Preseason Challenge matches have been locked in for the One New Zealand Warriors ahead of their 2024 NRL campaign.
And, for the second year running, the same venues will be used for the trials.
The first is against the Benji Marshall-coached Wests Tigers at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday, February 18 (4.00pm kick-off).
Then a week later the One New Zealand Warriors will play on Go Media Stadium for the first time in 2024 when they face the Dolphins on Saturday, February 24 (5.45pm kick-off).
Confirmation of the Christchurch trial coincides with the One New Zealand Warriors, Venues Otautahi and Christchurch NZ today announcing the club will be bringing a home game to the city for each of the next three seasons.
The One New Zealand Warriors’ 2024 squad has been boosted by the return of ex-captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and utility Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Included in the Tigers’ squad is Kiwi second rower and former Warrior Isaiah Papali’i along with Asu Kepaoa, who lined up for the New Zealand Kiwis A side against Mate Ma’a Tonga A at Eden Park last month. Joining the Tigers in 2024 is former Gold Coast and Canberra half Aidan Sezer, is back in the NRL after stints with Huddersfield and Leeds in the Super League in England.
The Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins are packed with New Zealanders including Kiwi star Jamayne Isaako plus ex-Kiwis Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, former Warrior Kodi Nikorima, Jeremy Marshall-King and Herman Ese’ese.
Also in their squad are former Warriors Euan Aitken and Sean O’Sullivan along with major signings Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler and Jake Averillo and Kangaroos and Queensland centre/fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
The points system used in the 2023 Preseason Challenge will again apply in 2024 with 12 points awarded for a win, six points for a draw and none for a loss plus one bonus point for scoring five or more tries, another point for five or more line breaks and a point for five or more offloads.
