NRL: NZ Warriors 2019 schedule released

Warriors players embrace in a huddle.
Warriors players embrace in a huddle. Photo credit: Photosport

The Warriors have been dealt a relatively tough draw for their 25th NRL season, which will see them play five of last year's playoff teams twice during the 25-round 2019 season.

The Penrose-based side will face Melbourne Storm, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos twice each, but will only meet the St George Illawarra Dragons and the premiership-winning Sydney Roosters once - both in Australia.

The clash against the Dragons is classed as a home game, but will be played during the NRL's 'Magic Round' on May 11 in Brisbane.

The other teams they only play once are the Canterbury Bulldogs, Wests Tigers, North Queensland Cowboys and Parramatta Eels.

Despite the tough draw, the Warriors have been given a relatively easy start to the season, with five of their first six matches against teams who missed out on the finals last season - four of them will be played in New Zealand.

Their opening match will be against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Saturday, March 16, at Mt Smart - the third time since 2009 the Warriors have opened their season at their fortress. 

Bulldogs winger Remis Smith.
Bulldogs winger Remis Smith. Photo credit: AAP

But they end their season with three of their last four matches against top-eight sides from last season - three of which are away games.

Last season, the Warriors won eight of their 12 away games, while winning seven of their 12 home games.

The Warriors will also play two games outside Auckland, travelling to Christchurch to meet the Sea Eagles in Round Three for an away clash. They also host the Cronulla Sharks at Wellington’s Westpac Stadium on July 19 - their first match in the capital since 2016.

Meanwhile, the traditional Anzac Day fixture against Melbourne will fall in Round Seven on April 25.

Warriors CEO Cameron George said he was pleased with the draw.

Warriors CEO Cameron George.
Warriors CEO Cameron George. Photo credit: Photosport

"There's so much to be excited about now the draw is out and we know exactly who we'll be playing each week, when we'll be playing and where we’ll be playing," he said.

"The beauty of the draw being done for the whole season is that everyone can make their plans now for all our home games at Mt Smart Stadium, as well as making arrangements, if they're looking to support us in Christchurch, Wellington or Australia.”

The Warriors will have their bye week during Round 12, with a break between Rounds 14-15 for the June international window.

A breakdown of the 24 regular-season matches shows the Vodafone Warriors have 12 Saturday games, seven on Friday night, four on Sunday and one on Thursday night - the annual Anzac Day encounter with the Storm.

In other features, the Warriors won't travel to Perth this season after a run of seven successive appearances there since 2012 and they won't have to make the trek to Townsville to face the Cowboys.

The Grand Final will be played on October 6.

WARRIORS - 2019 NRL DRAW

(Local kick-off times listed)

Round One

Saturday, March 16

vs Canterbury Bulldogs, Mt Smart Stadium, 5pm  

Round Two

Sunday, March 24

@ Wests Tigers, Campbelltown Stadium, 6:10pm

Round Three

Saturday, March 30

@ Manly Sea Eagles, AMI Stadium, 5pm

Round Four

Friday, April 5

vs Gold Coast Titans, Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm

Round Five

Saturday, April 13

@ South Sydney Rabbitohs, Central Coast Stadium, 3pm

Round Six

Saturday, April 20

vs North Queensland Cowboys, Mt Smart Stadium, 7:30pm

Round Seven

Thursday, April 25

@ Melbourne Storm, AAMI Park, 7:50pm

Josh Addo-Carr celebrates scoring against the Warriors on ANZAC Day.
Josh Addo-Carr celebrates scoring against the Warriors on ANZAC Day. Photo credit: Getty Images

Round Eight

Sunday, May 5

vs Newcastle Knights, Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm

Round, Nine

Saturday May 11

@ St George Illawarra Dragons, Suncorp Stadium, 3:30pm

Round 10

Friday, May 17

@ Penrith Panthers, Panthers Stadium, 6pm

Round 11

Saturday, May 25

vs Brisbane Broncos, Mt Smart Stadium, 7:30pm

Round 12

Bye

Round 13

Saturday, June 8

vs Melbourne Storm, Mt Smart Stadium, 5pm

Round 14

Friday, June 14

@ Gold Coast Titans, Cbus Super Stadium, 6pm

Round 15

Sunday, June 30

vs Penrith Panthers, Mt Smart Stadium, 4pm

The Panthers beat the Warriors twice last season.
The Panthers beat the Warriors twice last season. Photo credit: Getty Images

Round 16

Saturday, July 6

@ Newcastle Knights, McDonald Jones Stadium, 7:35pm

Round 17

Saturday, July 13

@ Brisbane Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, 5:30pm

Round 18

Friday, July 19

vs Cronulla Sharks, Westpac Stadium, 8pm

Round 19

Saturday, July 27

@ Parramatta Eels, Western Sydney Stadium, 3pm

Round 20

Friday, August 2   

vs Canberra Raiders, Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm

Round 21

Friday, August 9

vs Manly Sea Eagles, Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm

Round 22

Sunday, August 18

@ Sydney Roosters, Venue TBC, 8pm

Round 23

Saturday, August 24

@ Cronulla Sharks, Shark Park, 3pm

Round 24

Friday, August 30

vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, Mt Smart Stadium, 8pm

Round 25

Saturday, September 7

@ Canberra Raiders, GIO Stadium

NRL FINALS

Week One

September 13-15

Week Two

September 20-21

Week Three

September 27-28

Grand Final

October 6

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