Warriors set “unbelievable” record
Few NRL clubs have had a tougher last five years than the New Zealand Warriors. The Wahs have qualified for the NRL finals series just once in the last five seasons. What’s worse, they have not been able to play in front of their fans.
For the better part of three seasons, the Warriors were forced to play their home matches in Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand.
Their fans welcomed them home last season with regular chants of “Up the Wahs.” In return, their club qualified for the finals series for the first time since 2018. Even after that remarkable display of fan support, I don’t think anyone would have expected the Warriors to be the first club in NRL history to sell out each of their home matches.
Don’t just take my word for it. Warriors chief executive Cameron George called the record an “unbelievable achievement.”
“It’s an unbelievable achievement and one we’re very proud of,” George said, “Most of all this is a tribute to our members and fans who have been behind the team and the club all the way. They’re the heroes here, simply the best fans there are.”
Injured club captain Tohu Harris also chimed in on the remarkable record.
“It’s a fantastic effort to sell out every game this season,” Harris said, “As players we can’t say enough about what our fans mean to us when we run out to a packed house at home game after game.
“We’re so grateful to them and how loyal they are. The atmosphere they create is the best in the NRL. Nothing beats playing at Go Media Stadium.”
Warriors have sold out 20 of their past 25 home games overall. They are guaranteed to play in front of sold out crowds in their last two matches this season.
Fans support struggling side
One of the most remarkable things about the Warriors current run of sold out matches is the quality of their team. Fans last season backed their boys with the “Up the Wahs” rallying cry as the Warriors reached the preliminary finals stage of last year’s finals series.
Given their strong finish last season, the betting sites and Warriors fans alike backed the club to have a strong 2024 season. Unfortunately for New Zealand fans, that has not been the case.
The Warriors are currently 12th in the ladder heading into their match this weekend against Parramatta. Most NRL betting predictions have Warriors as outsiders to qualify for the finals series, but there is still time for them to catch up and close the gap between themselves and the top eight.
A win against Wooden Spoon contenders Parramatta could be just what the Warriors need. Whatever happens this Friday night, Warriors will be playing in front of yet another sold out Go Media Stadium. Even if the Warriors do not qualify for the finals series, this will be a year I’m sure Warriors fans will remember forever.
