Every time the One New Zealand Warriors run onto Go Media Stadium’s No 3 field during the offseason this summer they’ll be reminded of brave young fan Micky Peacock and the qualities he epitomised.
Just 17, Micky passed away at his family home in Waipukurau in Central Hawke’s Bay on September 13 after losing his battle with brain cancer.
The passionate Warriors supporter left a lasting impression on players and staff at games he attended, most notably when he and his family were special guests at the club’s home game against Brisbane in late June just weeks before his passing.
To honour him, the club’s training venue will now be known as the Micky Peacock Field, with signage erected along the southern boundary complemented with the words: toughness, resilience and humility.
“A close mate from Hawke’s Bay introduced us to Micky and his family and we felt really connected immediately,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“They bonded with the club and felt part of the family. What came through was how absolutely passionate they were about the Warriors.
“We had Micky and his family with us as special guests when we played the Broncos. The players all got around him and supported him in his fight with his brain cancer.
“I attended his funeral and was so moved by the stories about him. Nearly all of them were about the Warriors. It showed how much the club meant to him.
“Micky was such an inspirational young man. He was so tough, resilient and humble, qualities we want to see in our players on the training field, on game day and off the field.
“It seemed appropriate that we should honour Micky and a perfect way to do that is our training field where the players put in the hard work. Every time they go there they’ll be reminded of Micky, what he stood for, how much he loved the club and the courage he showed in his battle.”
George said the One New Zealand Warriors would continue to include Micky’s family in the club’s future journey as well as providing support and care for them.
