Panthers uncover Kiwi fan ploy to cause disruption at team hotel

1 week ago 3

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The Penrith Panthers have contacted the NRL to flag the prospect of disruptive behaviour from Warriors fans outside their team hotel in Auckland ahead of their finals clash on Saturday.

The Panthers have made the NRL aware of an unofficial Warriors fan page on Facebook that is encouraging its 35,000 members to “help our boyz” by creating a scene outside Auckland city’s Pullman Hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning to disrupt the four-time premiers’ preparations.

The “New Zealand Warriors Till I Die” page is a private supporter group that has compiled what it describes as a “multi choice list of ways to help” the Warriors in their elimination final against the Panthers at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

The first item, under the subject line “ATTENTION ALL WARRIORS WHANAU!” , is the identification of the Pullman Hotel in Auckland as the Panthers’ base.

“Fireworks, burnouts and screaming outside the hotel is highly recommended anytime between 1-4am on Saturday,” the post, uploaded by an account in the name of Sione Tuigamala, said.

The post could be interpreted as merely light-hearted banter, but the Panthers are taking no chances – especially given the Facebook group correctly identified the hotel that Ivan Cleary and his team will be based.

The post on the Warriors unofficial fan Facebook group.

“We’re aware of the post that has been circulating,” Panthers rugby league chief executive Matt Cameron said.

“I’m all for the fans being passionate about their team. I would expect both sets of fans to act responsibly while still supporting their clubs.

“There’s a lot of respect between the two clubs and everyone is excited about the challenge of going to New Zealand and playing in front of a full stadium.”

The three-part list sent out on the Facebook page also includes instructions to:

“Egging the coach box: Brings eggs into the game and egg the panther coach box.”
“Pitch invadez (LAST RESORT) - If panthers are on attack and we’re a man or two short on D feel free to jump onto the field and get into the defend line.
“Everything goes this Saturday. Any questions please DM me. LES GO ONE NZ WARRIORS

The Panthers will head to New Zealand on Thursday to prepare for Saturday night’s do-or-die final.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George played down the Facebook post. “There’s no need for Penrith to be concerned or stressed,” George said. “We have very responsible fans. We don’t expect anything other than them being jovial about the weekend.

“They’re excited about the weekend. Penrith don’t need to feel unsafe or anything in regards to that with their hotel.”

The NRL is aware of the situation and the Panthers have not asked for their accommodation to be moved.

The winner of the Panthers-Warriors elimination final will take on the loser of Friday night’s qualifying final between the Melbourne Storm and Canterbury Bulldogs.