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 suffering a calf injury in the stands at BlueBet Stadium, it was always going to be a tough task against the minor premiers.

Nathan Cleary was virtually untouchable as the hosts raced into a 20-0 lead at half-time – and ruthless Warriors supporters torched their team on social media.

“Looks like it’s time for the band to run out and for the faithful to stay….#UpTheWahs,” one fan tweeted.

Another posted sharply: ‘Looks like they’ll be NZ Worriers next week.’

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

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

In the run-up to the game, interest in the Warriors at home was at an all-time high.

‘Up the Wahs’ has become a worldwide slogan as their fans dared to dream of a first premiership.

While Penrith looked headed to yet another NRL preliminary round final, Warriors fans can take comfort in the fact that their season is not over yet.

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

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

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

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