The Junior Warriors ensured one title will head back to New Zealand with a dramatic 31-30 win over the Cowboys today.
Halfback Jordan Meads snapped a field goal in their third minute of golden point to prompt wild celebrations in front of thousands of fans at ANZ Stadium. It was their second title in as many years to become the first club to win consecutive titles but they very nearly let it slip away.
They held a 14-point lead with 10 minutes remaining but shipped three tries in nine minutes to let the Cowboys back into the match. The Cowboys actually had a chance to win it but Kyle Feldt hooked his conversion from a handy position after the final hooter had sounded.
Five-eighths Carlos Tuimavave set up the match-winning dropped goal with a strong run from inside his own half. Meads immediately got his hands on the ball and kicked it over from 25m in front of a handful of first-grade players out on the pitch soaking up the atmosphere.
It was a dramatic end to what has already been a dramatic day after the Auckland Vulcans conceded a try in the final seconds of the NSW Cup grand final to go down 30-28 to the Bulldogs, who won their third-straight title.
