe Flavell, David Fisiiahi, Paul Fisiiahi, Poha Pulini, Corey Palmer, Hare Te Rangi, Brian Tuia, Jason Tatana, Eric Pele, Sinave Faitala, Andrew Fausa, Fred Tupou: Interchange Joe Tau, Jeremiah Pai, Phillip Leuluai, Montel Tahana.

Referee: Andy Cook.