‘I’m not paying for that!’: Warriors stars feel family ticket pinch for Eden Park final

Warriors’ young Pacific stars Ali Leiataua and Jacob Laban say getting their families into Sunday’s elimination final has become almost as big a job as getting themselves ready for the game.

The Sāmoan-heritage players are among thousands trying to be part of the Warriors’ first home final at Eden Park with tickets selling out in less than 48 hours.

Leiataua managed to secure around 15 tickets for his family but says even that was small compared with some of his team-mates.

“My family managed to get some luckily, got maybe 15 tickets, that’s on the smaller side compared to some of the others,” he told RNZ.

“Dallin [Watene-Zelezniak] requested like 60 tickets, like holy hecka! They are running out so fast so good the boys were able to get in for their families.”

For Laban, the family bill was enough to make him think twice. After playing a full 80-minute shift in the Warriors’ 26-16 loss to the Dolphins, he still had the task of making sure his family could be there for the biggest game of the season.

Warriors centre Ali Leiataua. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport.

“The total was like two grand in tickets, I’m happy they’re paying, I’m not paying for that!.”

Peter V’landys, the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chairman, says the rapid sell-out shows the growing appetite for rugby league in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Rugby League is experiencing enormous growth in New Zealand and this is another huge step forward for the game in the country,” NRL reported. “To see all tickets sold in less than 48 hours at Eden Park highlights the popularity of the Warriors and of Rugby League in New Zealand, it will be a true highlight of the season.”

The Warriors last faced the Knights in Round 26, securing a 46-32 win at Go Media Stadium.

The move to Eden Park has divided opinion among Warriors fans with the club leaving its regular home for a ground that can hold a much bigger crowd.

But inside the Warriors camp, coach Andrew Webster says the players have embraced the chance to play on the big stage.

"Love it. Obviously, a lot of history, a special place. They've made us feel so welcome, giving us an extra day to train here. It's awesome,” Webster told journalists.

There could also be some big returns for the Warriors with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Leka Halasima named on the extended bench.

Watene-Zelezniak has been sidelined with a broken clavicle, while Halasima has been recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Warriors have seen plenty of the Knights this season, beating Newcastle 46-32 at Go Media Stadium in August. Laban scored twice in that match while Leiataua also crossed for a try.

The sides also met in the 2023 finals when the Warriors bounced back from a first-week loss to Penrith to beat Newcastle 40-10 at Go Media Stadium.

Now the stakes are higher, with the season on the line and the Warriors preparing to make Eden Park their temporary home.

Kick-off: 6.05pm (NZT)

Teams:

Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Replacements: Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Jett Cleary, Morgan Gannon.

Knights: Kalyn Ponga, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Tyson Frizell, Phoenix Crossland, Cody Hopwood, Jermaine McEwen, Francis Manuleleua, Mat Croker. Replacements: Harrison Graham, Lachlan Crouch, Pasami Saulo, Thomas Cant, Fletcher Hunt, Toby Winter.