RUGBY LEAGUE –
New Zealand Vodafone Warriors CEO, Cameron George has confirmed that the Rugby League Club will remain in Australia until at least June 21, with Central Coast Stadium set to be the team’s home ground in that time.
The decision means that the Warriors will be playing a minimum of seven of their 12 home games in Australia, starting with their clash against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday, March 13.
This game will be followed by matches against the Newcastle Knights on March 19, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on April 9, North Queensland Cowboys on May 2, Parramatta Eels on May 16, Wests Tigers on May 21 and Melbourne Storm June 13.
Six of these games will be played at Central Coast Stadium while the match against the Eels will be staged at Suncorp Stadium as part of the NRL’s Magic Round.
“It was our hope initially that we would be able to return home for our April 9 match against Manly Warringah but the resurgence in Covid-19 transmissions in New Zealand leaves us with no option but to extend our stay,” said George.
“Indications are the introduction of any Trans-Tasman bubble will happen later than originally hoped.
“On that basis, we’ve had discussions with the NRL and our players and staff about delaying our return to ensure we have some continuity for the first 15 rounds of the competition.
“We thank our members, fans and sponsors for their support, understanding and patience through these challenging times while we’ve been preparing for the 2021 season at our home away from home on the Central Coast.
“Clearly this hasn’t been the outcome we wanted, particularly after being away from home for the entire 2020 season, but I hope our determination to front up for our fans, our partners, and our country gives everyone cause to be proud of the club and excited to be part of another premiership challenge.
“When it’s safe to do so, we look forward to sharing the biggest homecoming party with everyone at Mount Smart Stadium but for now the players and staff are focused on the opening round of the season against Gold Coast on Saturday week.”
The Vodafone Warriors plan to travel to Auckland on June 21 following their 15th-round away clash against the Newcastle Knights on June 19.
There is then a break in the NRL schedule for State of Origin’s standalone second match at Suncorp Stadium on June 27, giving the Vodafone Warriors time to relocate to Auckland.
In the meantime, the team prepare for their Round One match against the Titans to be played at Central Coast Stadium this Saturday.
Source:
Media Release, Mar 6
Richard Brecht, Vodafone Warriors.