OK so I’m a little disappointed that the Melbourne Storm will NOT be in the 2011 Telstra NRL Grand Final. I’m already going to the match no matter what thanks to Sportsnet Holidays and looking forward to it immensely. However now as an impartial fan I think as much of my excitement will be brought about by the incredible number of Kiwis travelling over to support their heroes, the New Zealand Warriors. And rest assured, they are travelling in the thousands this weekend!
It’s been 9 years since the Warriors have been to the ‘big dance’ and given their form in 2011, my tip is they may in fact go one better when they face off against Manly on Sunday. The passion of the small number of supporters at AAMI Park on Saturday was palpable and I can only imagine what it’s going to be like at ANZ on Sunday. It’s a perfect excuse for the fans to come over to Sydney and experience one of the biggest weekends in Australian sport. The biggest question is…’Can Sydney handle them?’
Unbeatable atmosphere!
The fans are loud, proud, massive (what do they FEED the boys in NZ?!?!) and carrying with them the expectation of a country tiny in size but HUGE in heart and rugby league history. With the domestic focus on the Rugby World Cup, I’m thinking that these committed Warriors fans will be chomping at the bit to get out of NZ and head over asap!
Hotels are filling up fast, tickets are pretty much sold out on Ticketek (Category 1 anyhow) and there’s no reason to think that ANZ will not be filled to capacity of around 82,000 people. I would LOVE to see around ¼ of that crowd shouting for the Warriors but fear that ticket availability will be a huge problem. We still have limited numbers left at Sportsnet Holidays but not sure how many the NRL will give to the Warriors? Does anyone know?
I'm on the Warriors bandwagon!!!
Here’s my prediction. The Warriors after a slow start will come back and overtake the Sea Eagles with James Maloney scoring the final try and conversion of the game to secure the first premiership for a non-Aussie side. Good for the game? Hell yes! Nothing better than winning a cup BACK from over the ditch. Good for Sunday…ABSOLUTELY! Until you’ve seen it, you can’t appreciate the feeling and emotion of these Warriors fans and I for one can’t wait to experience it again, this time with the Premiership Trophy at stake!
I might even need to buy a Warriors jersey and become an honorary supporter for the night…is that acceptable? One thing is for certain, I’d be amongst the rowdiest, most passionate minority I think will have ever set foot in ANZ Stadium for the big one.
Who’s going to be there? Manly fans are you worried? Can anyone stop Vatuvei? Will Stewart step up on the biggest stage of all? Who WILL walk away with the NRL Trophy as champions of 2011? Less than a week till these questions are answered but I’m curious…what do YOU think?
Stay tuned for video, pics and Blog Monday the 3rd after a HUGE day at ANZ! Till then…
Hei konei ra (did I get that right??)
YOUR say about OUR say!