"I get it now": Dagg relives first authentic Mt Smart experience as Warriors announce historic home sweep

While the club announced their historic home sweep of sellouts, SENZ Breakfast co-host Israel Dagg reflected on his first authentic One NZ Warriors experience at Mt Smart last weekend.text in italic

I get it now.

I finally understand the hype and why crowds continue to pack out Go Media Stadium to support their beloved Warriors.

The love for their team flows through the stands, and the connection to the identity of what it means to be a Warriors faithful was on full display on Friday. The vibe, the feeling was like nothing I've ever experienced before.

Passionate people from all walks of life sat in their seats, displaying a pukana or grinning from ear to ear.

The support for Chanel Harris-Tavita as he took his first kick at goal after the disappointment of last week was overwhelming. People cheered, waved flags and stood from their seats cheering Chanel on. It gave me goosebumps.

The game itself wasn't perfect, but watching my wife and kids sit there waving their flags, unable to take their eyes off the action was revealing. The action was relentless.

I hate to admit it, but I will. Daisy looked at me and said 'this is more entertaining than rugby eh?'. I asked her why and she replied, 'because it doesn't stop'.

It doesn't stop. It captures your mind for the full 80 minutes. It was hard to disagree. I now understand why the Warriors will always be supported and why rugby league, with its innovation and commitment to entertainment, will continue to grow and be one of the most talked about sports in our country.

They represent everyone. They represent the entire nation and it doesn't matter from what walk of life you come - you are welcomed to Mt Smart. I absolutely love it.

Win or lose, all those Warriors faithful are there and they are happy about it.

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