Penrose is known for it's industrial nature. Factories and wharehouses line the streets as trucks rumble through everyday traffic. It is no co-inkidink then that there is another type of factory churning out players ... people ... young men. This factory is the godfather of factories in Penrose, with lush green fields, a place to get really big muscles, it's the only factory that punters like you and me enjoying visiting. This is the Warriors factory.

Since the beginning of the Under 20's competition, the Warriors have rightfully produced many fine young players. The strategy behind this production line has changed over the years, it began with a hiss and a roar as the wealth of talent in New Zealand was clear for everyone to see. Many players made the successful leap from Under 20's to NRL which covered up for the fact that this is a rather large leap. Mathew Elliot then arrived and made it clear that young players need time in the NSW cup, against men.  

For me, the success of the Warriors production line is seen in Australia. Some might find this hard to understand. Many fans have a little moan when young players aren't 'wanted' by the Warriors and then move to an Australian club. This is pretty dumb really. The Warriors can't keep every talented player who comes through their system. There comes a point where you must recruit players who are proven NRL performers, who are generally Aussies over youngsters in your back lawn. Yet, the Warriors still put a lot of effort in to ensuring that local talent is nurtured.

To see two former Junior Warriors playing for top Australian clubs who are/were both involved in finals football is a testament to the program.  Both clubs don't accept immature ego driven fools and both clubs play a very tough brand of football. Both Peta Hiku and Sosaia Feki should make any Kiwi proud. These are two young men who were behind many players at the Warriors and rightfully looked else where. They have both taken a small opportunity and have now experienced finals footy. How can the Warriors be expected to keep Hiku when both Kevin Lock and Glenn Fisiahii have mortgages on the fullback position? 

What should be noted, is that the Warriors have moulded teenagers in to fine young men worthy of a starting spot at NRL clubs who have pools of talent on their doorstep. Instead, these clubs have looked across the ditch. Yes this happens all the time with NRL scouts looking for the next Jason Taumalolo at intermediate schools throughout NZ, but to recruit a 19/20 year old shows that both Manly and Cronulla had faith in what the Warriors were doing with there youngsters. 

There are obviously other players who have graduated from the Junior Warriors and now find themselves in Australia. Ligi Sao has been playing for Manly's NSW Cup team, while Toka Likiliki has been doing the same in Newcastle. Both were given 'honourable mentions' in the NSW Cup team of the year. Throw in Adam Henry who has been playing for the Newton Jets as well.

So why hate on the fact that the Warriors let some players go? Instead rejoice in the fact that other clubs are willing to pick these guys over their own. Enjoy the fact that the Warriors are starting careers instead of ending them. Yes one day Peta Hiku might score a try in the dying moments of a Grand Final against the Warriors and we might all have a sulk. Can't we just celebrate the fact that he was developed by John Ackland in a Penrose factory?