Aussie journalist says sorry to fans

When veteran Australian sports journalist Dean Ritchie wrote a scathing column about the New Zealand Warriors in April, he says he got death threats.

Ritchie wrote that the Warriors had been a ‘‘dud club for 23 years’’ and predicted ‘‘the great Kiwi collapse’’ this season. Now, he’s contrite. ‘‘S.O.R.R.Y.’’ he started his latest column for sportingnews.com. ‘‘What else can I say, Warriors fans? I apologise.’’

His column on April 3 attacked the Warriors’ desire, history and culture.

‘‘It infuriated so many Warriors fans I actually received death threats from across the Tasman,’’ he wrote yesterday.

Here’s what Ritchie, who earlier this year brought up 30 years with Sydney’s Daily Telegraph, wrote in April.

‘‘Let’s sit back and wait for the great Kiwi collapse. It will be seismic and spectacular. A team that has been soft, disinterested and fragile.

‘‘Their issues are deep-seated around culture and history.

‘‘I am not convinced the Warriors can suddenly find success;

‘‘They have size, creativity and a wonderful spine.’’ Dean Ritchie on the Warriors

somehow discover a winning passion or formula over an entire season.

‘‘They have tried everything – and failed. They have been a dud club for 23 years.’’

He changed his tune this week, with the Warriors sealing a spot for the NRL playoffs for the first time in seven years.

‘‘Coach Steve Kearney has stayed calm and composed this year. He may have finally unlocked the enigmatic Warriors’’, wrote Ritchie.

‘‘New Zealand lift when playing strong sides and I cannot totally dismiss them when discussing possible premiers.

‘‘They have size, creativity and a wonderful spine.

‘‘I still believe this club has under-achieved but this year is a start. They are off to the finals and good luck to them.’’