NRL: Warriors lose young stars

Ivan Cleary. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Junior Warriors' stellar move into the Toyota Cup grand final comes with a downside.

The development of top under-20 players has raised the interest of other NRL clubs who can sign them to contracts elsewhere in Australia. The Warriors don't receive a transfer fee for the investment they've made because initial under-20 contracts are generally for just one or two years until a player is ready to step up to first grade.

There are four Junior Warriors moving offshore so far next season. Player of the year Nafe Seluini is off to the Panthers, prop Mark Ioane will go the Raiders, centre Siuatonga Likiliki has been signed by the Knights and winger Elijah Niko is Storm-bound.

Fortunately the club has managed to lock in a number of the current squad. Fullback Glen Fisiiahi, wing/centre Ivan Penehe, halfback Shaun Johnson, hooker Elijah Taylor and second-rower Matt Robinson have first grade contracts.

Warriors first grade coach Ivan Cleary said ironically it is harder to keep players when a team like the Juniors are succeeding.

"We're getting to a point [with the development programme] where you struggle to keep everyone you want. I'm constantly thinking 'how can we extend guys' contracts?' - it's a challenge. Still, any club who buys a player is taking a risk. You could reap the benefits but there is still a gulf between the standard of first grade and the under-20s."

Cleary was impressed with the team's spirit in the 23-16 win over the Bulldogs.

"As a bunch of young guys, to be down at halftime [10-0] and come back was good to see. Their composure was excellent, just like when they struck a similar situation against Manly."

The team also showed character in the final 20 minutes, notably with a Johnson try when he opted to run on the final tackle in the 62 minute, and with a snap drop kick to take them out to 17-16 in the 68th. That was backed up by some desperate defence against a Bulldogs side renowned for their second half strength.

"They had no mugs, they've annihilated sides in the second half this season," coach John Ackland said. "The win was deserved. My lads have worked hard from the first training.

"I haven't had a problem with anybody and it's a credit to the Mums and Dads for providing me with such a balanced bunch of individuals."

Captain Ben Henry was equally enthusiastic at their progress after leaving with a sore ankle midway through the first half.

"It's hard to explain the feeling when that final hooter blew," he said. "I'd been on the sideline for 60 minutes watching the boys slug it out.

"The heads were down in the first half but we pulled it together. Then when Glen [Fisiiahi] got the ball [in the 76th minute] and had some space, wham, he just took off to seal the game. There's plenty of pride in the brotherhood that's for sure."