In writing this column I’m very aware that most readers, are Queenslanders and love their rugby league.
But I have to share with you something that is happening here in New Zealand that is simply remarkable.
Rugby union with the all Blacks leading the way in New Zealand is the national sport of the country.
I’ve always found this tough because I’ve been a rugby league man all my life and as a young kid growing up in Auckland this put you in a socially disadvantaged position, hard to believe, but true.
But a phenomenon is happening on the sporting front in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’.
The NZ Warriors are capturing the hearts and minds of even the sternest of rugby union fans.
The Warriors released their heritage jersey for the 2024 season on Wednesday last week. Their official store sold 1000 jerseys in 18 minutes, wow!
Although the Broncos put a dramatic stop at Suncorp Stadium to the Warriors dreams the week before last year’s the grand final, it has actually set a platform for a whole new set of fans for the Warriors, and remember, this is in the land of the All Blacks.
Andrew Webster, the Warriors coach, I think has performed a bit of a miracle, particularly in the way he has been able to change one word. For many years, the word used by all Warriors fans was hope. This word has now been changed to expectation.
I’ve got to say I’m expecting one of the top four teams this year to be the Broncos, but I also have an expectation the Warriors will be another.
Maybe we are about to witness miracle. That could be the Warriors, becoming more popular than the All Blacks in New Zealand.
1000 Warriors jerseys sold in 18 minutes could be the beginning of a miracle that could end on grand final day in 2024.
Do you believe in miracles?
