The Warriors came back to The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup with a bang in 2023, and winger Setu Tu was among a host of names to star for Slade Griffin’s side in a successful return campaign.
An evasive winger with quality finishing, 25-year-old Tu has plied his trade for several seasons, be it with Redcliffe’s Hostplus Cup side from 2021-22 or part of the Warriors last full season in the NSW Cup back in 2019.
The Warriors made a dominant return to the NSWRL’s premier competition in 2023 with a 42-20 win over the Newcastle Knights in Round One, as Tu produced a huge 11 tackle-busts along with a try assist and 159 run metres (81 post-contact).
Midway through the year the Warriors flyer switched to fullback in the absence of Taine Tuaupiku to take on eventual NSW Cup premiers, the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Redfern Oval.
Despite the two-point loss on that occasion, Tu showed even more promise with a try, line-break, 11 tackle-busts, an offload and 207 run metres. But in his next game after a month out of action, against the Rabbitohs yet again, Tu scored the opener and the Warriors turned the tables with a 21-18 victory.
It was that point of the season when the Warriors had a late run of form and Tu played an important role not only through his try-scoring, but with strong ball-carries and yardage out of the backfield.
Tu finished the season with 10 tries and 93 tackle-busts (seventh in the competition), six try assists, 11 line-breaks and 143 average run metres as the Warriors fell just one game short of the NSW Cup Grand Final.
The Warriors have a history of producing high quality talent in the outside backs, and there’s no question Tu has the attributes to fit the mould.
As for 2024 there’s plenty of competition for wing and fullback spots, but Setu Tu certainly has the ability fight his way into first grade and make an impact if called upon.
