It’s confirmed: The One New Zealand Warriors’ first NRL home final in 15 years has been set down for Go Media Stadium on Saturday (September 16).
They’ll line up against the Newcastle Knights (6.05pm kick-off) in what will be the club’s fourth final at home following previous contests with Canberra in 2002, Parramatta in 2007 and the Sydney Roosters in 2008.
After losing 6-32 to premiers the Penrith Panthers last night, all eyes were on today’s last week one finals clash between the Knights and Canberra.
In a stunning battle, the score was locked up at 28-28 before Newcastle kicked a penalty to win 30-28 in extra time.
The winners of the Warriors-Newcastle game will meet the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, September 23 for a place in the grand final.
In the other week two finals match, the Melbourne Storm – beaten 26-0 by second-placed Brisbane on Friday night – will host the Roosters at AAMI Park this Friday (7.50pm kick-off local time; 9.50pm NZT). The Roosters came back in another thriller last night when they edged the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks 13-12. The winners of that match face the Panthers on Friday, September 22.
The last time the One New Zealand Warriors played a home final in 2008, they surged to a 30-13 win over the Roosters before going on to lose 6-32 to Manly Warringah in the preliminary final (the Sea Eagles then pounding Melbourne 40-0 in the grand final).
Tickets will be on sale for both week two matches to the competing clubs’ ticketed members at 12.00pm NZT (10.00am EST) on Monday (September 11), while tickets for the competing clubs’ non-ticketed members will be on sale at 3.00pm NZT (1.00pm EST). Tickets for NRL account holders will be on sale at 6.00pm NZT on Monday.
Week two tickets will be on sale to general public at 12.00pm NZT on Tuesday (September 12) at www.nrl.com/tickets.
All matches in Weeks Two and Three of the NRL Telstra Premiership 2023 Finals Series will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW and Sky NZ.
NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series – Week 2
Semi Final: Friday, September 15, 7.50pm (EST), AAMI Park
Melbourne Storm v Sydney Roosters
Semi Final: Saturday, September 16, 6.05pm (4.05pm EST), Go Media Stadium
One New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights
NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series – Week 3
Preliminary Final: Friday, September 22, 7.50pm (EST), TBC
Penrith Panthers v Winner of Melbourne Storm/Sydney Roosters
Preliminary Final: Saturday, September 23, 7.50pm (EST), Suncorp Stadium
Brisbane Broncos v Winner of Warriors/Newcastle Knights
