Warriors fans are at fever pitch. Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
NZ Warriors will create history, when they host North Queensland Cowboys at Christchurch's new indoor stadium, which opens next year.
The Warriors' other landmark home fixture outside Auckland will see them host the Dolphins on Anzac Day in Wellington.
The Warriors' opponents for the two big games were confirmed on Friday, with the release of the 2026 National Rugby League draw - the club's 32nd season in the competition.
After hosting Canberra and Newcastle in the first two years of their partnership with Christchurch, the Warriors will create history with the first NRL match in the city's One New Zealand Stadium.
Following home-based Anzac Day fixtures against Gold Coast Titans in Auckland in 2024 and the Knights in Christchurch this year, the Warriors take the occasion to the capital's Sky Stadium.
The Warriors launch their season with back-to-back Friday night home games against top eight opponents at Go Media Stadium, the first against the Sydney Roosters on 6 March and the second against NRL minor premiers Canberra Raiders on 13 March.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said they were excited to build on three seasons of outstanding fan support.
"This is a great chance for us all to get together again, pack the place out and give the team the best possible start to the year.
"We're especially excited about playing the Dolphins on such an important day in our first Anzac Day match in Wellington and the first NRL game at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone."
After three years of sustained sellout crowds in New Zealand, more are anticipated, as the Warriors head into a campaign that brings some of the NRL's leading sides to Go Media Stadium.
As well as the Roosters and the Raiders in the opening two rounds, the Warriors host Cronulla Sharks and Penrith Panthers in Auckland.
The draw has handed the Warriors a challenging opening phase to the season, as they take on four of 2025's top eight sides in the opening four rounds, with back-to-back away trips to meet the Sharks and then Melbourne Storm.
Home start for Warriors women
A round one standalone home game in Hamilton is a key feature of the NZ Warriors' draw for the 2026 NRLW season.
The schedule sees the Warriors kickstarting their season on 5 July against Canterbury Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato, the team's home away from home.
In three visits to the venue, the Warriors attracted the biggest crowds seen for standalone NRLW games, peaking with more than 7000 for their encounter with ultimate premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos.
The Warriors women will play three matches at Auckland's Go Media Stadium.
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