NRL 2019: Warriors and Sea Eagles to wear 'They Are Us' jerseys

  • 29/03/2019

The Warriors and Manly Sea Eagles will wear the hashtag #TheyAreUs on their jerseys for Saturday's NRL match in Christchurch.

The hashtag came about after New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern used the words after the shooting attacks at two mosques in Christchurch that resulted in 50 deaths earlier this month.

The two NRL sides will square off at AMI Stadium in the first major sporting event to take place in the Garden City since the terror attack two weeks ago. 

The hashtag will appear on the back of the Warriors jersey below the player numbers, while it will sit under the Sea Eagles crest on the Manly jerseys.

Warriors CEO Cameron George said the team would continue to wear the hashtag on their jerseys for the rest of 2019 when they play at home as a mark of respect

"Like everyone, we were devastated with what happened a fortnight ago, and we wanted to come up with a way to honour those who lost their lives," George said.

"The new material on our jersey meant we couldn't put the hashtag on our chest under our logo. We weren't going to let that stop us, though, and were determined to do something lasting and meaningful.

"For us, it's a real privilege to be playing a game in Christchurch - a city that has been through so much.

"Our community team and injured players have been on the ground since Wednesday, and I know [coach] Stephen Kearney and the boys are determined to get down there and put in a fitting performance on Saturday for the locals who have been through so much."

Before kick-off on Saturday, both teams will take the field together and join arms in a circle to observe a minute's silence.

Sea Eagles CEO Lyall Gorman said the club was proud to have the hashtag on their jerseys.

"What happened in Christchurch was beyond belief, and our thoughts and prayers have been with the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and those who are still undergoing medical treatment,'' Gorman said.

"The people of Christchurch warmly embraced our club during our visit last year, and we were incredibly humbled and honoured by it.

"In this time of real sadness, this is an opportunity for us to again be amongst the people of Christchurch and hopefully make some small contribution and difference to a healing process that is extraordinary in its nature.

"For us, it is about being humble and respectful and working with the city's leaders to see how we can support this wonderful community in their greatest time of need.

"The power of sport can actually bring people together, give them a reason to celebrate, give them something to look forward to, build hope for a brighter future as well as honour the recent tragic events.

"I truly believe that sport can play a significant role in the healing process. It is one of the great outlets that inspires and unites communities in good times and bad. Hopefully, Saturday's game will be a part of that process."

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