NRLW Premiership history will be made when the Vodafone Warriors become the first club to stage a standalone match at Mount Smart Stadium on Sunday, September 22 (3.15pm kick-off).
While the Warriors’ opposition is yet to be confirmed, the NRL has announced it will be the first-ever standalone NRLW fixture running separate to the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals.
The announcement caps a momentous week for the Vodafone Warriors following the induction of club greats Stacey Jones and Ruben Wiki into the NRL Hall of Fame.
“We couldn’t be more excited and honoured to host the first standalone NRLW game in history,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“We’re immensely proud being one of the competition’s foundation clubs and to now have our team playing at home for the first time is hugely significant. Our sponsors Flight Centre and SKY Sport are also really looking forward to what is going to be a big day for everyone concerned.
“We’re working really hard to make it an occasion to remember and we encourage our members and fans to come out in force to support the event.”
The NRL has also announced a second standalone NRLW match on Sunday, September 29 when St George Illawarra will play the Sydney Roosters at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney.
The final NRLW draw and venues, including the team the Warriors will play at Mount Smart Stadium, will be released following the end of the NRL’s final regular season round on Sunday, September 8.
“The introduction of two standalone NRLW matches in 2019 is an exciting first for the women’s premiership,” said NRL general manager – women’s elite programme Tiffany Slater.
“Sydney fans can revel in the local derby between the Dragons and Roosters at a ground steeped in rugby league history in Leichhardt Oval while the Warriors reduce their travel demands and play in front of a home crowd for the first time at Mount Smart Stadium.
“The standalone initiative is putting value on the NRLW product and shows our commitment to growing women’s rugby league ensuring it stays at the forefront of women’s sport.”
After finishing third in the inaugural NRLW season, the Warriors will start their second campaign on the weekend of September 14-15, play their second match at Mount Smart Stadium on September 22 and their third and final game will be against Brisbane on September 28 (venue to be confirmed). The grand final will be played at ANZ Stadium on Sunday, October 6.
Tickets will be on sale for the two historic standalone fixtures from Monday, August 19 from NRL.com/tickets with free entry for kids under 15 and adult tickets priced at just $10.
All NRL Women’s Premiership matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport, the Nine Network (NINE/GEM), Fox League and on NRL Live Pass.
