Newcastle Knights’ Kiwi Stars Ready to Upset Families in Warriors Clash
- Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew prepares to face the New Zealand Warriors at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday, acknowledging that his friends and family will be torn between...
- Marzhew told Australian Associated Press that his siblings and friends are deeply split.
- I've got plenty of friends who are Warriors' supporters too.
Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew prepares to face the New Zealand Warriors at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday, acknowledging that his friends and family will be torn between supporting him and backing their local side, according to reporting from Australian Associated Press published by Yahoo Australia.
The fixture marks a high-stakes semi-final showdown in Auckland, where a sold-out crowd of 46,000 is expected within 36 hours of tickets going on sale, reflecting continued strong backing for the Warriors since their return to New Zealand following COVID-19 lockdowns, as noted by Australian Associated Press.
Divided Loyalties for Newcastle’s Kiwi Contingent
Marzhew told Australian Associated Press that his siblings and friends are deeply split.
I’ve got my siblings coming and they’re torn. I’ve got plenty of friends who are Warriors’ supporters too. I see stories on my socials about their wins.
Greg Marzhew via Australian Associated Press
The winger added that he hopes to secure a victory so he can playfully tease his supporters during the summer break, noting that his family is deeply passionate about the Warriors even though blood ultimately proves thicker.
Teammate Phoenix Crossland, born in Wellington, expressed a similarly realistic view of the reception he expects to receive on the field at Eden Park. According to Australian Associated Press, Crossland anticipates being heavily booed by local fans because he is wearing a Newcastle jersey rather than representing the home team.
I reckon they want me to score three tries and hope the Warriors win. Despite my history playing there and the upcoming World Cup, stepping out in Newcastle colors means any leniency toward me is off the table.
Phoenix Crossland via Australian Associated Press
Crossland and Francis Manuleleua both spent the previous weekend cheering against the Warriors in other matches to ensure they earned another opportunity to play in Auckland, according to Australian Associated Press. Meanwhile, teammate Pasami Saulo and his partner faced lighthearted teasing from fellow Knights players after Saulo’s partner wore a Warriors jersey during the two teams’ earlier meeting this season.
Resurgence and Roster Context at Eden Park
The sellout crowd continues a remarkable run for the Warriors, marking 43 out of 48 home games at full capacity since the club’s post-lockdown homecoming, as detailed by Australian Associated Press. This momentum has fueled expectations that a second New Zealand team could soon join the competition as the National Rugby League looks toward expansion to 20 teams.
Manuleleua highlighted the intense atmosphere generated by the local supporters, noting that the crowd reaction when the Warriors score creates a notably hostile environment for visiting sides.
Praising the team culture established by the Warriors squad, he noted how strongly it resonates with their supporters, adding that while conceding tries is never ideal, the spectators produced an incredible and fiercely hostile energy every time the home side put points on the board during their matches at the venue.
Francis Manuleleua via Australian Associated Press
Newcastle enters the fixture drawing confidence from a previous encounter in Auckland where the Knights fell 46-32 after initially holding a 12-0 lead, a match complicated by an early red card to Jacob Saifiti. That previous meeting saw the Warriors missing halves Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin, while Newcastle played without Crossland, Dom Young, and Tyson Frizell, operating with a two-man bench from the 39th minute onward according to Australian Associated Press reports.
Even external stars have acknowledged the widespread support for the Auckland club, with Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga naming the Warriors the previous week as the other side he wanted to see succeed in the competition, as reported by Australian Associated Press. Manuleleua emphasized his focus on delivering a full 80-minute effort for his teammates and family to secure a win and advance.