League: Warriors pre-season match for stadium

Darren Burden
Darren Burden
The Warriors are returning to Dunedin and will take on the Broncos again.

Dunedin Venues Management Ltd, along with the New Zealand Warriors, confirmed yesterday a pre-season match will take place between the two clubs on Sunday, February 23, at Forsyth Barr Stadium, the final trial for both teams before the NRL season kicks off in early March.

The clash follows this year's successful inaugural match between the two clubs, which drew a crowd of more than 15,000.

The game next year, which will start at 3pm, is played the day after the Highlanders kick off their season by taking on the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

DVML chief executive Darren Burden said it was exciting to have the Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos back at the stadium in Dunedin.

''We know there is clearly an appetite for rugby league in the South so it's great news that the teams want to come back to Dunedin and play under cover at Forsyth Barr Stadium,'' he said.

''The city is fast gaining a solid reputation for hosting a large variety of events and Dunedin Venues is working hard to ensure we keep attracting top quality events to our region.

''I am sure the teams will be well supported when they arrive in February and we'll all be treated to a game of fast and physical rugby league.''

The Warriors won the match earlier this year 16-10 after the Broncos had a number of possible tries referred to the video referee who found in favour of the Warriors.

The match will be one week after the inaugural NRL Nines tournament takes place in Auckland.

Warriors coach Matt Elliott said the reception the Warriors had received when they came to Dunedin for the first game was a big reason they would be coming back.

''It was clear to us that the locals loved seeing some of the NRL's best players when we were there this year and we welcome the chance of playing in front of another big crowd in February,'' he said.

''It's a fantastic venue, a great experience for the players being able to play under a roof and it's also a really significant game, being the final trial before the season starts.''

Both the Broncos and the Warriors will be looking to field their strongest available squads for their final hit-outs less than two weeks out from the start of the 2014 NRL season.

There had been hopes of getting a full NRL game but a trial was the best the stadium could get next year. DVML is continuing to talk to clubs about getting a full NRL game as clubs make the call on allocating games.

There will be some big names lining up on both sides, with the two clubs having made some significant signings over the summer.

The Warriors will be parading new fullback Sam Tomkins, who has joined the club for a hefty transfer fee from English club Wigan.

The Broncos will be parading former Canterbury and 2012 Dally M winner Ben Barba, who has moved north from Canterbury.

Todd Lowrie, who was the Warriors best in the trial earlier this year, will be lining up for the Broncos, having joined the Brisbane club at the end of last season.

Tickets will go on sale from December 9.

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