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Warriors making gains against Super Rugby rivals as fans flock to stadium and TV screens to watch stellar start to season

Large crowds and more getting more viewers than a Super Rugby derby are some of the other perks the club is enjoying.

Reaction following the sale of the Warriors to the Carlaw Heritage Rrust and Autex Industries has been largely positive.

The new owners are thrilled to take over after the club made an historical start which not only saw them get a jump on the rest of the NRL, but also against their rival code.

Warriors CEO Cameron George spent Day One under new ownership handing out a pile of free Warriors tickets out on the streets for this weekend’s game against the Tigers with the goal to "fill up the stadium".

It shouldn't be a problem after more than 18,000 turned up to their last home game.

And while it might come as a shock to many, the win against the Dragons drew a bigger TV audience than a local Super Rugby derby between the Blues and Highlanders, played at the same time up the road at Eden Park.

Former Kiwi league star turned commentator Monty Betham says that sort of win in the ratings is unheard of in New Zealand.

"I can't think of any other time this has probably happened," he said.

"The rugby league at the moment, when the Warriors have given so much and you expect and you enjoy watching the way they play, they're just the team that you're picking."

It's results like that which could land George the final spot on the new Warriors board. The other five members have been confirmed with only a board structure yet to be decided on.

"It's important that everyone across the board, regardless of who you are and what you are in the organisation, you work hard and you get the results we all expect," George said.

After being a key advisor of the new owners, it's been said former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe will be part of the new-look Warriors management.

An idea that's been opposed by some, but he isn't losing sleep over it.

"I suppose I'm fortunate that I've had a wide range of experience whereas some might say I’m an old wrinkly 'what do you want him there for' so it doesn't bother me one way or another," he said.

"But I'm certainly there to offer my help in any way I can."

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