Manly Sea Eagles were ahead of the Warriors 12-2 after a tense first half in the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney.
Manly Sea Eagles were ahead of the Warriors 12-2 after a tense first half in the National Rugby League grand final in Sydney.
The Warriors are hoping to take the title for the first time after their upset win against Melbourne last weekend.
They are taking on the Manly Sea Eagles before a sell-out crowd of 80,000 at Olympic Stadium.
It is only the second time New Zealand has made the grand final, but the ABC reports the Sea Eagles are hot favourites, having finished second on the ladder just one win behind minor premier Melbourne.
Sea Eagles are contesting their third grand final in five seasons, having lost to the Storm in 2007 before beating them 40-0 in 2008.
The Warriors have not appeared in a decider since they lost to the Roosters in 2002, when current coach Ivan Cleary was playing full-back for the New Zealanders.
Low turnout at Auckland fanzone
In Auckland, the council has set up two fanzone areas to watch the Warriors game, at Mt Smart Stadium and Captain Cook Wharf.
Only about 100 people are braving the wet and windy weather at the Wharf, which has big screens set up for fans.
Our reporter at Mt Smart Stadium says it is about half full.
