Kiwi Knights look to upset their families ahead of Warriors clash

Newcastle winger Greg Marzhew is hoping to disappoint most of his family and friends come Sunday, then rub it in their face a little come the summer.

As is Phoenix Crossland, who, along with Francis Manuleleua, spent last week cheering against the Warriors so they'd get another chance to play in Auckland.

Then there's Pasami Saulo and his partner, who Knights players jokingly point out actually wore a Warriors jersey when the two teams clashed earlier this year.

Unpacking Warriors' chances at NRL glory ahead of NZ side's must-win final- Watch on TVNZ+

Even last week, Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga nominated the Warriors as the other side beside Newcastle he wanted to win the competition.

They are Newcastle's Kiwi contingent, watching on proudly with the groundswell of support for the support in New Zealand while fiercely Knights this weekend.

"I've got my siblings coming and they're torn," Marzhew told AAP.

"I've got plenty of friends who are Warriors' supporters too. I see stories on my socials about their wins.

Kalyn Ponga of the Knights is tackled by Junior Tatola of the Rabbitohs during the NRL Elimination Final between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Friday, September 11, 2026. (Source: Photosport)

"All on repeat, all my friends posting about the scoreline. So I want to get this win because I want to rub it in.

"My family's so hearty with the Warriors. But I think when it comes down to it, blood's thicker. They'll back me."

Wellington-born Crossland is perhaps a little more realistic about where his family's allegiances may lie this weekend at Eden Park.

"I reckon they want me to score three tries and hope the Warriors win," Crossland said.

"I know the World Cup's coming up and played there before, but there'll be no forgiveness for me running out in a Knights jersey.

"I'll be getting booed pretty hard I think, because I'm not playing for their team.

"I love seeing the Warriors do well. I just don't want them to do well on Sunday afternoon."

Beyond the banter, there is that genuine respect from Newcastle-based New Zealanders about what has been achieved across the ditch in recent years.

Sunday's semi-final at the 46,000-seat Eden Park sold out within 36 hours, making it 43 of 48 Warriors home games at full capacity since they returned to New Zealand after Covid-19 lockdowns.

Warriors fans travel from across the country for season-defining finals clash - Watch on TVNZ+

The Warriors train at Eden park ahead of their NRL finals match against the Knights. (Source: Photosport)

Such is the momentum, a second New Zealand team now looks more likely than ever with the NRL's expected to expansion to 20 teams.

"It's just a credit to the Warriors boys, the culture that they've brought into their team. It's just reflecting off their fans," Manuleleua said.

"Obviously you don't want to get scored on, but when we play there every time the Warriors boys scored, the crowd was just unreal. It's very hostile."

That Manuleleua is even playing in this match is incredible, given the former Warriors pathway player dislocated in elbow in Auckland three weeks ago.

Newcastle take confidence out of that game, beaten 46-32 after leading 12-0 when Jacob Saifiti was sent off early.

The Warriors were without halves Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin that day, but Newcastle were missing Crossland, Dom Young, Tyson Frizell and had a two-man bench from the 39th minute.

"I was riding the Dolphins all the way last week," Manuleleua said.

"I want to do it right, play 80 minutes and put out a good performance for the boys and for my family and bring back the win."