The Warriors have made the difficult decision to delay their long-awaited NRL homecoming due to the New Zealand government’s travel restrictions.
Warriors CEO Cameron George announced on Friday the club had no option but to move its much-anticipated round-15 match against premiers Penrith which was scheduled for Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on June 18.
Having set up camp in Australia for the past two seasons because of COVID-19 border restrictions, it would’ve been the Kiwi club’s first NRL game on home soil in 1023 days.
George said the club was “completely devastated” by the cancellation but stressed that it wouldn’t be fair to ask rival teams to isolate for seven days on arriving in New Zealand.
The Warriors are desperate to go ahead with four other games scheduled in New Zealand from July onwards but George believes it won’t be feasible unless their opponents can skip isolation.
“While the (NZ) Government can speculate all it likes about these timings, it has, however, been proven over and over that there’s no place for guesswork in navigating this pandemic,” he said.
“We remain desperate to bring the team home to play at Mt Smart but it’s not possible to do so in June with the obstacles this Government has put in place. We’ve been forced into a corner.
“All we can do is work with the facts and the fact is it’s impossible to expect NRL teams to isolate for seven days after arriving in New Zealand.
“Penrith, for example, plays the previous Sunday so it can’t even do the seven days before our game.”
The Panthers clash is expected to be moved to Redcliffe in south east Queensland, where the Warriors are based this season.
It’s hoped that Wests Tigers, Melbourne, Canterbury and Gold Coast can still play their scheduled matches across the Tasman.
“Hopeful is all we can be. July is meant to be the next step towards reconnecting the world to New Zealand but no one can be certain that will work out,” George said.
At work
Roar Rookie
That's so rough for the Warriors, and any NZ based team playing in an Aus comp for that matter. The NZ govt are a complete joke :angry:
Paul
Roar Guru
that's fair enough. I think someone suggested having a magic round over in New Zealand. That could be a good option.
Greg
Roar Pro
I both agree and disagree with both you and Adam. A whole season of home games may be justified but it does somewhat reduce the fairness of that year's competition. More importantly though, i doubt a game on every week would result in good crowds. How many supporters can realistically, financially or have tge desire to attend a game every week. Id like the compromise of all their away games bring in NZ but outside Auckland. Would have the added bonuses of assessing if there may be a market for a 2nd NZ team. Also, no to an Origin or GF there but yes to the All Stars and test series there.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Maybe integrity was the wrong word, but I feel there are better ways to thank the club than gifting them an entire season of games in front of their home fans, it may give them an unfair advantage in one of the closes competitions in the world. I accept they have sacrificed more than any other team but I think there are better ways to say thanks. I think they should organise the GF for NZ this year if possible or next year or maybe open the season next year in NZ
RayinSydney
Roar Rookie
Has the integrity of the competition been impacted by the Warriors playing all their games for the past two seasons as away games??…or have just the Warriors been impacted?
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
They love live events and novelty would be a factor by then novelty does tend to wear off.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
I wasn’t the one to bring up Queenstown, but I imagine there’d be a market for a well-marketed game.
Paul
Roar Guru
No, but it's a way for the League to say thanks to the Warriors and at the same time, try and spread the game a little. Not sure how much spreading could be done with some of those rusted on Union supporters down there. They really love their code. :happy:
Paul
Roar Guru
How do you see the integrity of the game being impacted if the Warriors have a season of home games, Adam? After all they played a couple of seasons of away games. Not having a go, just keen to understand your point.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
You think they love league that much down there?
ROARHIDE !
Guest
Maybe a version of the Magic Round that we have in Brisbane. 4 games in Auckland. 2 games in Wellington. 2 games in Christchurch.
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
OKI Jubilee never really sat with me
Phil
Roar Rookie
It's still called the ISC by some. Old habits die hard.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
The Knights' home ground was first known as the Newcastle International Sports Centre. No wonder Marathon Tyres' sponsorship was received positively.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Can't think of many other weird ones - Lottoland seemed ridiculous and I could never get used to Net Strata Jubilee. Loved the old English grounds like Thrum Hall, Wilderspool and Mount Pleasant. My favourite is Alavés' Mendizorrotza (Steep Mountain).
Redcap
Roar Guru
Are they playing on the cricket ground at Queenstown?
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
This is an idea for 2023.
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
True, but you could return the Sunday Origin for one season and play in at 7:30 NZ / 5:30 East Coast Australia time.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Eden Park residents not likely to stand for a 9.30pm (NZT) Origin kick-off.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Queenstown is hosting NZ Super Rugby games in a bubble so that is out.