This was a Warriors game day thread for a major preliminary final between the Warriors and Brisbane Broncos, marking the Warriors' first finals appearance of this magnitude in over a decade. Beastmode #12279 and other fans expressed intense excitement and support with rallying cries of "Up the Wahs," Hatchet Harry #12293 reflected on how the team had already achieved so much by capturing New Zealand's hearts and going global with their fanbase. The pre-game atmosphere was electric, with fans acknowledging this was the biggest game in years while expressing cautious optimism about their chances against the favored Broncos.
The discussion revealed deep emotional investment from long-term supporters who had endured years of disappointment. Warriorshopeful #12283 analyzed tactical advantages, believing their experienced players and reliable style could overcome Brisbane's faster but error-prone approach, Makasene #12316 emphasized the 12-year wait to reach this stage. The community spirit was evident with fans gathering at venues, wearing jerseys proudly, and experiencing widespread public support with random "Up the Wahs" shouts from strangers, wizard of Tauranga #12402 experienced on the Gold Coast.
Once the game began, the thread transformed into a live commentary filled with frustration over officiating decisions. Multiple controversial calls, particularly a disputed forward pass try that fans felt changed the game's momentum, dominated the discussion. Bluecat #13152 and other supporters expressed outrage at what they perceived as unfair refereeing that denied them a legitimate chance, KPWarrior #13170 acknowledged that despite the officiating issues, the team still wasn't quite good enough but was progressing in the right direction.
The final sentiment was bittersweet - intense pride in the season's achievements mixed with disappointment at how it ended. Iridescent #13157 maintained pride despite the loss, Bruce #13195 felt the scoreline didn't reflect the true contest due to poor officiating. 1995warriorsfan #13247 acknowledging "it wasn't our day" and directing discussion to continue in the post-match thread, encapsulating a season that exceeded expectations but ended in heartbreak.
