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The Warriors received a heroes' welcome home from more than 100 fans yesterday after beating defending champions and minor premiers Storm in Melbourne.
To the delight of their loyal supporters, the heart-stopping win - one of the best in the club's 14-year history - has given the team a home semifinal against the Sydney Roosters on Friday. "That was one heck of a game," said 81-year-old Grahame Durston, who has been a fan since the club began in 1995.
"Even though my legs aren't strong enough to take me to Mt Smart, you can bet your last dollar I'll be in front of the telly watching them beat the Roosters this Friday."
Even Melbourne-born Amanda Welles, 21, said she felt compelled to come to the airport after watching the Auckland-based side win. "You've gotta give it to them. I wouldn't mind whoever won, but after their heart-stopping victory, I'd most definitely be rooting for the Warriors."
Winger Manu Vatuvei said the team was confident of beating Sydney, even though they will have only five days to recover and prepare for the next match.
"Bring it on. We'll be ready," said the player who scored a try and helped set up the winning touchdown for stand-off Michael Witt two minutes from time.
Witt said he was still facing ridicule from teammates for his try-scoring antics, which he said was just an attempt to wind the clock down.
"Well, I would have gotten hell if I didn't score. But I did, and they [teammates] were sweet, although they kept asking what the heck was I doing?"
Tickets for Friday's showdown go on sale to the public from 9am today at Gate B, Mt Smart Stadium.
Vodafone Warriors' football administrator Nadene Conlone said they are expecting the 25,000 seats to sell out fast.
Season ticket holders had the first chance to buy tickets yesterday. Many were lining up an hour before the gate opened.
Gates will open on Friday at 5.30pm with the Vodafone Junior Warriors vs Panthers at 6.30pm and the main match kicking off at 8.30pm.
The big match:
NZ Warriors v Sydney Roosters
Kick-off: 8.30pm Friday, Mt Smart Stadium
Ticket sales: From 9am today, Gate B, Mt Smart
