New Zealand Warriors fans are some of the most parochial in the NRL – now they are preparing for all-out war against the Penrith Panthers.
The clash between the two teams is set for Saturday in Auckland, marking the start of week one of the NRL finals. The game holds high stakes, as the winner advances while the loser moves directly to the season-ending Mad Monday celebrations.
While the Warriors have home advantage, the Panthers come into the match with an ominous four consecutive premierships under their belts.
Penrith also beat the Warriors in New Zealand in last year’s final series.
So a Kiwi fan named Sione Tuigamala has decided to rally the troops, posting a letter into the New Zealand Warriors Till I Die Facebook group.
And the Panthers are not happy about it, reporting the post to the NRL.
The Warriors are preparing to host the Panthers for this high-profile matchup, as showcased in a picture featuring New Zealand star Mitch Barnett alongside Penrith’s Nathan Cleary.
This fan has put out a rallying cry for New Zealand fans to make life difficult for the travelling Panthers
He has posted a list of suggestions for Warriors fans that would make life very uncomfortable for the travelling Panthers this weekend.
‘Attention all Warriors whanau [extended family],’ the post read.
‘This Saturday we take on the Panthers at home, it’s our job as fans to help our boys as much as possible.
‘So I have put together a multi choice list of ways to help.’
The first involved disrupting the Panthers players while they tried to sleep ahead of the big game.
‘The suggestion to create disturbances at the Pullman Hotel, where the Panthers will stay, through fireworks, burnouts, and noise anytime between 1-4 am on Saturday, was also mentioned in the post.’
Next, the fan suggested egg warfare on former Warriors star and current Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
‘Egging the coach box – bring eggs into the game and egg the Panther coach box,’ he wrote.
The callout includes targeting coach Ivan Cleary, who once played for the Warriors and also coached the side early in his career
Nathan Cleary (pictured) and his teammates are trying to win their fifth straight grand final
In what seemed more of a humorous than serious proposal, the fan added: ‘Invading the pitch (LAST RESORT) – if the Panthers are pressing on attack and we are a player or two down in defense, feel free to join the field and bolster our defensive line.’
‘Everything goes this Saturday, any questions, DM me.’
The post has since gone viral and has made it all the way to the Panthers top brass.
‘We’re aware of the post that has been circulating,’ Panthers rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron told SMH.
‘I’m all for the fans being passionate about their team. I would expect both sets of fans to act responsibly while still supporting their clubs.
‘There’s significant mutual respect between both clubs, and everyone is eager for the challenge that comes with playing in New Zealand in front of a packed stadium,’ remarked another supporter.
The Panthers have not asked to move their accommodation and Warriors chief executive Cameron George said there was no need for concern.
‘There’s no need for Penrith to be concerned or stressed,’ George said.
‘We have very responsible fans. We don’t expect anything other than them being jovial about the weekend.
‘They’re excited about the weekend. Penrith don’t need to feel unsafe or anything in regards to that with their hotel.’
However, the post was treated very seriously by some Panthers fans who are used to chasing glory in September.
‘I honestly thought Warriors fans were better then that,’ one huffed.
Meanwhile, a critical comment stated: ‘Good luck, but this approach only diminishes the Warriors’ standing, making them appear immature in a serious competition. The Warriors should feel embarrassed by such antics.’
‘Imagine thinking of this. What whacked supporters,’ another fumed.
But plenty saw through the post and commended the Warriors supporter for seeing the funny side of the rivalry.
‘I’m a Panthers fan and this is funny,’ one replied.
Others joked that following through with the threats could actually help the Panthers feel right at home across the ditch.
‘Burn outs and donuts, the boys from Mt Druitt could more than likely show them how to do this properly,’ a Penrith supporter joked.
‘Probably make the Mounty Boys feel right at home and help them sleep,’ laughed another.
FINALS WEEK ONE FIXTURES (all times AEST)
Friday, September 12
Qualifying final: 2-Melbourne v 3-Canterbury, 7:50pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, September 13
Elimination final: 6-Warriors v 7-Penrith 4:05pm, Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Elimination final: 5-Cronulla v 8-Sydney Roosters, 7:50pm, Shark Park, Cronulla
Sunday, September 14
Qualifying final: 1-Canberra v 4-Brisbane (4:05pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra)
