Warriors confirm delay to homecoming game

The Warriors' highly-anticipated return across the Tasman for their first home game in close to three years has hit an unfortunate snag, with latest New Zealand government restrictions forcing a cancellation on their planned homecoming.

Having not played a home game in New Zealand since Round 24 of the 2019 season, the Warriors were scheduled to make their return to Mount Smart Stadium on June 18 this year with a Round 15 clash against defending premiers Penrith.

Instead, that fixture will also now be played Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe, which will host the majority of Warriors home games to start the 2022 season.

Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed the news on Friday, saying the club are still confident of returning home in 2022.

“We remain desperate to bring the team home to play at Mount Smart but it’s not possible to do so in June with the obstacles this Government has put in place," George said. 

"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.

“Throughout this pandemic we have consistently made decisions based on facts.

“While we’ve wanted to come home, our priority has been to ensure we have stability for our players and families while also doing what’s best for the competition.”

The Warriors' 2022 campaign will begin with trial matches against Melbourne on February 19 and Gold Coast on February 26 before the taking on St George Illawarra at Sunshine Coast Stadium on March 12.