After a breakthrough campaign under rookie head coach Andrew Webster, NZ Warriors have been urged to "embrace the expectation", as they prepare to open their 2024 campaign against Cronulla Sharks at Go Media Stadium.
In front of a rabid fanbase, the Auckland side have sold out their homeground for a season-opener for the first time since the 1990s, an indication of the newfound hope for another playoff run.
"I think there's been a little more of that for this season on the back of last year, but I think wherever you sit in the competition, there's pressure and expectation at this level," assistant coach Richard Agar told Newshub.
"It's something we're looking forward to, and we want to really embrace it and keep walking towards it. If there's that level of pressure on us and expectation, it means we're doing something right and heading in the right direction.
"I'm not sensing any aprehension among the boys, just pure excitement and anticipation, and they're really pleased that pre-season is over."
Watch the video for full interview and join Newshub at 8pm for live updates of the Warriors v Charks NRL clash
