The Warriors emphatically lived up to their pre-tournament favouritism at the NRL Nines on Saturday in front of an expectant Auckland crowd.
Buoyed on by the vast majority of the crowd support at a sold out Eden Park, the Warriors swept aside Canberra 25-14 and Manly 27-4 to emerge as the team to beat as English recruit Sam Tomkins and Shaun Johnson starred.
A Nines title would be a dream result for the NRL and Warriors, who have already qualified for Sunday’s finals ahead of their last pool game against North Queensland.
Penrith and Parramatta are the two other undefeated sides to have progressed to the finals while Canberra, Canterbury and St George Illawarra will head home after their third game.
In his first official outing for the Warriors since his offseason move from Wigan, Tomkins gave glimpses of what fans can expect in the NRL this year and said the Kiwis side were determined to go on with it at the Nines.
“We definitely want to win this,” Tomkins said.
“We are desperate to put on a good performance in front of our fans, the support has been brilliant out there.
“There is a carnival atmosphere and that is great to play in front of.
“We are looking forward to tomorrow.”
Matt
Guest
Really, didn't seem any different to me? You get drunk idiots and most major sports events and cosidering you're comparing a 6 week event to a 2 day one there was no difference. The 9's did seem more subdued/sober than the Wellignton 7's though, but then I don't think I've seen anything at that level of carnage. The lengthly queues for beers at Eden Park probably helped a lot in that respect, plus more of a family vibe in general.
Debco
Guest
Yes thanks for a great show.The New Zealand crowds were far far better behaved then those attending the Rugby World Cup in Auckland.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
Apart from the Cowboys, the Warriors were my favourite team to watch this tournament. It was an absolute pleasure. Thanks for putting on a great show Auckland.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Hard to go past the Warriors. They have so much enthusiasm with the young guys in the squad providing some real x-factor. Johnson and Tomkins are getting all the glory but for me the Warriors young guys are streaks ahead of the other sides, not so big names.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
If the Warriors hold their nerve and they are fit enough, an issue in the NRL in the past, remember they will have to pay four games today, they should win this is a canter. Best team on Day One by a mile.