This is Part 9 of my series speaking with fans from all NRL sides to see what it’s really like to support their team. This week, the New Zealand Warriors.
Not everyone was happy with the Warriors at first. Their entry into the competition in 1995 was met with anger from those who didn’t agree with an international team joining the National Rugby League.
But over the years feelings changed, and the love for the team across the ditch grew.
Superstars like Stacey Jones, Simon Mannering, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck have made the Warriors a very exciting and entertaining team to watch. But they have never become the dominant force that their team-sheet represents. Two grand final appearances, but an empty trophy cabinet remains.
Despite the lack of silverware, the Warriors have come a long way over the years and their fan-base continues to grow. But it’s what the club has done over the past two Covid-hit seasons that has earned them so much respect and admiration from across the entire NRL community.
Relocating to Australia due to Covid restrictions – away from their family, friends, and fans – so the competition could continue. And it unfortunately looks like 2022 will be the same.
It’s no wonder they have become a second favourite team for many.
Of course, their own fans didn’t need any more reason to love them.
I spoke to two of those fans, Arna and Seve. I started our chat on the topic of the team relocating, and how much of an impact they thought being based in Australia had on the Warriors.
Arna answered first. “I think it would have had a massive impact on the players and their families. I don’t think we will really understand how hard it would have been for them all. We owe them so much for staying here so the competition could continue. They’re amazingly resilient and so committed to the game and the fans.”
Seve agreed the impact would have been huge. “Being away from family for that long isn’t ideal and I believe it impacts performance. They’re shoes I would not want to fill. We owe a huge debt to the Warriors.”
I asked when and why did they become Warriors supporters.
“Since day dot!” Seve answered proudly. “Back in 1995 and every game and every year since. All my family are Kiwi and growing up with New Zealand tradition and the All Blacks, it was a perfect fit for me. I haven’t looked back.”
“I became a supporter when I moved from Victoria to NSW,” replied Arna. “I didn’t know much about the NRL, but being sports mad, I needed a team. I decided on the Warriors quickly when I started looking into the different sides. There was just something really special about them that I loved.”
Peta Hiku of the Warriors (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
And what is the best and worst part about being a Warriors fan? “Best part is the Warriors family,” Seve answered.
“The comradeship and support the fans give week in and week out. The team do the best they can and regardless the supporters show up for all the games. You tend to recognise the same people travelling all over to show support and that’s what it’s all about. The worst part would be getting complacent when we have a lead. I believe we need to ensure we play 80 minutes instead of slowing down regardless of the score.”
“Best part is how unique it is to support the only non-Australian team ,“ added Arna. “Also, the opportunity (in non-covid times) to travel to New Zealand to watch home games. I love how other supporters get behind the Warriors, they’re universally loved. Worst part, Covid. Not being able to watch them at Mount Smart Stadium. Also not having a premiership yet. It’s coming though!”
Despite being such a strong, talented, and exciting side, the Warriors are never really seen as a competition threat.
I asked what they thought needs to change so they become a consistent finals team. Arna agreed with a point Seve mentioned previously. “We need to compete for the full 80 minutes, not just bursts of greatness. If we have teams on the backfoot we need to capitalise on these opportunities more.”
“I believe the Warriors have shown they can be a threat,” Seve replied. “We have two grand final appearances in 2002 and 2011 and quite a few semi-finals too. However, discipline and consistency are key. Continuing to try new things and complete sets are something that would achieve results. Our kick chase isn’t always the best and applying pressure in key moments is something we need to work on.”
I’ve asked many fans during this series how they felt about players with bad reputations being part of their team. I wondered how the fans felt about Matt Lodge joining the Warriors.
“To be honest, I was a little disappointed when I found out he had been signed,” admitted Arna. “Knowing his past and the seriousness of what happened, I wasn’t sure what impact his presence would have on the fans and the players. I guess people can change ….I have to trust that the club know what they were doing.”
Seve tried to stay positive. “I’m not sure exactly what happened with him at the Broncos and don’t think anyone does, however I see him as a key player and a disciplined one for us and definitely a leader in the group. His behaviour on the field is questionable however we all get frustrated and I’m sure he has learnt his lesson. He should have a great 2022 as long as his injury doesn’t play up again.”
I asked if they thought Nathan Brown is the right coach for the Warriors.
“I’m probably under the same opinion as everyone,” Seve began. “We are yet to see what he can do for us. Having coached during the Covid Pandemic it’s really hard to judge. I think he has a lot of knowledge and great ideas and I’m sure he will do his best leading us this season.”
“I really like Nathan Brown,” Arna added. “I think the players really like him and that’s so important. This season will tell us a lot more about him and what he can do with the side, which is really exciting.”
Many league fans were saddened to hear Roger Tuivasa-Sheck announcing his departure from the NRL to play rugby union.
How did these fans feel about him leaving, and how do the club move on from the loss of such a leader and player?
