There is a Warriors bandwagon rolling through Sydney, and for once that phrase is entirely literal. GWM has confirmed its Cannon Alpha PHEV is the vehicle behind the stunt, towing a purpose-built trailer decked out in New Zealand Warriors colours as the 2026 NRL Finals get under way.
What the Bandwagon Actually Is
The trailer is roadworthy and fitted with integrated lighting and a sound system. When parked, both run off the Cannon Alpha PHEV’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which draws power directly from the plug-in hybrid’s battery. The ute also brings up to 3.5 tonnes of towing capacity to the task, more than enough for a bandwagon full of freshly converted Warriors supporters.
The setup is a reasonable showcase of what V2L can do in a practical, if theatrical, context. Rather than a demonstration in a car park, GWM is using the technology in public, on the move, in front of a large and engaged audience.
Sydney Suburbs, Rival Turf
Before GWM confirmed its involvement, the bandwagon had already been making unannounced appearances across Sydney. It rolled through the heartlands of the St George Illawarra Dragons, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, and Parramatta Eels, all clubs eliminated from the finals. The message was pointed: if your team is out, there is still a bandwagon with room on it.
NRL figures Justin Horo and Willie Mason are both involved as public faces of the campaign. Horo, who played for Manly and Parramatta, cited his father’s connection to the Warriors as his reason for backing them. Mason, a former Bulldog, noted that Canterbury’s elimination made the choice straightforward.
Partnership in Context
GWM is an official partner of the One New Zealand Warriors, and this activation extends that relationship into the finals series. Warriors CEO Cameron George described the bandwagon supporters as an important part of the club’s broader community, and welcomed GWM’s approach to fan engagement.
For GWM, the timing is useful. The Cannon Alpha PHEV is a relatively new entrant in the competitive ute segment, and a high-visibility stunt during one of rugby league’s biggest moments gives the brand a platform that straightforward advertising rarely matches.
The bandwagon will continue to follow the Warriors throughout the finals. GWM is directing fans to its social channels to track its progress which, depending on how far the Wahs go, could keep the Cannon Alpha PHEV in the spotlight well into October.
