Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato has today been confirmed to stage the One New Zealand Warriors’ Preseason Challenge clash against the Melbourne Storm on February 15 next year (3.30pm kick-off).
The city will welcome the Warriors back 18 months after they played there in front of a sold-out crowd of 25,118 for their away match against the Wests Tigers on August 12, 2023.
It will be the only time the Warriors play in New Zealand before flying to the United States for their historic opening match of the 2025 NRL season against the Canberra Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 1.
“Going back to Hamilton is really exciting for us and for fans both from the Auckland area and the Waikato region,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable when we played there against the Tigers last year and we’d love to see those fans returning to pack the place out again.
“It’s a really important game for our team before heading to Las Vegas, the final chance for the coaching staff and players to tune up for Vegas and the season ahead.”
FMG Stadium Waikato Director Ben Slatter said it will be a thrill to have the One New Zealand Warriors in Hamilton again.
"The atmosphere at FMG Stadium Waikato is always electric, and we expect this game to be no different,” he said.
“It's a fantastic opportunity for fans to see their team in action before they take on the international stage in Las Vegas."
The One New Zealand Warriors face Cronulla Sutherland in their first Preseason Challenge game on February 8 before lining up in Hamilton when they’re likely to field their strongest available lineup.
New arrivals Kiwi captain James Fisher-Harris and his New Zealand teammate Erin Clark will be in the frame along with other 2025 recruits Tanah Boyd and Sam Healey.
The One New Zealand Warriors’ 30-22 win over the Tigers in 2023 was their first success in five NRL matches they’ve played at FMG Stadium Waikato.
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 Preseason Challenge match will be the second time the Warriors and Melbourne have 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).
Tickets will be available on presale through Ticketek for members only from Wednesday (December 11) before being released for general sale from 10.00am on Thursday (December 12).
