It's almost no longer a hypothetical question over if NZ Warriors will host an NRL playoffs match this season - but what stadium they would play at is all but decided.
A win over St George Illawarra Dragons on Friday would confirm a spot in the top four, and mean the Warriors would play at least one playoff round on New Zealand soil.
But the NRL's preference would likely be away from Mt Smart.
For the Warriors, there's nothing like Mt Smart. But with the finals looming, there's talk the NRL will want the Warriors to play across town at the much larger Eden Park.
"There's no place like this place, I've said it a million times over," said halfback Shaun Johnson.
"I get [that] sometimes business gets in the way, and ticket sales and money made and all that.
"But from a player's perspective, we didn't work that hard to warrant a home playoff game to be played at Eden Park."
The NRL has made it clear it wants finals games to be hosted at stadiums that hold a minimum of 25,000 spectators.
Go Media Stadium hosts sold-out crowds at a maximum of just over 24,000. However, Eden Park can host in excess of 40,000 people.
"I'm not a politics guy," added coach Andrew Webster. "I'll play where they tell us to play.
"But I've got a preference."
Newshub understands the club will wait until after this weekend to engage with the NRL on the issue of home playoff venues.
Regardless of the Warriors' position on the ladder, officials expect their first finals fixture to be at Mt Smart, but anything beyond that is unclear.
Meanwhile, the side are pouring cold water on the idea of leaving their spiritual home.
"Mt Smart is the pinnacle of where the Warriors are," said centre Adam Pompey.
While the Warriors will have their fingers crossed for an exception, which is sometimes given, the NRL will be inclined to book Eden Park
"Mt Smart is unbelievable," continued Webster. "We love the place, the players love it, the fans love it.
"If we went to Eden Park, the only good thing I'd say about that is more New Zealanders would get a chance to see us live."
Webster is always looking at the positives, as the Warriors look to cement their top four spot on Friday night against the Dragons.
