Hard work pays off

This time last year, Kaitaia-raised Elijah Taylor was gearing up to lead the Junior Warriors to the club's first premiership in the NYC grand final, where they defeated South Sydney 48-28.

One year later, after making a delayed debut in the first grade team, Taylor is gearing up for an appearance with the first grade side in Sunday's NRL grand final against Manly Sea Eagles, something he did not expect to achieve so early in his career.

"To be honest, I probably didn't expect to be here - preparing for the NRL grand final on the back of last year ... last year was a great experience where I learnt a lot," Taylor said.

The 21-year-old moved to the Far North as a youngster and attended Kaitaia College where he played age-group rugby for Northland. In 2007, he was picked up by the Junior Warriors development squad after moving to Auckland. He played for the under-20 squad in 2008 and captained the team in 2009 and 2010.

Taylor was set to debut for the Warriors in 2009, and again in 2010, but injury ended his hopes on those occasions. Taylor rejoined the Junior Warriors in time for last year's grand final and on the back their success, he got another call up by outgoing coach Ivan Cleary in April to debut for the Warriors, coming off the bench against Cronulla Sharks in Taupo.

It was third time lucky for Taylor. With that thought in the back of his mind, the hardworking utility, who covers centre, five-eighth and lock, seized every opportunity to impress in his 20 first grade appearances this season.

To get this far in his first year playing first grade was somewhat overwhelming but Taylor, who is contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2012, had things in perspective.

"I was pretty happy with my performance in the semi against the Storm, coming in off the bench. It's good being back in the team - I had two weeks off where I was the 18th man, so I'm feeling pretty good - the body feels fresh. I slipped off a couple of tackles on Saturday and that's an area I have been working on at training," Taylor said.

While the team were excited - and already had cause to celebrate with both the Warriors feeder side the Auckland Vulcans and the Junior Warriors progressing to their respective grandfinals on Sunday, the Warriors were trying not to get ahead of themselves.

"We're all pretty excited after last weekend ... It is awesome getting all three teams through to finals but last Saturday was not the end for us, we know we have a job to do and that's our main focus, but we will enjoy the week," Taylor said.

It is a massive week for both Manly and the Warriors, who are contending with huge media interest, along with fitting in final training sessions and, of course, attending yesterday's Telstra Premiership Grand Final Breakfast at Darling Harbour.

"I have been watching the breakfast on TV every year since I was young, and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it."

While Manly coach Des Hasler liked to think his team were the underdogs, Taylor said the Warriors would be a more likely candidate to claim that title - and that was the way they liked it. Manly will a tough opposition, and would be bolstered with the return of Glenn Stewart back from a three-week suspension, Taylor said.

"Manly are definitely beatable if we play to the best of our abilities."

Taylor has been named on the bench for Sunday's big game which will be played in front of 80,000 people at ANZ Stadium, including his mum Yvette, who is flying over.

- The Auckland Vulcans will begin Sunday's finals programme with the New South Wales Cup grand final against Canterbury-Bankstown (3pm), followed by the defending NYC champions the Junior Warriors taking on North Queensland at 5pm. The big NRL showdown starts at 8pm.