GWM Game Day Guide: Friday night footy's back

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Wed 30 Jul 2025, 06:59 AM

Friday night footy returns with the first of three straight under-the-lights games when the One New Zealand Warriors host the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium this Friday (8.00pm kick-off; match day sponsor: Gatorade).

There’s nothing like a huge and passionate crowd pumping up the atmosphere beneath the lights and night sky at home.

This round 22 encounter is followed by the last two home games of the season against the St George Illawarra Dragons on August 15 and the Parramatta Eels on August 29.

But first it’s the Dolphins, one of the hottest attacking sides in the competition coming to Auckland sitting eighth.

The Warriors, still fourth despite last Saturday’s setback against the Gold Coast Titans, will be desperate to rebound in front of members and fans.

When the two teams met at Suncorp Stadium in May, the Warriors withstood a late Dolphins fightback to win 16-12.

Ahead of the main game there’s a look into the future with the Auckland Rugby League’s under-15 grand final between the Hawks Boys (Mangere East) and the Westside Bears (Glenora). With gates opening at 5.30pm, that game kicks off at 5.40pm.

There’ll also be the usual excitement generated by Persil Junior Footy at 7.05pm as well as a halftime entertainment package presented by match day sponsor Gatorade.

Best advice for Friday night footy is to be at the ground early.