NRL: Grand final rematch to open Warriors campaign

The Warriors' first games scheduled for Mount Smart Stadium will come on successive weekends. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors will open next year's NRL premiership campaign at Eden Park against Manly in a grand final rematch.

After losing 24-10 to the Sea Eagles in the 2011 decider, the NRL has confirmed the grand finalists will provide one of the feature attractions of the first round from March 1-5. The precise date for the 'Get Even at Eden' match has yet to be set.

Chief executive Wayne Scurrah says the inaugural visit to Eden Park broke tradition and their home crowd record. In the corresponding fixture last season against Parramatta, the Warriors attracted a crowd of more than 38,000.

"With a re-match against Manly, we couldn't hope for a better match-up to start the season," Scurrah said. "The Rugby World Cup showcased Eden Park as the country's biggest and best venue and we're looking forward to Warriors members visiting again, too."

After opening their season against the Sea Eagles, the Warriors play away against Stephen Kearney's Parramatta who are bolstered by a number of signings including former South Sydney halfback Chris Sandow.

The Warriors' first games scheduled for Mount Smart Stadium come on successive weekends hosting Canterbury Bulldogs (March 16-19) and the Gold Coast Titans (March 23-26). April 20-22 has been scheduled for the Anzac test.

The Warriors will face former coach Ivan Cleary's Penrith side twice, the first away in round 14 (June 8-11) and the second at home in round 24 (August 17-20). The six teams they encounter only once are Parramatta (away), Canterbury (home) and South Sydney (home) plus 2011 top eight sides Wests Tigers (away), Newcastle (home) and St George Illawarra (away).

Wayne Bennett's Newcastle open the competition against his former team St George Illawarra on March 1.