Who Will Close For The New Zealand Warriors In October?

A 9-year-old Ōtane girl is in the running to be named NZ Warriors One Big Fan, the only finalist from Hawke’s Bay.

Wahs-obsessed Leilani Kupa created an attention-grabbing sign to hold up when she and her dad Russell go to Warriors games.

She submitted a photograph of her sign to the one.nz One Big Fan competition and after a series of voting rounds, the Ōtane School student with her “Captain Wahnett” sign is now in the top 11, with a chance to go to see the Warriors play in Sydney.

Russell says Leilani is “Wahsessed with the Warriors” and has influenced the rest of the family to jump on board.

“Although I’ve been a supporter since ‘95 it’s been my daughter that has ignited the fire. My girl has been heavily influenced by her cuzzies and uncle Steve Baker, so much so that she’s taken the plunge to play league for Ōtane this year.