KEY POINTS:
What the Aussie media are saying about the Warriors' miracle Finals run:
Melbourne Herald-Sun:
Full story
Australian betting agency TAB Sportsbet stands to lose a staggering A$2.4 million if the New Zealand Warriors win this season's NRL premiership.
Just three weeks ago, New
Zealand was 100/1 to claim the title - today they are A$6.50. Melbourne are NRL favourites at A$1.90 from Manly (A$3.10).
"We don't want the Warriors to win the competition", said TAB Sportsbet spokesman Glenn Munsie .. after round 15 this season, New Zealand was paying A$150 and was still in triple figures by round 25 ..."
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Daily Telegraph (Sydney):
Full story
"Warriors officials will write model Erin McNaught a letter of apology after a fan slapped the back of her head during Friday night's preliminary semi-final.
The girlfriend of Sydney Roosters five-eighth Braith Anasta was distraught after ... a Warriors fan touched her with an open hand in the grandstand.
"It wasn't a hard hit or anything like that but she was upset,' said Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah ..."
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NineMSN:
Full story
"It's the sort of pickle New Zealand Warriors coach Ivan Cleary would have dreamed of facing, but nevertheless it's still a pickle.
Who will Cleary put in the No.1 jumper for next week's NRL preliminary final against Manly?
Does he stick with Lance Hohaia, who continued his tremendous finals form with a double in Friday night's 30-13 win over the Sydney Roosters? Or does be go back to Wade McKinnon, the first-choice fullback who is available again after serving a three-match suspension?"
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Sydney Morning Herald:
Full story
"As the Sea Eagles prepare to play the Warriors, Manly coach Des Hasler has a warning: earlier season results are meaningless.
"We can't take anything for granted against the Warriors. Finals footy is a totally different type of battle ...
"They've got momentum, which is obviously very important at this end of the season. They've tightened up in defence - their attitude is clearly very good there - and they've got plenty of self-belief. [Ruben] Wiki, [Steve] Price and [Brent] Tate are very experienced players who are in great form ..."
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League website rleague.com:
Full story
"Brisbane's play-off loss to the Storm leaves the Warriors as the only club with a chance of making both the NRL and NYC grand finals.
And with the Broncos being beaten it also means the Warriors and the Tony Iro-coached Junior Warriors will play back-to-back at the same venue for the third week running in the finals ..."