Warriors Set to Host Cowboys in Historic NRL Match at New Stadium

The Warriors will face the Cowboys in a historic matchup at the newly constructed One New Zealand Stadium on June 21, 2026. This game marks the first National Rugby League (NRL) event to be held in Christchurch’s state-of-the-art venue, and it is part of the Warriors’ 32nd season in the competition. The announcement came with the release of the 2026 NRL draw on Friday, which also confirmed another key fixture: the Warriors will host the Dolphins on Anzac Day in Wellington.

The Warriors, who have enjoyed a strong partnership with Christchurch, previously hosted matches against Canberra and Newcastle in the first two years of this collaboration. The upcoming game against the Cowboys will be a significant milestone, as it will showcase the potential of the new stadium, which aims to attract large crowds and enhance the fan experience.

In addition to the historic game in Christchurch, the Warriors will kick off their season with two back-to-back home matches at Go Media Stadium, starting with the Sydney Roosters on March 6, followed by the Canberra Raiders on March 13. The Warriors are looking to build on their recent success, as they have experienced sustained sellout crowds in New Zealand over the past three years.

“We’re especially excited about playing the Dolphins on such an important day in our first Anzac Day match in Wellington,” said a Warriors spokesperson. “The first NRL game at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch is going to be a fantastic occasion for everyone.”

The Warriors’ schedule presents a challenging start to the season, as they will face four of the top eight teams from 2025 in the opening rounds. After their home matches, they will travel to meet the Cronulla Sharks and then the Melbourne Storm. This demanding draw underscores the competitive nature of the NRL and the Warriors’ determination to excel.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will also launch their NRLW season with a key fixture in Hamilton. They will begin their campaign on July 5 against the Canterbury Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato. This venue has a history of drawing significant crowds for standalone NRLW games, with attendance peaking at over 7,000 during their match against the premiership-winning Brisbane Broncos.

The Warriors will also host three matches at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, further expanding their reach and engagement with fans across New Zealand. The excitement surrounding these upcoming fixtures illustrates the Warriors’ commitment to providing thrilling rugby league action while fostering community involvement and support.