In the 10 years of the competition’s existence, St George Illawarra have made six preliminary finals without playing in an under 20 grand final.
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It’s as coincidental as it is remarkable, given the high turnover of players through the junior feeder ranks.
The National Youth Cup’s used-by date as the NRL’s curtain-raiser and second-tier competition expires next weekend, demoted down the pecking order as a pathway to the top.
Instead of breaking through to play in the Dragons first-ever under 20 decider, St George Illawarra were upstaged by a Manly team continuing a September run to match North Queensland in the NRL.
Manly have claimed wins over the fifth-placed Cowboys minor premiers Cronulla, and now the Dragons, who earned a week off after a narrow victory in the qualifying final.
Trailing in the first-half, Dragons second-rower Trent Peoples offered them some hope before the break, barging over to score and reduce the deficit to 18-6.
Five-eighth Joe Lovodua then pegged the margin back shortly after, making the most of a chance created by forward TJ Uele.
And they made it 18-all when Jackson Willis faked a kick and raced away, before grubbering for centre Jackson Ford.
The sustained fire continued but Manly resisted and then responded to score three late tries and seal a 34-18 win. Manly now meet Parramatta, who dominated their preliminary final against Penrith, winning 28-6.
The grand final kicks off at 1.35pm on Sunday at ANZ Stadium.