Never let it be said the Warriors do not have a wide fan
base.
The Auckland-based NRL club arrived at Dunedin airport
yesterday to a warm welcome before the pre-season match
against the Brisbane Broncos at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow
night.
The Warriors were in good company, with a large group of
their most loyal fans taking up the opportunity to travel
south in support of their team.
Among them was 91-year-old Edna Burnett and her daughter,
Cynthia Burnett, who declined to give her age.
The pair made a late decision to join the Warriors on their
southern sojourn and Edna was bursting with excitement.
''I don't know if I'm the Warriors' biggest fan but I am the
oldest,'' she said.
Fairfield School's kapa haka group welcomed the Warriors with
a rousing performance which coach Matthew Elliott described
as ''fantastic''.
''What a great welcome. The singing was pretty exceptional as
well.''
Part of the reason the Warriors are in Dunedin is to help
promote the brand and take the game around the country. It is
the Warriors' first match in the city and Elliott said it was
crucial the team put on a good show.
''It is important for us to spread the rugby league gospel,''
Elliott said.
''I really believe it is a game that once people get the
opportunity to see it live, they become addicted to it. And
just as importantly, we are trying to generate some support
for the Warriors.
''We represent the whole of the New Zealand community, hence
the name New Zealand Warriors.''
The Warriors will be making some school visits today and will
also visit Dunedin Hospital in the evening before watching
the Highlanders play the Chiefs.
Tomorrow, the Warriors' playing squad and staff will attend
the Community Roots Carnival at the University Oval from
12.45pm to 1.15pm.
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