New Zealand Warriors to stay in Australia and compete in NRL

Josh McAllister 20 Mar 2020 10:44 AM

New Zealand Warriors have announced that they will remain in Australia to compete in the behind-closed doors NRL fixtures.

CEO Cameron George has announced captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his team have reaffirmed their commitment to stay in Australia and continue in the 2020 NRL premiership in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Soon after the Australian and New Zealand governments had announced they would close their borders last night, George said the Warriors had met to confirm their desire to remain after spending this week in camp in Kingscliff in northern New South Wales ahead of their second-round game against the Canberra Raiders in Robina tomorrow night.

New Zealand Warriors will stage their ‘home game’ against the Canberra Raiders from CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, and will take a trip to Sydney to face the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Lottoland on Friday, March 27.

“Our players and staff have been so courageous the way they have stood up in the face of such huge adversity,” said George.

“Despite the impact of the coronavirus crisis and being away from their families, they’re making enormous sacrifices for the fans and the game.

“We’re just so proud of the way they’re representing our club. It couldn’t be any tougher for them but they’re not letting it show by giving their undertaking to stay in Australia and do their best to represent the Vodafone Warriors and keep the competition going.”

NRL fans and former players have been donating to the club to help support them during these times, including former NRL and Super League half-back Jamie Soward.

Thank you @NZWarriors for keeping the game going. I am now a proud member of the club that may go down as saving the game and also my job. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/IZbgW2NLdK

— Jamie Soward (@sowwowofficial6) March 20, 2020

Watch NRL and live stream every NRL game to keep up with how Tom Burgess, John Bateman, Ryan Sutton, Elliott Whitehead, James Graham, George Williams and all the others are getting on Down Under.

Watch our Last Tackle podcast, featuring a guest, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on YouTube.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.