Sports reporter
TE TEKO will be cheering more than most when the Kiwis versus Kangaroos match kicks off in Christchurch on Sunday.
Their very own William Warbrick, who is in his third season of rugby league, having transferred following the 2021 Olympics, has been named to debut for the Kiwis on the wing.
It caps off what has been a standout year for the 26-year-old, who prior to going to league looked destined for a big career in rugby with either the seven-man game or the 15-a-side format.
When he steps out onto the field this weekend, Warbrick, who had a standout season with the Melbourne Storm, will be representing his third New Zealand side, having played for the All Black sevens team and the New Zealand AFL team when he was younger.
Warbrick grew up in the Eastern Bay and when he wasn’t donning the black of New Zealand overseas with the rugby sevens team, he was lacing up with Te Teko in the local Eastern Bay competition.
It is a massive win for the club and shows you can come from anywhere to make the big time.
“You don’t have to be from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, you just have to back yourself, much like he has done every time he’s had the ball this season.
Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Warbrick said he was honoured to get this opportunity and for his family to be part of it.
“It’s more than what I could have ever imagined, being on the brink of representing my country. I am just really humbled and grateful to be here.
“My immediate family, my mum, dad and sister, have always believed in me. They’ve shown me support and love and belief in me from a young age. When I probably didn’t have that belief in myself, they never lost it.
“I am just grateful for them to be a part of all this and for them to experience all this is probably the most rewarding feeling for me.”
Warbrick will mark up against New South Wales and St George Illawarra winger Zac Lomax.
Kick off for the clash is 4pm on Sunday.