The Central Coast will officially be home to the New Zealand Warriors for the resumption of the 2020 NRL season.
Prior to touching down in Tamworth for their initial quarantine period, Warriors CEO, Cameron George, identified the Coast as an ideal place for the Warriors to setup a home base, and on May 11, Central Coast Council confirmed that a deal had been struck that will see the Warriors train at Central Coast Stadium.
It’s understood that they’ll be staying at Terrigal during their time here and are due to arrive from May 20.
Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy, said council had been working behind the scenes with the New Zealand Warriors to make this happen.
“Council has had a long positive relationship with the NRL.
“Hosting the New Zealand Warriors is recognition of council management of Central Coast Stadium as a high-quality venue delivering for professional sporting codes from its ideal location just outside Sydney,” Murphy said.
“The Stadium is in the best shape it has ever been, with council recently investing in major upgrades, including new seating, change rooms, corporate facilities, accessible amenities, large outdoor screens and sound systems.
“Stadium staff are following all operational guidelines and working closely with the NRL to ensure that there is no health risk to the community.
Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said the announcement offered significant benefits for the local economy.
“The decision to support the New Zealand Warriors’ training sessions will help to restimulate local employment across many skill sectors,” Mayor Matthews said.
Cameron George said the club hugely appreciates the support from Council and the community.
“Our players and staff are so excited knowing that the Central Coast will be their home away from home as they count down to the resumption of the 2020 season,” he said.
“[The stadium] is a terrific facility with a fantastic surface, which was a critical requirement to ensure that our team is as well prepared as possible each and every week of the campaign ahead.
“A huge vote of thanks goes out to Mayor Matthews, the council and the Central Coast community for doing so much to support us and for making us feel so welcome,” he said.
Source:
Press release, May 11
Central Coast Council Media