NRL: State of Origin loyalties divide NZ Warriors as Aussie interstate series looms

As attention momentarily shifts from the NRL's week-to-week grind, State of Origin rivalry has split the NZ Warriors locker room between those backing New South Wales and others behind Queensland.

The annual interstate showdown, infamously billed 'state v state, mate v mate', traditionally captures the imagination of Kiwis as well, even if it's just to watch Aussies smash the snot out of each other.

Sydney-born Warriors coach Andrew Webster makes no secret of where his loyalties lie.

"Blues... always," he said. "Just win, I don't care how many.

"It's the only time I get to be a fan and not have to analyse a game of footy and just enjoy it for what it is - it's so much fun."

That enjoyment factor has been boosted by the presence of Warriors forward Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad for the opener at Sydney, even if he is unlikely to take the field.

More to come

As attention momentarily shifts from the NRL's week-to-week grind, State of Origin rivalry has split the NZ Warriors locker room between those backing New South Wales and others behind Queensland.

The annual interstate showdown, infamously billed 'state v state, mate v mate', traditionally captures the imagination of Kiwis as well, even if it's just to watch Aussies smash the snot out of each other.

Sydney-born Warriors coach Andrew Webster makes no secret of where his loyalties lie.

"Blues... always," he said. "Just win, I don't care how many.

"It's the only time I get to be a fan and not have to analyse a game of footy and just enjoy it for what it is - it's so much fun."

That enjoyment factor has been boosted by the presence of Warriors forward Mitch Barnett in the NSW squad for the opener at Sydney, even if he is unlikely to take the field.

More to come

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