They've been the talk of the town, the NRL, and the trans-Tasman, but the 'Warrior effect' as it's been dubbed is international.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Tamworth is in bright lights and it could lead to bigger things for not only the city, but Scully Park too.
New Zealand Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the Wests precinct rivalled bases in Sydney.
"I hope this shows the sporting world - rugby league, soccer, you know all sorts of sporting organisations and codes - I hope it shows elite professional clubs this facility in this town is second to none," he said.
"It cannot only house them, it will show them a fantastic time with great local support and a facility that is built to showcase sport."
READ ALSO:
The city is waiting with baited breath to see if there will be an NRL super-special home game or another round match next season. Mr George said the side was keen to return to give back to the community and show why others should be coming too.
"Every bit of a feedback I'm getting is nothing but positive, it's worked extremely well and the team is comfortable," Mr George said.
"The amount of publicity, I hope it leads to a lot more inquiry for the town because it deserves it."
The flow-on effect could be worth much more for the city, that has been hit hard by drought and COVID-19.
Tamworth is trending online, it's been permanently stitched onto the NZ Warrior's jersey, and the NRL powerhouse has put Tamworth at the centre of the NRL sporting world.
Mayor Col Murray said this week the interest had been 'incalculable' in showcasing the city, with the phone ringing non-stop for media interviews.
The news has dominated football coverage since the bold plan was revealed last week, and Cr Murray has fielded international interest.
Sports breakfast shows have spent hours discussing the city and its facilities while columnists have filled pages on the quarantine hub and media have been camped out at the Mercure Hotel.
New Zealand's Newstalk ZB radio producer Thomas Harris told the Leader Tamworth had been the talk of the country.
"They've got an incredible fan base, they interact with their fans and you know will call up talkback radio, so they have an incredibly loyal following and everyone is watching it all," he said.
"We've seen all the Tamworth Warrior memes and that stuff, but I think everyone is really, really happy to see them there.
"They're massively proud with what they're giving up, and massively excited about this shot in the arm to get them going again, and we all just hope this kind of ordeal helps bind them together even more.
"They're making more sacrifices than the other sides, obviously all their families have stayed behind, and you know the Warriors are a bit of enigma."
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
