The NZ Warriors have launched a special Tamworth membership to thank the rural community for hosting the team during their isolation period ahead of the NRL resumption.
Tamworth - located over 400km north of Sydney in New South Wales - has become the Warriors 'adopted home' for the next two week as they continue preparations for the restart of the 2020 NRL season on May 28.
Last Sunday, the Warriors flew out to Tamworth after receiving the green light by the Australian Border Force to travel to Australia despite the global coronavirus pandemic.
Tamworth officials had to change the local airport to be suitable for an international flight while they have set up numerous facilities for the players to ensure they are kept away from the public.
To say thanks, the Warriors have offered locals a free membership, available to anyone who lives in the city and registered users will receive newsletters on the Warriors' campaign and discounts on club merchandise.
One lucky person will also win a free zoom call with the entire team.
So far there are over 200 members.
On top of that, the Tamworth postcode 2340 is being embroidered on the Warriors' playing jersey as a way of thanking the community.
The Warriors have been impressed by the high standard of the facilities and training venue of Scully Park, which includes a basketball court set up in the car park.
The Warriors were due to leave the city next Sunday, but have opted to extend their stay until March 21 after hooker Nathaniel Roache joined the team on Thursday. Roache wasn't on the initial flight to Australia after waking up feeling unwell.
Outside back David Fusitu'a is the only Warriors squad member not in Tamworth, having asked to remain in Auckland for personal reasons.
Fusitu'a isn't expected to travel for about a week, meaning he'll undergo self- isolation and will miss at least the first game, and potentially more depending on his fitness.
The NRL is set to release their updated schedule next week.
