If the level of regard the Warriors have for Tamworth was represented in their game play on Saturday, the country music capital has earned a loyal team.
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The game has been touted as a "meaningful tribute" by the New Zealand side, who showed their appreciation in style by serving up the Newcastle Knights their first defeat on Scully Park turf.
It was the first major event in Tamworth, and the first regional NRL game of its kind, since COVID-19 restrictions were implemented.
Wests' CEO Rod Laing said they've nailed the 'blueprint' for organising a successful game in the pandemic, a standard setting the bar for future events across the country.
Everyone was prepared for a level of complacency from the crowd in relation to health and safety precautions, but he was "blown away" by the spectators' behaviour.
"Especially considering that we haven't had the positive case for over four months in Tamworth ... but they were just very respectable, well behaved," Mr Laing credited the group.
A fair chunk of the crowd was made up of families, who were treated to the "most beautiful" clear, sunny and warm day.
"[The Warriors] had an unbelievable victory over the Knights, who have been unbeaten on our ground prior to yesterday," Mr Laing noted.
I believe we also now have the blueprint for other regional cities looking at hosting other trials and premiership games next year.
- Rod Laing
And if the feedback he's received already is anything to go by, the town can expect to see a lot more where that came from.
He tells the Leader he's already in discussions with two other major NRL teams, with the Warriors steadfastly remaining dedicated to strengthening their ties here.
"I believe we also now have the blueprint for other regional cities looking at hosting other trials and premiership games next year," Mr Laing explained.
"It wasn't easy, but the key to the safety of the event is that the majority of spectators were all from our local city."
Mayor Col Murray said the game had "fantastic results all round".
It was also a great morale boost, being able to watch a high quality game in town was a great thing to be able to do.
- Mayor Col Murray
"It was great for the Warriors, as it was really a meaningful tribute to, I guess, demonstrate their appreciation of what Tamworth offered them in terms of their entry into Australia and the NRL competition this year," he said.
The limited number of almost 1900 tickets for locals only sold out during the NRL and Wests members only sale.
But the financial boost cannot compare to what a 10,000 strong crowd would've brought in without restrictions.
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There is no doubt, however, the game certainly sky-rocketed Tamworth's profile, with amazing exposure not just nationally but internationally as well.
"It was also a great morale boost, being able to watch a high quality game in town was a great thing to be able to do," Cr Murray said.
Thanking his entire team from ground staff up, Mr Laing attributed the success as a combined result with the NSW State Government, Tamworth Regional Council, the NRL and local sponsors and suppliers.
