Knights' Kiwi players vow to spite family fans in Warriors semi-final showdown

Newcastle Knights players with New Zealand heritage, including Greg Marzhew, Phoenix Crossland, Francis Manuleleua and Pasami Saulo, are determined to defeat the Warriors in the upcoming semi-final at Eden Park, even if it means letting their own supporters down. Marzhew said his siblings and friends back the Warriors, while Crossland expects his family to hope he scores tries yet still wants the Knights to win. Kalyn Ponga publicly chose the Warriors as the side he most wants to lose.

The game comes after a rapid sell-out at the 46,000-seat venue, underscoring the Warriors' resurgence and fueling talk of a second New Zealand NRL club. Manuleleua, recently injured, aims to play the full match to help his team. The Knights previously lost the encounter after an early send-off, and both sides will be missing several key players.