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You know the Warriors have captured the imagination of a nation when they can lure rugby-mad New Zealand Prime Minister John Key across the ditch in the midst of a Rugby World Cup.
The prime minister will be front and centre at ANZ Stadium on Sunday when the Warriors attempt to take the NRL trophy off Australian shores for the first time – his presence symbolic of a nation using sport to help put aside for one moment the pain of what has been a tough period for the country.
While neutral Sydneysiders consider the unthinkable in pledging their loyalty for a Kiwi side ahead of the more preposterous notion of supporting Manly, Mr Key said this would be one for all his people.
“It’s been a very tough 12 months with the earthquakes and the Pike River mine disaster, so for New Zealand it’s just a wonderful thing to be achieving so strongly in both rugby union and rugby league,” Mr Key said on Sunday.
“I think that’s one of the reasons the boys are playing so well, they’re playing with the spirit and heart of the nation on their shoulders.
“It’s been a long time coming for the boys to be in this position and we are hoping the very best for the final.”
And he’ll be seated alongside New Zealand’s most famous rugby league patron in Sir Peter Charles Leitch, also known as ‘The Mad Butcher,’ ensuring his personal commentary of the match will be as one-sided as it is colourful.
“I’d better bring a dictionary – he uses some words I don’t normally hear,” Mr Key said.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard – another cross-coder who is aligned with AFL’s Western Bulldogs – has also indicated she will be there for the NRL decider.
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