Today’s NRL grand final features clubs from two intense rival sporting nations, yet it seems that patriotism will be cast aside in favor of a different kind of allegiance – the one dubbed ‘Anyone But Manly’.
It was something we all anticipated. This week, Foxtel reached out to fans, asking who they would be backing this afternoon.
As of this writing, 60 percent of you have pledged your support to the Warriors.
Some attribute this support to rooting for the underdog, hoping to witness a fairytale first premiership for the New Zealand-based club, while others are captivated by the exciting style of footy showcased by Ivan Cleary’s team.
However, at the core of the admiration for the Warriors lies a deep-seated aversion to Manly’s success. They are truly the team that NRL fans love to despise.
“Seeing Manly lose on Sunday would be better than seeing the Warriors win,” Manly Sea Urchins noted.
So intense is the neutral crowd’s dislike for the Silvertails that a Facebook group named “Cheering for the Warriors for Grand Final week because you hate Manly” has garnered over 15,000 supporters within four days.
“I support the Storm and I’m heartbroken that the Warriors defeated them last week, but I can set that aside for the weekend. I would love to see them dominate Manly,” commented one fan.
Bill from North Ryde expressed: “As a Wests Tigers supporter and an Australian, I’m searching for just one good reason to back Manly. Still looking… Go the Warriors!”
Henry the Ninth took a more balanced stance on his newfound support, writing, “I have no affection for the Warriors or New Zealanders in general, yet I’ll be supporting them in the GF.
“My main reason is my disdain for Manly, yes, but also because the Warriors’ victory would benefit the game, both in NZ and here, whereas a Manly win would only please Manly themselves.
“The Warriors are an incredibly entertaining team to watch, and if other teams are inspired to emulate that style, the game will undoubtedly benefit in terms of attracting an audience.”
Conversely, some fans argue that national ties outweigh existing club affiliations.
A number of individuals will find themselves rooting for Manly for the first time driven by the hope of keeping the Telstra Premiership trophy on Australian soil.
“A reminder that Australians faced abuse, were spat on, and told to go home at the Rugby World Cup in Auckland just for wearing our country’s jersey,” Australian in Brisbane remarked.
“They despise us, so my support goes to an Australian team over a NZ team any day.”
Regardless of whether the majority are cheering or booing the Sea Eagles this Sunday afternoon, it would be naive to think for a moment that the maroon and white faithful are bothered by the rivalry.
This mentality of “us versus them” was instilled by Ken Arthurson in the 1980s, and Manly is more than willing to uphold that tradition.
Maroon and white blood of Manlyville shared, “On Friday night, I disembarked the train at Newtown station wearing my Manly jersey… as the train departed, the guard called out to me, ‘Gee, I hate Manly. Can’t believe they won’.
“My response was straightforward and direct – ‘Manly hates you too’.
“That’s the mindset I’ll be carrying into Sunday, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
by Buford Balony
