The Warriors faithful have been tipped to outnumber Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs supporters in their away top-four NRL blockbuster in Sydney.
The Auckland-based franchise has suffered two crushing blows in the past two weeks, losing to the Gold Coast Titans and Redcliffe Dolphins in back-to-back home games at Go Media Stadium.
Butrecent results don’t seem to have deterred loyal fans, with the Daily Telegraph reporting official data shows Warriors devotees have bought more tickets to the Saturday night NRL and NRLW double-header at Accor Stadium than Bulldogs fans.
And the Warriors have doubled-down on what they’re calling a “Wahs takeover”, offering a 20% discount to Sydney-based fans on all tickets.
Bulldogs chief executive Aaron Warburton told the Daily Telegraph he was “genuinely startled” at the ticket take-up rate by Warriors fans.
“We’ve completely dominated attendance at every home game this year, but the Warriors supporters are proving why Mt Smart Stadium is consistently sold out – they’re organised, committed and they’re coming in numbers,” Warburton said.
An estimated 40,000 fans are expected to flock to Sydney's Accor Stadium on Saturday night for the top-four clash. Photo / Photosport
“Our ticket sales data before Tuesday’s team announcement showed Warriors fans were ahead of our numbers – something we haven’t seen all season. They’ve been snapping up tickets from day one.”
An estimated 40,000 fans are expected to flock to Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday night.
“This is unprecedented for us at home this season, but I’m confident our large fan base will respond. When it comes to pure passion and loyalty, no fan base matches ours.”
Warburton said the Warriors don’t just have fans, “they have a movement”.
“Warriors fans are renowned for their voice and cultural celebrations – they bring something special to every venue.
“They carry the pride of an entire nation, while we represent the diversity of Greater Sydney. That’s what makes this clash so special. The Warriors bring something unique to our competition that we deeply respect.”
He said the atmosphere would be “electric” as the opposing fanbases clash.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George told the Herald the club was really proud and connected with their fans not only in New Zealand, but Australia also.
“The groundswell has been amazing over the last two or three years at least and it’s a real credit to them and our club that we’re able to have this connection.
“Our guys love playing with great support and it means the world to us.”
