KEY POINTS:
I can't remember the last time a 'sold out' sign was displayed at a rugby league fixture. It's an outstanding achievement given the environment we live in and other entertainment options.
No previous Warriors team, no matter how successful, has ever realised this goal in a regular season game since 1995.
Congratulations to the club on the feat and we hope it is not the last. But why has it taken so long to accomplish this?
During the successful 2002 campaign, the club didn't achieve a sellout but averaged home crowds of around 17,000 to 18,000.
The five largest home crowds the Warriors have ever played in front of in New Zealand were achieved during the club's inaugural 1995 season.
It's staggering to think it's taken 12 years and roughly 150 games to achieve it again.
I believe it has taken that long to convince the sporting public that this team has the ability to perform consistently.
We now have confidence that this team will play a structured but enthusiastic game.
It has taken two seasons and numerous changes to arrive at a playing combination that is reliable. You know what you are going to get out of a player week-in, week-out and this builds confidence and delivers exciting rugby league.
It takes a lot to convince and encourage the New Zealand sporting public to support a team, especially the Warriors. They have previously promised a great deal but delivered little.
The pressure is now building for this current side to not let down the people who have paid good money to watch today's game against Manly.
If the Warriors are to play well, they will require patience against a side that do not play an open flowing game.
Manly are a no-nonsense, predictable team that do the basics well and wait for missed tackles or a defensive error. Once they make a break, they have a busload of support players waiting for a pass inside and out.
I have yet to be convinced that this Manly team will make the grand final but they keep proving they are contenders by following a simple gameplan.
The Warriors have a chance today to cement a top eight position in front of their supporters, both diehard and fickle. Fans will want the consistent performance they have become accustomed to this season.
If they let down the fans today, it will take longer than 12 years for the Mad Butcher to slam down the 'sold out' sign again.
If they win today, though, the crowds will return more regularly and the club will find it harder to lose them.
