Glenn money gives Warriors a W

Warriors co-owner Owen Glenn is bringing SkyCity cheerleaders back this season. Photo / Richard Robinson

Cheerleaders have returned to Warriors matches after rich-lister Owen Glenn's investment in the rugby league team.

The SkyCity Cheer Team - who cheered for the Blues last year - will make an appearance at Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow, and further appearances are expected to follow.

The Warriors are one of the only teams in the NRL without dedicated cheerleaders, and Mr Glenn's entry into the club's ownership earlier this month has brought more opportunities for spending.

The side have not had cheerleaders for two years after a previous sponsorship deal expired.

Warriors spokesman Richard Becht said the team hope to cover the cost of cheerleaders through sponsorships. But the SkyCity cheerleaders would be making an appearance tomorrow and they had made guest appearances before during the past two years, Mr Becht said.

Later in the season, there will be "mini" cheerleaders of 8- to 13-year-olds alongside the adult troupe.

The squad of 30 girls will be organised through the studio of dancer Candy Lane, who said she would hold auditions at 3pm on Sunday in Mt Eden.

"There will be children of the fans so it has a neat community feel about it," she said.

Ms Lane has previously organised the Warriors cheerleaders, and she said Mr Glenn had told her he enjoyed what she had done.

But her understanding was that he would be using SkyCity girls this season.

The SkyCity cheerleaders continue to feature on the website of the Blues - the Auckland team from the rival rugby code.

The cheerleaders featured in the rugby union team's half-time shows at Eden Park last season.

But Blues spokeswoman Jo Coleman said they would have no cheerleaders this year.

A small squad of SkyCity cheerleaders have also been making appearances this year for Auckland's basketball team, the Breakers.

Mr Glenn earlier this month replaced former Hanover director Mark Hotchin as one of two co-owners of the Warriors alongside businessman Eric Watson.

Mr Glenn's wealth has been estimated at $900 million after he sold a business he set up in 1978.