Warriors Set to Face Cowboys in Historic Match at New Stadium

The New Zealand Warriors will host the North Queensland Cowboys at the newly completed One New Zealand Stadium on June 21, 2026. This match marks a significant milestone as it will be the first National Rugby League (NRL) game held in Christchurch, coinciding with the club’s 32nd season in the competition. The announcement was made following the release of the 2026 NRL draw on Friday.

Exciting Fixtures Ahead for Warriors

The Warriors will also face the Dolphins on Anzac Day, April 25, 2026, at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. This match is particularly noteworthy as it will be the Warriors’ first Anzac Day fixture in the capital. The team previously hosted the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland in 2024 and the Newcastle Knights in Christchurch this year for similar events.

Warriors’ Chief Executive, Cam Phelps, expressed enthusiasm about these upcoming games, stating, “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.” Phelps highlighted the historical significance of hosting the first NRL match at One New Zealand Stadium, calling it a fantastic occasion for everyone involved.

The season will kick off with back-to-back Friday night home games at Go Media Stadium, where the Warriors will take on the Sydney Roosters on March 6, followed by a match against the Canberra Raiders on March 13. These opening fixtures are expected to draw large crowds, continuing the trend of sellout games seen in recent years.

A Challenging Season Ahead

The 2026 season presents a formidable challenge for the Warriors, as they will face four of the previous year’s top eight teams in the first four rounds. After their home games, the Warriors will embark on back-to-back away matches against the Sharks and the Melbourne Storm.

In addition to their men’s fixtures, the Warriors women’s team will launch their NRLW season on July 5, 2026, against the Canterbury Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato. This venue has previously attracted significant attention, with attendance peaking at over 7,000 during a game against the Brisbane Broncos, who later became the premiership winners.

Fans can look forward to three women’s matches at Go Media Stadium, further expanding the Warriors’ engagement with supporters across New Zealand. As the team prepares for this exciting season, the anticipation surrounding both men’s and women’s matches continues to build, promising an engaging year for rugby league in New Zealand.