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.
Rabbitoh4
Guest
I"m a rugby League fan and a passionate South Sydney supporter. Even though I'm Australian, I'll be supporting the Warriors in the Grand final because: 1/ I hate Manly; and 2/ A Warriors victory would be a huge boost for Rugby League in New Zealand. Go the Warriors.
ParraEelsNRL-EA-russ13-VictoryFC-Brutus
Roar Rookie
oikee. lol
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Here here
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Also, isnt the ireland italy game on the same time as the warriors? If so, they would have to show that, potentially a massive game in the context of the world cup..
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Err, me or oikee? If me, your right, the RWC is getting to me, its also getting to my mrs, she has had to watch every game so far along with the in between analysis, IM LOVING IT! If oikee, your right, nobody who is sane can talk as much shi* as him, which is why i dont bother replying to him anymore.
Robert Batton
Roar Rookie
Julia is turning up. Didn't think she would have the guts. 83,000 booing voters is never a good look.
Renegade
Guest
I think you will find majority of tax payers in Auckland would rather the game be shown live at Party Central. Over 60% of NZers have stated that they are more excited by the warriors grand final appearance than the All blacks world cup campaign via an online poll. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/5686117/Lowe-Warriors-could-dominate-like-Broncos
ParraEelsNRL-EA-russ13-VictoryFC-Brutus
Roar Rookie
The all blacks losing in the rugby world cup will make more noises in NZ than the Warriors winning the NRL. Anyone here remember NZ winning the 2008 RLWC?
ParraEelsNRL-EA-russ13-VictoryFC-Brutus
Roar Rookie
I have notice you talking alot of shi* and even reading your post have made my day because deep inside the rugby world cup is getting to you.
Matt S
Guest
This nonsense talk does no one any good. Let's just admire & be envious of the kiwis who will enjoy a great week of sport- union & league. No code wars please. I understand the contractual obligations of the world cup.
Chuck
Guest
There has been massive amounts of media attention in NZ since the Warriors win over Melbourne and it will only intensify over the coming days. For gods sake even the ABs were screaming their lungs out for their code rivals.
Chuck
Guest
Man you talk some utter sh ite mate, Due to contractual issues no other rival code can be shown in the official fan zones, it makes sense. However Len Brown has opened up Kings Wharf which has been used as a spill over zone for the WC to be used as a Fan Zone for the Warriors. http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/5686000/Two-fan-zones-for-Warriors-NRL-grand-final
Sylvester
Guest
The Warriors get their fair due in the media here, not as much as rugby, but it comparable to the respective levels of support in NZ. The Press newspaper here in Christchurch, as an example, had a front page story about their hometown boy Lewis Brown scoring the winning try.
oikee
Guest
Go the Pies, comeon, hope its another draw so we have a blowout agin and a micky mouse. Talk about limp, i gave up last year to see all players walk away fresh as daisies only for a blowout. I walked away knowing i will see 3 finals come NRL, all having a winner. :)Yeah baby.
oikee
Guest
Favorties only win 33 percent of the time Mals, your going down sucker.
oikee
Guest
It might be their passion, but when it comes to million dollar deals, AFL and rugby league hold the power in Australia, and like i said above, NZ is a feeder country. The NRL feeds off NZ and Pacific islands now, or have you not noticed.
oikee
Guest
John Key knows where the power lies, to snub rugby league is like snubbling Bill gates at a microsoft meeting. The union world cup will move on, like the Australian soccer world cup bid. AFL and League with billion dollar tv deals are where Australian sports are, not NZ. NZ will be nothing more than a feeder country like they are now in union.
Mals
Guest
Looks like it will end in tears for you Big Time. ABs favs for the RWC and Manly favs for the NRL.
Big Time
Guest
ha ha. No a couple of things worse then that. The Wannabe's winning the World Cup and Manly winning the NRL. C'mon Warriors and anyone but the AB's or the Wannabe's.
Red Chief
Roar Pro
Its not being shown in the RUGBY WORLD CUP FAN ZONE because of contractural reasons, and fair enough! the government is setting up another fan zone in Manukau specifically for the league to get around the issue. Your level of paranoia is astonishing.