New Zealand Warriors confirm sell-out crowd for emotional homecoming fixture
New Zealand Warriors have confirmed a sell-out crowd for their homecoming fixture at Mount Smart Stadium on July 3.
More than 26,500 fans will witness the club’s first match on home soil in 1038 days. They last hosted South Sydney Rabbitohs on August 30, 2019.
Outside the debut campaign in 1995, it’s the fastest selling-match in the club’s history. It is only the fourth instance of the stadium being at capacity for a regular season fixture.
The Warriors face Wests Tigers in a battle of 15th versus 14th respectively in the NRL ladder on the day.
Big turnout for New Zealand Warriors
“We’re so thrilled having Mount Smart packed for our members, fans, families and sponsors who will at last see the Vodafone Warriors playing at home,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“The resilience and patience they’ve shown has been extraordinary. The way they have embraced this occasion has been unbelievable.
“We put up tickets for the embankment at the northern of the ground earlier this week and they flew out the door while all the stands and corporate hospitality were sold out days ago. It’s a wonderful tribute to our supporters who have shown how much the club means to them.
“We can’t wait for July 3, one of the most important and emotional occasions in our history.”
Rugby league returns to Mount Smart Stadium this weekend as the international side take on Tonga on Saturday in the Pacific Test.
The last Test match played at the ground was June 22 when New Zealand beat Tonga 34-14. Some of the NRL’s biggest names will feature in the game. Parramatta duo Dylan Brown and Marata Niukore will make their Kiwis debut after being named at five-eighth and centre respectively. Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes has also been named in the halves.
Kotoni Staggs, Moses Suli and Jason Taumalolo have all been selected for Tonga.
READ MORE: New Zealand and Tonga rivalry has potential to be like State of Origin believes coach
