Warriors dream of home
Warriors chief executive Cameron George is still fighting for the club to play up to 20 games in New Zealand next season, despite NRL CEO Andrew Abdo laughing off the idea.
Before the Warriors’ game against the Titans last weekend Abdo was interviewed on Australian TV and played down the possibility the club being able to do this, as a way to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices made.
‘‘It wouldn’t be Cameron not to ask,’’ Abdo chuckled. ‘‘It’s a wonderful idea and a wonderful gesture. In all seriousness, it would be wonderful gesture, but I don’t think we can do that.’’
However, George has told Stuff he hasn’t given up on making this happen.
‘‘I’m working double time trying to pull ideas together. I’m not going to take no for an answer,’’ George said.
‘‘Andrew is certainly openminded about looking at opportunities and at this point in time I want to make sure New Zealand gets what it deserves.
‘‘I’ll continue to work with the NRL, clubs and stadiums and whoever I can in background, to try to make this dream a reality for the people of New Zealand.’’
George could negotiate with each NRL club to get agreement to switch their home game to a New Zealand venue and it could cost the Warriors $250,000 for each fixture, but he says he would also need support from the NRL.
‘‘Given the situation and size and scale of it, it is a pretty big and daunting task to pull it all together, but I’m having a serious crack at doing it,’’ he said.
‘‘You do need the NRL on board in doing it and Andrew’s been fantastic up to now, but I’m not taking a ‘no’ on national TV as a given.
‘‘I’m trying to give something back to the people of New Zealand that like rugby league, who have missed out on so much.’’
‘‘I’m trying to give something back to the people of New Zealand that like rugby league, who have missed out on so much.’’
Cameron George
Warriors CEO
If the Warriors were to play 20 games in New Zealand next year, it would be a big logistical mission on where to put them. Christchurch and Wellington are obvious venues for some fixtures, but
Hamilton, New Plymouth, Nelson and Dunedin could also host games, as the club looks to share the love.
‘‘That’s all broader discussions with broadcasters, the NRL draw and clashes with other events and
times of the year,’’ George said. ‘‘I’m collating all that information now.
‘‘At the end of the day, we’re doing what’s best for rugby league and also the people of New Zealand and that’s all that matters to me.
‘‘Well over 40 per cent of playing personnel in the NRL are of either Pacific Island or Kiwi heritage.
‘‘So we are a massive contributor to rugby league in general, not just the Warriors, and they’re crucial parts of the game that other clubs appreciate.’’
■ The Warriors have been given a huge boost for their match against the Newcastle Knights tomorrow with news that hooker Wayde Egan and second rower Bayley Sironen are cleared to play.
The duo were forced to leave the field in last weekend’s 19-6 win over the Titans with head knocks and then failed HIA tests. Egan and Sironen had to follow the NRL’s strict protocols to be available to play but assistant coach Craig Hodges said both players passed their final tests yesterday.