Fans flock back to Warriors
The Warriors are expecting their biggest home crowd in two years as ticket sales surge off the back of last week’s season-opening win over South Sydney.
The number of tickets sold for tomorrow’s clash against the Titans at Mt Smart has already eclipsed the attendance from any of last year’s home games.
Around 18,000 fans are expected to turn up this weekend, which would make it the largest home crowd since the round 23 match against the Rabbitohs (17,409) in 2016.
Interest in the Warriors hit a low point after last year’s ninematch losing streak and it is amazing how one positive result has re-caputured the public’s attention.
But veteran forward Simon Mannering, who will also be watching from the stands due to a shoulder injury, says their supporters need to be rewarded with another strong display.
‘‘The challenge for us now is backing up performances, which we haven’t been very good at,’’ Mannering said. ‘‘We have to show in our first game here at Mt Smart what it means to us. We know we’re going to get good support so we have to repay that with a good performance.’’
Another factor driving ticket sales has been the Warriors’ fundraising efforts for the victims of Cyclone Gita in Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
All pre-sold adult tickets have been reduced to $15 each, with $5 from every ticket sold being donated to the Red Cross’ Pacific Disaster Fund.
The Auckland club is hoping to raise $25,000. As of Thursday it had reached about $15,000.
‘‘A lot of the upper covered bays have sold out. It’s the first time in over two years at the club I’ve had to tell the printer that we may need a few soldout stickers,’’ fan engagement manager Aaron Lawton said.