NRL: Warriors to play home game in Hamilton next season

Ben Matulino charges forward during the 2014 NRL match between the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the New Zealand Warriors at Waikato Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

Hamilton's FMG Stadium Waikato is set to host a Warriors home game for the first time next NRL season.

While the opposition, date and kick-off time won't be known until the full NRL draw is released tomorrow, Warriors managing director Jim Doyle said agreement had been reached with H3 (Hamilton City Council's event facilities division) to use Waikato's main stadium for the club's one scheduled game away from Mount Smart Stadium next year.

Hamilton has previously staged three NRL fixtures involving the Warriors but they were 'away' games brought to the city by the Parramatta Eels (2005 and 2006) and the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2014).

"It's fantastic that we're able to make Hamilton a home venue for the first time," said Doyle.

"It's a terrific stadium and it has the advantage of being so close to Auckland for so many of our members and fans.

"The Vodafone Warriors have long-standing links with the Waikato region through so many players including club greats like Lance Hohaia, Sam Rapira and Wairangi Koopu.

"In the last few years we've taken home games to Wellington and Taranaki. Now it's Waikato's turn and we'd urge people from the region as well as Thames Valley, Bay of Plenty, South Waikato, King Country and Taupo to make the match a huge success."
Sean Murray, Hamilton City Council's general manager of venues, tourism and major events, said there was already a huge sense of anticipation.

"We're excited to be hosting the Vodafone Warriors for a NRL match at FMG Stadium Waikato," he said.

"Our region has a very passionate rugby league community and over the years has produced many top players in the sport.

"I'm sure fans will get behind this match and take the opportunity to cheer on the Vodafone Warriors as they compete right here in Hamilton."

The Hamilton fixture will be the 11th NRL home game the Warriors have played away from Mount Smart Stadium since their first in 2011. There have been six at Eden Park, three at Westpac Stadium and one at Yarrow Stadium.

The Warriors are familiar with FMG Stadium Waikato having played NRL trials there as well as three NRL 'away' games.