Daniel Anderson is less concerned about the reception he'll receive than the task facing his Parramatta side when he returns to Mt Smart Stadium after nearly five years away from the National Rugby League (NRL).
By a quirk of the draw, Anderson's first match as coach of the Eels takes him to his old home base, from where he guided the Warriors to their only grand final appearance in 2002.
After a successful stint with British club St Helens, including three successive Challenge Cup victories, Anderson is happily ensconced back in Sydney's west for a new challenge to haul up a proud club after an awful 2008.
Stage one is a daunting return to Auckland. He and his Eels won't slip into enemy territory until tonight, 24 hours before kickoff, and Anderson is braced for when he walks to the opposition coach's box for the first time since he quit the club in June 2004.
"They're parochial, Warriors fans, but that was one of the best things about coaching them was the home-ground atmosphere and how one-eyed it was. I don't expect it to be any less than that," Anderson said.
"There will be some sincere remarks and plenty of banter, but in the end they're all Warriors supporters."
Anderson recalls his time in Auckland, which included a stint as Kiwis coach, as "a fantastic experience", and a return excites him. It will include a catch-up with some mates from his Warriors days including Peter Leitch, the Mad Butcher.
But, Anderson says, it's all about business. The business of banking two competition points, and toppling a side tipped as one of the top NRL contenders at one of the toughest venues for Australian visitors.
Asked if he was happy to face the Warriors in round one, Anderson offered a flat "no".
"I don't know if there's any good time to strike them. In round one everyone's pumped up and there's no real injuries, and most clubs have settled teams.
"It's a very difficult assignment, in round one. But we're not without hope, and I'm sure the Warriors have a good deal of respect for us, as we do them."
Anderson won't go so far as to tip the Warriors as competition heavyweights. He operates on a six-week assessment period for all clubs to gauge their title chances.
So far, his own charges are progressing solidly.
The Eels have no star recruits but return with the core of last year's side who had the talent but went missing in action so often.
Victorious Kiwis World Cup captain Nathan Cayless is back to lead the Eels, while their most notable selection is the shift of State of Origin winger Jarryd Hayne to five-eighth.
Anderson thinks Hayne can be a "huge factor" for the Eels if he warms to the five-eighth role, and admitted he was cautiously optimistic of their early season chances.
"Our trial period was particularly encouraging, with commitment and attitude. There weren't too many negatives."
And of the trip to Auckland? There's a host of Eels players with Kiwi connections; Cayless, Krisnan Inu, Weller Hauraki, Fuifui Moimoi and former Warrior Joe Galuvao among them.
"They're chomping at the bit. I've got a pretty big contingent of Kiwis in my team as well. I asked the boys how many tickets they wanted and they were talking about a bay's worth."
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/2257998/Anderson-braced-for-not-so-warm-Warriors-welcome
