The Warriors like to make light of their travel schedule. It's all part of the job. But it's hard enough for a Sydney club to win a finals match when all they have to do is drive to a neighbouring suburb. Chuck in an international flight or seven over three weeks and the job should become borderline impossible.
A big reason it doesn't is surely the rabid support of the Kiwi expats who set up their vociferous camps at Warriors' matches. For Kiwis living in exile on this side of the Tasman, the Warriors probably mean even more than they do to the club's hardcore fans at home.
More than any other Kiwi sports team, the Warriors encapsulate the struggle against the sporting supremacy of our big brother. Week-in week-out they battle Aussies at their own game, and the playing field is seldom level. Kiwis living abroad identify with that.
Aussies too, it must be said, love nothing more than a little battler, and this Warriors team is certainly that. There's some belief on this side of the Tasman that the widespread dislike of a Manly club perceived as a bastion of posh knobs, coupled with a strong Kiwi expat showing, could see the majority of the crowd favour the Warriors.
That would be remarkable in itself. Surely Aussies wouldn't put a local loathing ahead of mutual transtasman contempt? But if they do, and ANZ Stadium turns into a home away from home, it might just be enough to get the Warriors over the line.
Then again, it might just goad Manly into a frenzy. Really, who knows?
