Jackson Ford shares a selfie with fans at the Penrith Panthers v Warriors match at Blue Bet Stadium, Sydney, Australia on 9 September, 2023. Photo: Photosport / NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous
Warriors fans are gearing up for one of the most anticipated NRL matches on home soil in 15 years.
They will take on the red hot Newcastle Knights at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Tickets to the play-off sold out in a matter of minutes, and the hospitality industry is hoping those who missed out will flock to bars and restaurants to catch the action.
One fan, Kelly, was overjoyed when she was able to get early access tickets.
"It's really good that they are at Mount Smart, I heard about them possibly going to Eden Park. I think with Mount Smart, it is more intimate, it's closer to the field, it's intimidating so hopefully it works."
Kelly planned to celebrate.
"I will be having a few beverages, probably, and yeah I just wish them all the best, it's an awesome opportunity for a few new players that are coming in. It is a good opportunity for us here in New Zealand to be able to celebrate the Warriors and us not having to go over to Aussie."
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said it would be a significant match.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It means a lot. We haven't played a home final since 2008, so it's special, this is what you strive to do every year is to play in the finals and then to get a home final is an added bonus," George said.
"For our fans, it's amazing and we just want to do them proud this week and see what happens and go from there ... it means a lot to our footy club and fans."
George said the team was excited and ready to go.
"They understand the magnitude of the opportunity we've got and they are excited to be here, so they've worked hard, and now they just have to go and get the job done, so time will tell on Saturday night."
Hospitality venues in Auckland are also preparing for a big night.
Fans and supporters at the BlueBet Stadium for the Penrith Panthers v Warriors match in Australia on 9 September, 2023. Photo: Photosport / David Neilson
Restaurant Association president Mike Egan said its pub, bar and restaurant members were ready for large numbers.
"Everyone's really excited, you know, obviously not everyone can be at the game, so people are looking at venues where they can watch the game.
"If they are going to the game, they want to extend the excitement, 'let's go out for a late lunch or an early dinner'."
He said many venues have extended their hours.
"Lots of members have had requests, you know, 'cause normally they might shut between lunch and dinner, but people have rung up and said 'hey, we got a group coming in, we will stay open'. So yeah, I mean our members are there to provide these good public spaces for people to get ready for the game."
Kick-off is at 6.05pm. If the Warriors win this weekend, they will be up against the Broncos in the preliminary final.
