By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE Casey Warriors have made it through to their first Victorian Rugby League (VRL) men’s seniors grand final since the merger between the Casey Sharks Rugby League club and Casey Chiefs Junior Rugby League Club at the end of 2012.
The Warriors will take on the reigning premiers Sunbury in a match-up between the season’s top two sides after downing the North West Wolves by 36 points at Sunbury’s Langama Park on Saturday, 44-8.
The Warriors led 14-4 after a tense opening half, with the two sides playing vastly different styles of rugby. Casey’s is a quick, free-flowing running style while the Wolves enjoy a much more physical contest.
But in perfect conditions for rugby league, Casey flew out of the blocks early in the second half – quickly compiling their match-winning margin in a devastating burst. In all, the Warriors scored five second half tries to storm home.
Brandon Manase was nothing short of sensational for Casey, scoring two tries in a best-on-ground effort, with singles also to Michael Butson, Fitu Pailegutu, Baker Toeleiu, Waka Sweet, Joseph Watene-Lauina and Teaturangi Ua.
With their Casey Fields home ground not up to scratch, particularly for the biggest game of the season, the VRL has switched the grand final venue to Langama Park. The 2014 decider between the Warriors and the Tigers will kick off at 3.10pm this Saturday. The two sides last played in the opening week of the finals, with Sunbury winning 42-22.
