Today’s Christchurch trial is a sellout while only limited tickets remain for the One New Zealand Warriors’ third-round NRL match against Canberra at Apollo Projects Stadium on March 22.
The wave of interest in the One New Zealand Warriors in the South Island caps a week which has seen senior players visiting Christchurch schools and holding clinics while yesterday’s final field session before today’s Preseason Challenge against the Wests Tigers drew a big crowd of fans.
“The response from people in Christchurch and from Canterbury has been phenomenal,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“Selling out a trial is exceptional. It’s never happened for us before. We’re absolutely blown away by the way fans from the Canterbury area and beyond have responded.
“Our NRL match here against the Raiders is more than four weeks away but we’re down to the last few tickets for that game as well.
“Our thanks go out to all the supporters. We’re so grateful for the way they’re getting behind the club.”
Apart from the ticket sales the One New Zealand Warriors this week sold out of their 2024 Heritage Jersey within 18 minutes of going on sale while a special edition Canterbury-flavoured training tee also flew out the door after it hit the market yesterday.
The One New Zealand Warriors have also used this week to build links further afield in the South Island, travelling to Dunedin on Thursday night for the launch of the Southern Zone Rugby League’s academy which will be run in association with the One New Zealand Warriors.
George, NRL assistant coach Stacey Jones and general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden were in Dunedin for the announcement.
While based in Dunedin, the academy will also have hubs in Invercargill, Timaru and Greymouth.
