Frustrated New Zealand fans jump off the Warriors bandwagon at HALFTIME as Penrith Panthers flex their NRL premiership muscles

Frustrated New Zealand fans brutally turned on their own team after the Panthers flexed their premiership muscles in the first half of the NRL Qualifying Final on Saturday.

With star halfback Shaun Johnson nursing a calf injury in the grandstand at BlueBet Stadium, it was always going to be a tough ask against the minor premiers.

Nathan Cleary was virtually untouchable as the hosts raced to a 20-0 lead at the break – and unforgiving Warriors supporters torched their team on social media.

‘Looks like it’s time for the bandwagon to empty and the faithful to remain….#UpTheWahs,’ one fan tweeted.

Another harshly posted: ‘Looks like they gonna be NZ Worriers next week.’

Nathan Cleary was virtually untouchable as the hosts raced to a 20-0 lead at the break – and Warriors supporters torched their team on social media

A third fan spoke for many when they said: ‘Someone call the Wah-mbulance, Panthers are savaging us.’

Leading into the clash, interest in the Warriors at home was at an all-time high.

‘Up the Wahs’ has become a global catch cry, as their fans dared to dream of a maiden premiership.

While Penrith appeared to be marching towards yet another NRL Preliminary Final, Warriors fans can be comforted by the fact their season isn’t over.

After finishing in the NRL top four, they get two bites at the cherry in the finals series.

Andrew Webster’s men will host either the Knights or Raiders next weekend – and Johnson will be every opportunity to prove his fitness.

The halfback, 33, has been in scintillating form this season and is one of the favourites to win the Dally M Medal. 

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