LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Recent developments surrounding the Brisbane Broncos and Penrith Panthers have added excitement to the upcoming NRL finals. Penrith is set to face the Warriors in an elimination final at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday. Prior to the match, Panthers officials have discovered a plan by Warriors fans aimed at disrupting their preparations.
The Panthers have alerted NRL authorities about a popular Warriors fan page urging its 35,000 followers to 'help the boyz' by creating discord outside the Panthers' hotel in Auckland on game day. The reigning champions are staying at the Pullman Hotel ahead of the crucial match. The fan page named 'New Zealand Warriors Till I Die' is encouraging members to cause disruptions to throw off Penrith's focus.
One fan, Sione Tuigamala, suggested on the unofficial site, "Fireworks, burnouts and screaming outside the hotel is highly recommended anytime between 1-4am on Saturday." The private group also provided a variety of methods for fans to assist the Warriors in their quest to avoid elimination at the hands of the Panthers.
While it may seem like harmless banter from Warriors supporters, the Panthers have taken the situation seriously enough to inform the NRL. Nevertheless, they have not opted to change their accommodation plans in Auckland. Warriors CEO Cameron George has reassured Penrith, stating that they have nothing to fear.
"There's no need for Penrith to be concerned or stressed," George told The Sydney Morning Herald. "We have very responsible fans. We don't expect anything other than them being jovial about the weekend... Penrith don't need to feel unsafe or anything in regards to that with their hotel."
Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Brisbane's qualifying final against Canberra on Sunday is also noteworthy, stemming from earlier controversies regarding the Broncos' team bus. The Courier Mail disclosed that Broncos officials raised concerns with the NRL after their team bus was left parked outside the Raiders' GIO Stadium during a match in March.
Typically, visiting teams are allowed to park their buses inside the home team's stadium. However, on this occasion, the only available space had been occupied by Ricky Stuart's team, which opted to gather at the club facility for lunch before heading to the ground together.