The Warriors catch cry is being heard across the planet. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Warriors-mania has reached boiling point for New Zealand fans in Brisbane, as they prepare for the preliminary final against the Broncos on Saturday night.
From the NBA to Parliament chambers and even the top of Machu Picchu, the Warriors catch cry is being heard across the planet.
Khan Wirepa will be one of thousands proudly representing the country and says it will be a home away from home for the side.
He and his fellow New Zealanders in the crowd are set to bring the noise.
"It's gonna be Broncos supporters dominant, but I'm pretty sure the Kiwis that are there are going to make themselves heard."
Another diehard fan, Kyle Fenton, plans to drown out the Broncos support.
Warriors fan Zeb Laqekoro up Machu Picchu Photo: supplied
"I know all of them have got the drum ready to go, I chant nearly 24/7 at all the games with the drums. There will be more Broncos supporters there, because it's in Brizzy, but I think with the heart and soul of the Warriors fans cheering we'll be able to neutral the ground."
Fenton said the excitement on the streets had been palpable.
"You can just tell, even the fans in New Zealand who have travelled over but in Brisbane in general. It was funny because the tickets for the Warriors bay were the first ones to sell out before the Broncos bay."
For game day, the pre- and post-match will be celebrated at the Lord Alfred Hotel - the bar of choice for Warriors fans.
Luke Mellers, sales manager of Hallmark Group which owns the hotel, said the relationship they had built was special.
"They are absolute diehards and there's plenty of them in Brisbane. So we've sort of become the official home of the Warrior supporters in Brisbane."
Mellers said there were no fans quite like Warriors' fans.
"They do make plenty of noise, which is what we like, the more atmosphere, the better, and they take up the whole second floor of the hotel here. They've got all the banners up there, balloons. So it's pretty special, but to be honest I think this weekend they will fill more than just upstairs, they will probably take over the whole place.
Speaker of the house, Adrian Rurawhe- "Up the Wahs." Photo: parliament
ABC Sport commentator Zane Bojack said the parochial supporters would be out in force as they were whenever the Warriors came to town.
"I have no doubt there's going to be a lot of New Zealand fans in the stadium. It's going to be rocking with the wires, whether they can outnumber the Broncos, I don't think that's the case, but there is a lot of support in southeast Queensland, and the Wahs, they will have plenty of support that's for sure."
Bojack believed Broncos fans would be weary after a dominant Warriors win against Newcastle.
"If they are not in the ground, there will be a lot of support there to try and give them as much positive energy as they can to the Warriors."
Mellers said 'Up the Wahs' chants would echo through the night should they win.
With so many New Zealanders now calling Australia home, Wirepa said there was a strong Warriors community.
"I wear my jersey as much as I can. Pretty much every time I go out anywhere. There's always a fair few people yelling up the Wahs."
That community extends across the world with everyone from NBA coach Steve Kerr to Speaker of the House Adrian Rurawhe giving an 'Up the Wah's'.
One fan was even photograpphed with a Warriors sign after hiking up Machu Picchu.
The Warriors and Broncos kick off on Saturday at 9.50pm (NZT).
General view during the NRL elimination final match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Newcastle Knights at Go Media Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday September 16, 2023. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport
