A partnership between FMG Stadium Waikato and the One New Zealand Warriors has opened the way for the club to play three stand-alone NRLW matches in Hamilton this season.
The deal follows another landmark rugby league+ occasion at the stadium on Saturday when a crowd 23,344 – a record for a Warriors trial match – attended the club’s final Preseason Challenge clash against the Melbourne Storm.
In their return to the competition after a five-year absence the Warriors will make FMG Stadium Waikato their base for the last three of their five regular season home games.
The first is their round seven fixture against the Canberra Raiders on Saturday, August 16 followed a week later by their eighth-round contest against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on Sunday, August 24, and the round 10 encounter with the powerful Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, September 7.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to form this partnership with FMG Stadium Waikato,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s a huge opportunity to put the spotlight on NRLW side and the game as a whole at a time when women’s playing numbers are booming in New Zealand.
“There’s also tremendous value taking our team to the Waikato region and giving fans a great opportunity to get in behind the players, a number of whom come from the area.”
FMG Stadium Waikato director Ben Slatter said he’s delighted Hamilton will host NRLW matches at FMG Stadium for the first time.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our city and our world-class stadium. It's a testament to our commitment to bringing high-quality sporting events to Hamilton," he said.
“We look forward to welcoming the Warriors and their fans to Hamilton and showcasing the passion and enthusiasm of our local league supporters.”
One New Zealand Warriors NRLW head coach Ron Griffiths welcomes the opportunity to promote the team and the competition in the Waikato.
“I believe the NRLW is a unique product, thus I applaud the decision by our club to work collaboratively with Hamilton council and take our stand-alone games to the region,” he said.
“What we are embarking on is unparalleled in the NRLW. Furthermore, playing in the mighty Waikato is pivotal for our female pathway and player development.”
Before venturing to Hamilton, the Warriors will start their NRLW comeback against the defending premiers the Sydney Roosters on Sunday, July 6.
The club has signed 22 of its top 24 players so far, the squad including Black Ferns rugby union superstar Michaela Brake (née Blyde) and Kiwi Ferns fullback Apii Nicholls and a host of players with international rugby league and rugby union experience.
Griffiths brings impressive credentials to the club after coaching the Newcastle Knights to back-to-back NRLW premierships in 2022 and 2023.
He is again head coach of the Indigenous All Stars this week having piloted them to wins over the Māori All Stars in 2023 and 2024.
As a foundation club, the Warriors played in the NRLW in 2018, 2019 and 2020. They had one stand-alone home match in that time when they hosted St George Illawarra at Go Media Stadium in 2019.
