FMG Stadium Waikato’s standing as the One New Zealand Warriors’ second busiest home venue has been underlined with confirmation today that the club will take another NRL preseason clash to Hamilton next February.
While the opposition, date and time of the match is yet to be confirmed, the agreement further enhances the strong connection developed between the One New Zealand Warriors and Hamilton.
The announcement comes as the Warriors prepare to travel to Hamilton for their round six NRLW clash against the Newcastle Knights on Saturday, the fifth time the club’s women’s side has played at FMG Stadium Waikato in the last two seasons.
The previous games attracted the four biggest crowds for standalone matches in the NRLW’s history peaking with an attendance of 7195 for the encounter with the Brisbane Broncos last September.
The Warriors’ last Preseason Challenge clash in Hamilton against the Melbourne Storm last February drew a crowd of 23,344, the second biggest attendance in history for an NRL trial game.
“We feel so much at home in Hamilton where the fans really get in behind us every time we play there,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“FMG Stadium Waikato is a terrific venue for rugby league, one our players love to play at.
“Our NRLW team has really built a following in the region while our New South Wales Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup teams have also played there this season.
“We’re thrilled to build our relationship with Hamilton, the stadium and the entire region.”
Match: Warriors v Knights
Round 6 -
home Team
Warriors
5th Position
away Team
Knights
4th Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
H3 director Ben Slatter said the NRL Preseason Challenge match would further enhance the growing reputation Hamilton has as a sporting destination.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the One New Zealand Warriors back to Hamilton,” he said.
“The Warriors have a strong following across the Waikato, and this match will be a great opportunity for fans to come together and get behind their team before the season begins. “Events like this bring energy to our city, attract visitors and showcase Hamilton as a destination for major sporting occasions.
“We’re looking forward to working alongside the club to deliver a fantastic experience for supporters and the wider community.”
FMG Stadium Waikato has hosted three other major rugby league occasions in the last four seasons.
It was packed with a sell-out crowd of 25,118 when the Warriors beat the ‘home’ side Wests Tigers 30-22 in August 2023 while three months later the Kiwis pulled off a 30-0 upset win over the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships final.
And in February this year the stadium staged the annual clash between the Māori All Stars and the Indigenous All Stars.
In earlier visits to Hamilton, the Warriors were the away team against Parramatta in 2005 and 2006 as well as Canterbury Bankstown in 2014 while they brought their home game against St George Illawarra to FMG Stadium Waikato in 2017.
The 2023 Preseason Challenge match was the second time the Warriors and Melbourne had met in a build-up match in Hamilton.
The first was in 2009 soon after the devastating loss of the exciting and popular Sonny Fai, who disappeared at Bethells Beach on January 4.
The venue was drenched by a drought-breaking deluge on the night of February 12, 2009, as Stacey Jones made his first appearance for the Warriors in his final comeback season. They won the game 24-12.
The Warriors have also played trials in Hamilton against Wigan (2014), Penrith (2013), St George Illawarra (2004) and a local invitation side (1999).
More information regarding event ticketing and hospitality will be released as it becomes available. Please go to www.fmgstadiumwaikato.co.nz for venue information and to lodge any expressions of interest relating to the 2027 NRL Preseason Challenge.
