Why has Sydney jumped on the Warriors bandwagon?

Warriors are one step away from league's big prize, and Sydney has discovered it wants them to win. Photo / Getty Images

The big game might be taking place in Manly's backyard, but Sunday's grand final is shaping up like a home match for the all-conquering Warriors.

Thousands of Kiwis and Pacific Islanders on both sides of the Tasman have snapped up tickets for the NRL showpiece, which was yesterday declared an 82,500 sell-out.

And most Aussie supporters look ready to embrace the underdogs in the same way Aucklanders discovered a sudden affection for the Irish rugby team this month.

The Warriors' opponents are the club league fans most love to hate - "Anyone But Manly" sentiment is as strong in Sydney as anti-Wallaby feeling is in Auckland.

Yesterday the city's Daily Telegraph newspaper poked fun at the "silvertails" - named because they are from Sydney's wealthy North Shore - who remain favourites only with the bookies, and their own fans.

"Ever since we were old enough to kick with both feet we were taught there were two teams to support; our own and whoever was playing Manly," wrote columnist Paul Kent.

He suggested the Warriors should follow Russell Crowe, Crowded House, Phar Lap and pavlova as Kiwi imports Aussies claimed as their own.

"With no hint of shame I'm here to tell you that if you can't bring yourself to cheer for Manly ... then it is OK to follow the New Zealand Warriors," he said.

"Or, as I like to call them, the Sydney Warriors. Our grand final team."

In the 1970s and 80s, Manly gained a reputation as a rich club that poached other teams' best players.

NRL marketing director Paul Kind says the club from the northern beaches perpetuated the "us and them" myth.

"It's a healthy culture in many respects," he said.

And on Sunday it will benefit the Warriors, whose underdog status will also attract strong backing.

"There will be supporters of other Sydney teams who have had a long-held grudge against Manly," said Mr Kind. "They would rather back another team against Manly.

"People also love an underdog and the type of fairytale run the Warriors have had."

The NRL boss expects the grand final to have a strong Kiwi feel.

Prime Minister John Key will take his place in the cheap seats next to the Warriors' No 1 fan, Sir Peter Leitch.

And there won't be an All Black in sight; a point not lost on league bosses delighted that the Warriors are sharing the NZ limelight during the Rugby World Cup.

"The fact the Warriors have found a place in the sun during [the rugby tournament] is fantastic for rugby league in New Zealand," said Mr Kind.