Being based in Australia won't be an excuse for the New Zealand Warriors in their upcoming season says club chief executive Cameron George, who has written a passionate open letter to fans.
The New Zealand-based Warriors players will depart on Sunday morning to join up with the rest of the squad in Tamworth for another extended stay for the 2021 NRL season.
The squad will complete a pre-season camp in Tamworth before shifting to the Central Coast in New South Wales for the start of their NRL campaign.
One thing the Warriors don't want this year is the sympathy they received in 2020 as the saviours of the league.
"We want all our fans to know that despite the adversity we are again dealing with, we're committed to fronting up and having a crack," Warriors CEO Cameron George says.
"We do so willingly, ready to overcome anything that may be thrown our way.
"We do not want anyone feeling sorry for us and, while it's not a perfect situation, it's what we've been tasked to do in 2021 on behalf of you, our fans, our partners and our families."
With the recent new cases of COVID-19 in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, just when the Warriors will return home or if they will get a home game in 2021 is very much up in the air.
The New Zealand side had planned for a home game at Mount Smart Stadium on April 9 against Manly but that now is very much in doubt with a trans-Tasman bubble looking doubtful.
"It goes without saying that we wish we could be preparing at Mount Smart Stadium for our first game but at this stage it's not to be," George says.
"Starting the 2021 season in Australia isn't what we wanted to do but it's what we have to do.
"This time around, however, we're prepared for what lies ahead and accept that the future still remains very uncertain.
"While emotions and excitement are high at this time, we are committed to a successful campaign while we reside offshore and the club remaining a strong force in the NRL."
With the Australian-based players not given government approval to enter New Zealand, new coach Nathan Brown will be eager to meet the rest of his players and finally be able to put his stamp on the squad.
"Given the ongoing border restrictions, half of the squad haven't yet met each other so it will be great to put faces to names when we arrive in Tamworth tomorrow and form one complete group."
After a 2020 season where the players showed incredible resilience and fortitude, George promises that will continue in 2021.
"So while we're away, please wear your club's colours loud and proud," George says.
"We will show the world how much support our club has and I promise while we're in Australia we will work hard, we will be resilient and, foremost, we will play with pride every time we take the field.
"In our absence, stay strong and stand together. But be ready to rumble with us at Mount Smart when we're able to return home."
The Warriors will start their season with a home game at Central Coast Stadium on March 13 against the Gold Coast Titans.
