Warriors to meet Roosters in final

John Carlaw clinched the Warriors' first Grand Final place

New Zealand Warriors 16-10 Cronulla Sharks

The New Zealand Warriors reached their first National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final with a narrow victory over the Cronulla Sharks on Sunday.

The Warriors led 6-0 after an error-ridden opening 40 minutes and were 10-4 ahead midway through the second half.

Cronulla's Australian international half-back, Brett Kimmorley, then scored beside the posts and converted to equalize.

NRL semi-final pictures

But his New Zealand opposite number, Stacey Jones, created the winning try with a clever grubber kick in-goal for John Carlaw to score inside the last five minutes.

The Warriors, who have recovered from the brink of bankruptcy two seasons ago, topped the regular season standings after Canterbury were stripped of the bulk of their competition points for a salary cap breach.

---

Sydney Roosters 16-12 Brisbane Broncos

Sydney Roosters booked their place in the NRL Grand Final with a battling 16-12 victory over the Brisbane Broncos at Aussie Stadium.

And the win ensured Great Britain international Adrian Morley joined the handful of Englishmen who have played in Australian rugby league's showpiece.

Simon Bonetti was injured after just 10 seconds

The Roosters, who lost Simon Bonetti after just 10 seconds, took an early 8-0 lead thanks to a Craig Fitzgibbon penalty and an Anthony Miniechiello try, which was converted by Fitzgibbons.

But the Broncos bounced back to lead 12-8 at the break thanks to tries from Brent Tate and Darren Lockyer, both of which were converted by Lockyer.

The Roosters went back in front when former Leeds player Brett Mullins touched down on 52 minutes following a stray pass from Allan Langer.

The Broncos aren't slouches, they tested us, but we were just too good

Brian Fletcher

And another successful kick from Fitzgibbon - his fourth of the night - helped Ricky Stuart's men to a meeting with either the New Zealand Warriors or the Cronulla Sharks.

The victory avanged the Roosters' Grand Final defeat to Brisbane in 2000 and gives them a chance to win their first premiership since 1975.