THE NZ Warriors have shifted the goal posts once again.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The NRL team wants to earn itself the largest supporter base of any sports club in Australasia, and plans to use part of the funds to start up junior rugby league programs in Tamworth.
It's not just the country music capital, but a number of other regional areas that will benefit, Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.
"It's important to reach the highest level of support we can to in-turn invest back into the local league scene," he said.
"It's another way for us to say thank you to Tamworth and surrounding areas.
"Our next superstar girl or boy player could come from Tamworth junior league."
The club has thousands of supporters worldwide and gained even more when the Warriors turned Tamworth's Scully Park into quarantine HQ earlier this year.
The team and staff spent their first day in isolation at Wests Leagues in May, and have since returned to the city for a well-attended clash against the Newcastle Knights.
Members had 2340 embroidered onto the team jersey as a nod to Tamworth, which hosted the team for two-weeks so that the NRL season could restart after the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mr George himself is a former local, and worked alongside Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson, The Pub Group chief executive and former Wests Tigers team member Craig Power, Wests Entertainment Group's Rod Laing and Tamworth Regional Council to find suitable housing for the club.
Read also:
Now, Mr George said the Warriors need more than 100,000 people to jump on board with a digital membership to be the most-supported rugby club in Australasia.
"We see clubs in Australia with supporter bases in excess of 100,000 and we want to finish ahead of that to close out a year that has demanded that we challenge ourselves," he said.
The club has launched a $10 supporter offer in October with half of each purchase being returned to rugby league clubs in Tamworth, Tenterfield, the Central Coast, Redcliffe and the seven NZ zones.
Mr George has confirmed the team would consider a return to Tamworth if COVID-19 restrictions were still in place next season.
To support visit the NZ Warriors website.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
