Supporters give Warriors a big send-off

Star wing Manu Vatuvei was surrounded by fans before the team's flight to Sydney yesterday. Photo / Dean Purcell

Dozens of Warriors fans were at Auckland Airport to farewell their favourite team and encourage them to bring back the gold.

There were people of all ages, many in Warriors jerseys and armed with cameras and marker pens, trying to get a snap and autograph from their favourite players.

The team will meet the Manly Sea Eagles on Sunday in the NRL grand final - a match that has been pitched as a cross-Tasman battle.

Kiwi fans have been quick to get behind the Warriors, and airlines have put on more flights to Sydney after all available seats sold out on Tuesday.

Among the fans at the airport yesterday was Sabrina Brothers, of Manukau, who waited for about two hours to see the Warriors.

"I'm looking forward to watching the game, it's going to be good," she said.

Michael Conrad, of Katikati, organised to get tickets to the grand final after the Warriors' semifinal win at the weekend.

He was delighted to find he was on the same flight as the team.

"I've been a true supporter all the way - not one of those people who just support them when they've won.

"I think the Warriors are going to do it this time."

Howick resident Sita Hockenhull, 51, was one of the most vocal of the bunch, shouting out and waving as each player went past.

As winger Manu Vatuvei approached, she ran up to him, threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. Patting his chest, she told him: "Make sure you bring it back for us, Manu."

Laughing, Vatuvei nodded and said: "I will, I will."

Utility Lance Hohaia, played in the 2002 grand final at the end of his first season, said another grand final it had been a long time coming.

"The grand final is where everyone wants to play and we're here now. I guess we're 80 minutes away from that ultimate goal. If we can pull it off, it'll be amazing."

Star halfback Shaun Johnson, 21, said he would be treating the match as "just another footy game".

Second-rower Ben Matulino, who grew up in Wellington, said his whole family would be flying to Sydney.

Many in the team were nervous but excited, he said.

"I've got a lot of support coming over from Wellington, so I'm pretty stoked about that. Hopefully we can make a big impact and get the win."

Another big Warriors fan, Noeline Wynyard, has made T-shirts in support of the team.

Up to 2000 shirts have already been sold and she is rushing to get more printed in time for the game.

Aucklanders can see the big game at fan zones at Mt Smart Stadium and Captain Cook wharf.