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.