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Warriors superstar signing Michaela Brake has called on fans to come early on Sunday to watch the women’s team play in their first match in New Zealand since 2019.
Brake was one of 10 Warriors to make their NRLW debut against defending premiers the Roosters in Sydney last week and said she was looking forward to playing the Eels in front family and friends before the men’s match against Wests Tigers.
“I'm expecting a sold-out crowd because the tickets are sold out, so that should mean that there won't be any empty seats when we play,” Brake said.
“I'm excited to play in front of a Warriors fan base and in front of a crowd who are so proud to support such a prestigious team and a unique culture here in New Zealand.
“For most of us, we will get to experience that for the first time so that will definitely lift the energy up another 10, 20, 30 percent.
“The fact that we will be playing for the Warriors for the first time at Go Media Stadium should be enough to really get us up to get the win ahead of Parramatta Eels.
“For all of those people who have bought tickets for this Sunday, be in our game because you've bought tickets to come watch us play first, so there should be no empty seats in the stadium, thank you very much.
“And if there are, I will be that disappointed aunty that will be disappointed in you.
“So come watch our game, please.”
This Sunday's match will also be only the second time the NRLW team has played a home game, after the September 22, 2019 stand-alone game against the Dragons at Go Media.
Playing on the wing last week, Brake warmed into the match and enjoyed a strong second half, finishing with 94 run metres and three tackle breaks.
The gold medal-winning Black Ferns rugby union star said she had plenty of fun in her first outing in rugby league, despite some bumps and bruises.
“There's a lot less space on the field than there is with sevens, so that was a good shock to the system,” Brake said.
“I was just saying to the management before, I hadn't ran into so many props ever in my life, so that was also another shock to the system.
“But, man, I had so much fun. I almost didn't want the game to end, and obviously, the score reflected on how experienced the Roosters are, but man, such a cool experience.
“Finally got a game of league under my belt.
“So, the positive thing is that we can only go up from here.”
While last week’s match was a big occasion, for coach Ron Griffiths, the return home was a chance to leave an “indelible imprint” on fans of the game in New Zealand.
“I've got no doubt first impressions last forever and no doubt when they take the field this week, there'll be a first impression that … (will) leave an indelible imprint in the minds of our supporters,” Griffiths said.
Proud of how the side came together for their first game, Griffith said while there were some “teething issues”, especially in defence, there was plenty of confidence in what the group could do going forward.
“I think the club as a whole, we're extremely proud of where we started 12 months ago and to where we actually are now.
“The first game; to play like that, a team full of resolve, determination and grit, it's a marvellous testament to the group we've got here.
“We always had confidence. I think one thing about this team is we have total confidence and belief in who we are.
“I think that starts at the top, the character of people that we brought to the organisation in terms of staff and players.
“Definitely, always have confidence in who we are and I think that just solidifies things for us around how we wanted to play and when people watch us, what they will see from our team.”
Match: Warriors v Eels
Round 2 -
home Team
Warriors
8th Position
away Team
Eels
9th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
*NRLW Magic Round heads to McDonald Jones Stadium in 2025 in Round 5. Be there for this historic event and grab your tickets now!
