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 two sides will clash in Auckland on Saturday in week one of the NRL finals, with the winner to progress and the loser to head straight to Mad Monday end-of-season 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.
He has posted a list of suggestions for Warriors fans that would make life very uncomfortable for the travelling Panthers this weekend.
The Warriors will host the Panthers in week one of the NRL finals on Saturday (pictured, New Zealand star Mitch Barnett, left, and Penrith’s Nathan Cleary)
This fan has put out a rallying cry for New Zealand fans to make life difficult for the travelling Panthers
‘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.
‘Pullman Hotel – the hotel the Panthers will stay at, fireworks, burnouts and screaming outside the hotel is highly recommended anytime between 1-4am on Saturday,’ the post continued.
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.
And finally, in a suggestion that seemed like more of a joke than a genuine call to action, the fan wrote: ‘Pitch invadez [sic] (LAST RESORT) – if Panthers are on attack and we’re a man or two short on D, feel free to jump onto the field and get into the defend line.
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
‘Everything goes this Saturday, any questions, DM me.’
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.
Another scolded the post with the comment: ‘Good luck but all it does is make the Warriors franchise look like little boys in a big boys game. Warriors would be ashamed.’
‘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)
