GWM Game Day Guide: Round 2

GWM Game Day Guide: All set for Friday night lights

Author: Richard Becht warriors.kiwi
Timestamp: Tue 11 Mar 2025, 01:21 PM

Time to wear the colours loud and proud for the first time in 2025 on Friday night as the One New Zealand Warriors stage their opening home game day of the season at Go Media Stadium.

It coincides nicely with Monday’s 30th anniversary of the club’s trailblazing debut against the Brisbane Broncos on March 10, 1995.

As it happens game day one for 2025 sees the Warriors hosting Manly Warringah, New Zealand’s most popular side in the early 1990s before the Auckland Warriors announced their arrival.

Just as evocative is it’s a Friday night lights experience, just like that unforgettable night 30 years ago.

No war re-enactment scenes this time but there will be plenty of bangers going off with a big fireworks show timed for the halftime break in the NRL contest.

A special feature of the night will be officially farewelling recently-retired captain Tohu Harris and acknowledging his immense contribution in his seven seasons with the club.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 14 Mar

Full Time

Warriors

Sea Eagles

Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Highlights Latest

In a poignant ceremonial moment just before kick-off in the big game, Harris will hand over the Warriors’ hoe (paddle) to his successors Mitchell Barnett and James Fisher-Harris.

Opening night features two games with the NRL fixture preceded by the second-round New South Wales Cup clash between the Warriors and the Sea Eagles with both sides featuring a number of players with NRL experience.

Following the NSW Cup match, it will Persil Junior Footy (6.55pm), time for kids to have some fun.

Another feature will be the opening of the Speight’s Clubrooms offering best-seats-in-the-house right behind the goal posts at the northern end of the ground.

There’ll be fun, activities and ample food and refreshment offerings around the stadium, especially in the GWM Fan Zone just beneath the big screen.