By Trent Thomas
The Illawarra Cutters will face the New Zealand Warriors in the NSW Cup Finals Week 2 fixture at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
The Cutters look to bounce back from a tough loss to the Penrith Panthers last week but have a second chance courtesy of their top four regular competition season placing.
“We are grateful to get another opportunity but we are disappointed with that performance against the Panthers,” said Logan.
Click To See The Team Line-Up For The Match Against The New Zealand Warriors!
“We spoke about the boys’ level of concentration and on this occasion the level was low.
“We turned over way to much football early in the game and it affected what we did.
“I’m not happy with the last month but to get where we are and to earn a second chance is an accomplishment despite the disappointing score line”
The Warriors are coming off an impressive win after dispatching of the Mt Pritchard Mounties last round to progress to this elimination decider.
The Warriors have proved tough opposition for the Cutters who have yet to defeat their trans-Tasman rivals this year.
Cutters Had Coach Scott Logan has made some changes to the line-up which was comprehensively defeated by the Panthers.
Cutters captain Junior Tia-Kilifi shifts from the centre into the second-row and is joined by Will Matthews following his spell with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The Kyogle Turkeys junior is joined by the trio of Kyle Stanley, Peter Mata’utia, and Shane Pumipi who additionally return from their recent spell with the first-grade.
The New Zealand Warriors team features its trademark size and names such as Dominique Peyroux, Carlos Tuimavave and New Zealand international Siliva Havili.
For the Cutters to play another game this season they need to go back to their winning formula of tough defence whilst taking advantage of their strong ball movement capabilities.
A win will see the Cuters face the Newcastle Knights in the NSW Cup Preliminary Finals next week.
