With the One New Zealand Warriors donning a replica of the club’s famed 2003 black and grey strip, ‘Blackout’ is the call for the return to Go Media Stadium Mt Smart for Saturday’s historic match against newcomers the Dolphins (kick-off: 5.00pm).
Members and fans are encouraged to black out the stadium by wearing dark colours to the critical round 14 contest against the in-from visitors (gates open: 2.15pm).
To mark the 20th anniversary of the outstanding 2003 campaign, Puma has designed the heritage jersey which at once evokes memories of a season when the Warriors fell just one win short of a second consecutive grand final appearance.
Among a string of unforgettable matches was the stunning week one finals demolition of the Bulldogs when winger Francis Meli scored a record five tries in the 48-22 victory.
There’ll be a number of special game day features including a pōwhiri to welcome the Dolphins onto Go Media Stadium Mt Smart for the first time.
Significantly coaching icon Wayne Bennett is again linked with an historic occasion at the stadium as he was when he coached Brisbane in the Warriors’ debut match on March 10, 1995.
Bennett will bring a squad featuring former Warriors Euan Aitken – the club’s 2022 player of the year – and Kodi Nikorima as well as Auckland-born and raised Kiwis Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Christchurch-born New Zealand international Jamayne Isaako (the competition’s leading points scorer), Whakatane-born Kiwi hooker Jeremy Marshall-King and Aucklander Herman Ese’ese, a Kiwi in 2018. Four other players in the squad used in round 13 were also born in New Zealand – Anthony Milford (Auckland), Isaiya Katoa (Lower Hutt), Valynce Te Whare (Waikato) and Poasa Faamausili (Auckland), who played for the Warriors on loan in 2020.
The One New Zealand Warriors’ future will again be on show in the curtain raiser (2.30pm kick-off) when a Sky Sport Future Warriors under-14 selection will face the Kotahitanga under-14s.
Live entertainment will be provided at 4.15pm from There’s a Tuesday, out of the ‘Ones to Watch’ stable backed by One New Zealand.
And at halftime look out for a must-see race pitting mascots against each other; the One New Zealand Warriors’ own Tiki will line up alongside up to 10 other mascots. Hosting the madcap action will be Jono and Ben from The Hits.
Other established activities and attractions will be available around the stadium along with numerous food and beverage outlets; the 95 Social Precinct is always a popular hub for families and friends to gather pre-game.
Merchandise will be available from the SuperStore as well as other outlets around the stadium.
If you haven’t secured your seats for another must-see Mount Smart game day, get in fast. They’re selling quickly so head to Ticketmaster now to avoid disappointment.
