San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, known for his remarkable rise from the final pick in the 2022 NFL draft to his current status as the team's starting quarterback, was unexpectedly questioned about the New Zealand Warriors during preparations for his team’s upcoming game in Melbourne. Purdy, who is entering his fifth season at age 26, offered words of encouragement to the Warriors, who are aiming for their first NRL title this season.
The Warriors are set to face the Dolphins in Auckland on Saturday, and Purdy was asked during a post-training press conference in Melbourne whether he had any advice for the New Zealand rugby league side. Admitting he was unfamiliar with the team, Purdy emphasized the importance of confidence and preparation in overcoming external doubts. “You’ve got to start somewhere,” he said. “If you believe in yourself and trust in your work ethic and the preparation that you put in, you can go win. So, yeah, good luck.”
Purdy and the 49ers have been in Melbourne for several days ahead of their season-opening NFL match against the Los Angeles Rams, a long-standing divisional rivalry that attracts significant attention from fans across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Both teams entered the season with hopes of challenging for the Super Bowl.
The 49ers’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris confirmed the participation of defensive end Nick Bosa for the game, while offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak reported that tight end George Kittle was progressing well in training. Kittle was observed running routes and catching passes during a media-accessible session. San Francisco bolstered its roster in the offseason by acquiring veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, and re-signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
The Rams, led by reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, field a formidable receiving corps featuring Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Defensively, they boast a potentially dominant duo with the return of Aaron Donald, who had initially announced retirement after the 2023 season, alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. The team has also made offseason additions to reinforce their lineup.
Despite the high stakes and the impressive personnel on both sides, Morris urged caution in focusing on the long-term goals. “It’s way too soon to talk about those things,” he said, referring to Super Bowl aspirations. “For us it’s just one day at a time... The season is long. You’ve got to continue to grow every single week and the ideal plan is to get better and better every single week.”
The game in Melbourne marks the beginning of the NFL season in the region and is a key event for the teams and fans alike as they embark on what promises to be a competitive campaign.