“Losing the goat RTS was devastating,” Seve began, “however I still believe it was a decision he had to do for him and his family. He was the glue in our team that just held us together. But sometimes we need to make way for bigger and better things and I’m happy for him and wish him the best for his future.”
Arna cried when she heard the news. “RTS is so loved and was such an amazing player. It is great though to see him move to a code that he loves; I know he will be phenomenal. Reece Walsh is the obvious choice to step up, given how much he lit the comp up.”
(Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
While one beloved son leaves, another one returns in the form of Shaun Johnson. I asked how much of an effect he will have on the team.
Arna believes a massive one. “Johnson returning brings with him leadership and experience. His speed, flare and creativity are his hallmarks and I’m hoping he can channel his previous performance at the Warriors which saw him as one of the best players in the comp. I hope his experience will assist our younger halves.”
Seve agreed with Arna and is very excited Johnson is back. “Welcome home Shaun! I’m a massive Shaun supporter, I love the guy. I was gutted when he left for the Sharks it just wasn’t the same. To hear he is back where he belongs was music to my ears. He is a great player and awesome person who I have met and love. I cannot wait to see what he brings this year, and I will be cheering him on.”
I asked who their favourite players were, past and present.
“I have to say that RTS is my favourite past player,” Arna answered. “I loved watching him play, he was the ultimate player. So reliable and loveable. My current favourite player is Reece Walsh. The kid is incredible and the future of the club.”
For Seve, his past favourite is Manu Vatuvei. “The energy he brought to the team every time he touched the ball was something else. To watch that bloke run down the wing at full charge and the faces he made still gives me chills. I know he got himself in a bit of trouble recently however his on-field performance was brilliant. I can’t pick a favourite player currently – the whole team has so many positives and skills it’s just so hard!”
What are the fans looking forward to most for next season, and who do they think is going to be the Warriors stand out star in 2022?
“The return of Shaun Johnson and a real run at the top 8…I would also love no injuries!” Arna laughed. “Stand out star will be Reece Walsh. He’s such an explosive player who will only get better and better.”
The Warriors’ Shaun Johnson, the last time he was the Warriors’ Shaun Johnson. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Seve agreed about Johnson. “I can’t wait until he gets a hold of that ball and does what he does best. As for the standout players – I’m choosing two! Reece Walsh and Rocco Berry. The way they both play and the exciting structure and talent they bring is going to make for an awesome season. They will both smash it and do brilliantly.”
And last question as always, if they could say anything to the team, what would it be?
“Let’s gone warriors!” replied Seve. “You’ve got this, boys. You have supporters far and wide and the whole NRL are secretively supporting you. I expect a team photo with myself at the next game. Good luck!”
“I’d love to say thank you for all of the sacrifices they have made over the last 2 seasons,” answered Arna. “Thank you for giving me something to look forward to every week during covid lockdowns, for bringing so much joy and a sense of normality to those lockdown days. Good luck for this season. I know you’ll do us proud.”
After everything they have endured the past two seasons, the Warriors and their fans will be hoping for a lot more success and maybe even a premiership in 2022.
And after all they have sacrificed, if they happen to be holding up the trophy at the end of the season, I have a feeling there won’t be many supporters from other clubs too unhappy about that either.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Hi SM, Yes, for real. There are a lot of ifs to follow and, like you, I wouldn't be surprised to see them finish bottom four. They lost a few close games last year and there is upside there. They could sneak into the eight if: Johnson stays fit; Katoa, Walsh and Berry continue their development; Otukolo and Egan develop an effective dummy-half rotation; and Lodge, AFB and Harris are a formidable middle three. It's not that fanciful, surely.
Short Memory
Roar Rookie
For real? Like most folks, I've got a soft spot for the Warriors - and I love the passion and engagement of their fans quoted in the article (nice work Danielle) but I'm struggling to see how the Warriors aren't locked in for the bottom 4 this season.
Paul
Roar Guru
Boths sides basically lived away from home & family for the best part of two years and were forced to move on more than one occasion thanks to covid. Both Clubs accepted these changes, though I'm sure they weren't happy about and simply got on with making the best of a very bad deal. IMO there's no difference between the two. As for the rest of your post, I've no idea what that's about. Palmer in a mankini??
Eelsalmighty
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't put the Storm in the same category as the Warriors. I can understand the 'allbut unborn baby brother' type comparison re where RL sat (still sits to a large extent), but I also think there's a lot of differences. Victorians will attend anything on mass. Clive Palmer in a mankini would probably draw 99% of the state, and regrets from the other 1% that couldn't attend. I won't go into detail about how strange I find them (as that would involve something in the order of trillions of pages of text), but I think it's fair to say they (the Storm) did it a lot easier than the Warriors, especially as it was also an opportunity for Victorians to pretend/buy a form of dominance over NSW, and to a lesser extent QLD.
mushi
Roar Guru
And once they are rugby kids they're effectively coming into league outside of pathways. You're not going to get first dibs.
mushi
Roar Guru
"It may be a second choice sport but the first choice sport has a lot of transferable skills which means that there should be a lot of potential converts for the right opportunity" Your still not getting the first choice on average though. The "right opportunity" for a convert is the player unsuccessful in cracking the elite pathways. Even then your competing with European and Japanese rugby. "Why do Kiwi Union Players cross the ditch to play for League Clubs (eg Warbrick) when they can stay home and play for the Warriors ?" That was my second point. Your viewing NZ as a single catchment not a collection of small catchments. That's less efficient to manage and harder to get the "home" discount. They weren't a build it and they will come scenario like the Broncos for QLD (second tier doesn't help) I think you're over estimating the pull of Auckland for a kid from Canterbury
Redcap
Roar Guru
That Reece Walsh really is dreamy. :happy: Interesting piece, thanks Danielle. I think the Warriors might have a decent season and maybe add 3-4 wins to the 8 they won in 2021. That could well be enough for a finals spot. Certainly hope so for their fans.
Paul
Roar Guru
I was neither here nor there when the Warriors joined the comp but when they throw the ball around and play spontaneous footy, gee they can be great to watch. I've grown to really respect them and the Storm over recent seasons. Both have done it way tougher than other Clubs, but neither has complained and simply got on with it as best they could. So looking forward to them playing back in New Zealand. I reckon they could easily cause plenty of upsets when teams have to travel to their place again.
Nat
Roar Guru
Quality halves. It's fine to have all the best athletes but without superior direction and control that's all they will ever be. I bet if they had a Carter or Barrett in recent years they would have more consistent success.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
So many great players have come out of NZ and played with Australian clubs over the years - just a shame these days that so many of the Kiwis seem to be signed with clubs other than the Warriors. I hope they have a strong 2022.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Dionysus
Guest
It may be a second choice sport but the first choice sport has a lot of transferable skills which means that there should be a lot of potential converts for the right opportunity. Why do Kiwi Union Players cross the ditch to play for League Clubs (eg Warbrick) when they can stay home and play for the Warriors ?. I accept that a lot of what you say is true but I also know that Kiwi's are fiercely loyal to anything Kiwi. They would flock to a tiddlywinks comp if a New Zealand national had a chance of winning so the issue has always been, How do we get the Warriors winning ?
mushi
Roar Guru
“The last bear queen” A sci-fi thriller where a young girl discovers she is the last descendant of of the Bears members. The evil Neo Republic Legion has mercilessly hunted down her relatives, the last of which died when they stormed the NRL headquarters to demand recognition. She struggles at first with her new found identity but it brings clarity as to why she was unable to even win a game of chess against herself. Will she prevail in bringing perpetual underachievement back into the public eye? Or is the cultural hallmark for failure an ironic gift that will condem the Bears to the void of the forgotten?
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
No mushi, it's important that NO-ONE else is allowed to move on until all the old Bears supporters have passed away.
mushi
Roar Guru
Part of it is being the second choice sport. We also think of it as one catchment but Kiwi's don't view it as such. It makes it high cost to unlock the potential population. NZ has a lot of odd market structures because it's not an easy country for multi nationals to service via the single satellite office model and doesn't have the population to warrant a broader approach.
mushi
Roar Guru
"Who cares?" NRL fans from this millennium? Walsh wasn't born when the NRL had the bears. If you're still heart broken over 20 years later perhaps some introspection would be useful as to why.
Dionysus
Guest
Not a Warriors fan but always thought that they should have done better than what they have. There is a problem somewhere and I don't where. I had hoped that Gould would get to the bottom of it because a strong Warriors club is good for the NRL and good for Rugby League as a whole. I wish the club and its fans good luck for 2022
Dionysus
Guest
If ever there was a better reason for NOT bringing the bears back then this is it.
Nat
Roar Guru
Nice one Danielle. Put me down as one who has become a fan of the Warriors. Not so much for their on-field efforts but the sacrifices they have made for us. I have a little closer connection now as well being a reasonably new resident of Redcliffe. I see a few of the boys around the streets, Stacey Jones and the CEO, George, were at my coffee shop before Christmas. Not only are the Warriors based out of here this year, the Dolphins were their feeder team last year and they have their juniors, right down to school age playing here as well. I'm not sure if it's Warriors related or just coincidence but there were a lot of Poli families along the beach over the holidays and it's pretty cool to see a bunch of grown men with a guitar and a song at 7am having a good time. I would say Welcome but they've probably been here longer than me. I'll be going to watch a few of their games this year.
Chufortah
Guest
Who cares. From a still heart-broken Bear supporter. F*ck the NRL and f*ck Manly (nothing against Warrior supporters or the author, I think it’s an original and refreshing set of articles). Long live the Bears!! ;)