‘It’s what we have to do’: Warriors boss
AS the Warriors prepare for another extended stay in Australia, club chief executive Cameron George has written an open letter to fans insisting they will not use their difficult situation as an excuse during the upcoming season.
The Warriors’ New Zealandbased players depart for Tamworth today to join the rest of the squad for a pre-season camp before returning to their 2020 base on the New South Wales Central Coast for the start of theNRL campaign.
The Warriorswill spend at least three months across the Tasman, including their first four matches, with hope that a trans-Tasman bubble will be in place for them to return to Auckland for the round five clash against Manly on April 9.
However, a Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney has left plans for quarantine-free travel between the two countries in the first quarter of 2021 very much up in the air.
‘‘It goes without saying that we wish we could be preparing Mount Smart Stadium for our first game but at this stage it’s not to be,’’ Georgewrote in a letter on the club’s official website.
‘‘Starting the 2021 season in Australia isn’t what we wanted to do but it’s what we have to do. This time around, however, we’re prepared for what lies ahead and accept that the future still remains very uncertain.’’
The Warriors spent the entire 2020 campaign in Australia, overcoming a number of setbacks, including the sacking of former coach Stephen Kearney, to make a late – albeit unsuccessful – run to the finals.
The club spent the preChristmas period of pre-season training split between Auckland and Kiama, NSW – a situation that was far from ideal, particularly with a new coach in Nathan Brown and a number of
Foremost, we will play with pride every time we take the field. In our absence, stay strong and stand together. But be ready to rumble with us at Mount Smart when we’re able to return home.’ CAMERON GEORGE
new recruits who have yet to meet themajority of their teammates.
The Government declined the Warriors’ request to have their Australian-based players train in managed isolation in New Zealand. Sowhile the 2021 season does not kick-off until March 13, they made the decision last month to continue their preparations as ‘‘one complete group’’ in Australia from today.
‘‘We want all our fans to know that despite the adversity we are again dealing with, we’re committed to fronting up and having a crack,’’ George added.
‘‘We do so willingly, ready to overcome anything that may be thrown our way. We do not want anyone feeling sorry for us and, while it’s not a perfect situation,
Warriors boss Cameron George says that when the squad – including, above, Roger TuivasaSheck – leaves for Australia today they’re ‘‘prepared for what lies ahead and accept that the future still remains very uncertain’’. it’s what we’ve been tasked to do in 2021 on behalf of you our fans, our partners and our families.’’
An impressive recruitment drive combinedwith last year’s promising finish has increased expectation amongst fans that the Warriors can return to the finals in 2021.
George promised that the club would continue to build on the resilience they displayed last year and, ‘‘foremost, wewill play with pride every time we take the field’’.
‘‘In our absence, stay strong and stand together. But be ready to rumble with us at Mount Smart when we’re able to return home,’’ George said. ‘‘To our fans in Australia, we need your support now more than ever, and we look forward to seeing you in the crowd from round one.
‘‘Enjoy season 2021 and thank you again for your support. See you all back in New Zealand soon!’’