Tickets for the Warriors’ high-stakes NRL final against the Knights at Eden Park have officially sold out, setting the stage for what is expected to be a record-breaking crowd in New Zealand rugby league history, according to 1News. General tickets went on sale at 10am on Tuesday after more than 22,000 seats were already claimed during a Warriors club pre-sale the day before.
Venue Shift to Eden Park Maximizes Crowd and Profit
The governing body moved the venue to Eden Park following the Warriors’ 26-16 qualifying final loss to the Dolphins on Saturday night, according to 1News. The club’s initial preference was to play at Mt Smart Stadium, where home support has been exceptionally strong throughout the season. However, Eden Park features a capacity that is double that of Mount Smart Stadium, offering the NRL a significantly larger profit potential for the match.
Sunday’s fixture is projected to eclipse the previous New Zealand rugby league attendance record, which was set during the Kiwis’ 1988 World Cup final loss to the Kangaroos, according to 1News. The Warriors enter the elimination match facing the seventh-ranked Knights after previously defeating them 46-32 in round 25. A victory would advance the club to a preliminary final in week three in Australia.
Did you know? Sunday’s game marks just the seventh time the Warriors have played at Eden Park, and their first appearance at the venue since defeating Canberra there in 2014, according to 1News.
Squad Prepares in Unfamiliar Surroundings Amid Injury Concerns
Warriors coach Andrew Webster praised the reception the team received at their temporary base, noting that players quickly adapted to the new environment. “Love it. Obviously, a lot of history, a special place. They’ve made us feel so welcome, giving us an extra day to train here. It’s awesome,” Webster told 1News.
Webster also urged remaining fans to act immediately prior to the sellout. “If you haven’t got your tickets, get them, because I think it’s about to sell out,” Webster said, according to 1News. “I think there’s about 1000 tickets to go from what I got told on the phone 10 minutes ago. We get to come here with the biggest crowd in Warriors history on New Zealand soil.”
The team faces fresh physical hurdles heading into the elimination match. The squad was forced down to 11 men at one stage during their previous outing and suffered injuries to Leka Halasima and Jackson Ford, according to 1News. Centre Leka Halasima was scratched just before Saturday’s kickoff due to a fresh problem. “It was a hamstring in the warm-up, nothing related to what he’s been having which was an ankle injury,” Webster told 1News. “He just felt his hamstring in the first stride out and reported it straight away, couldn’t go. I don’t know any more than that right now.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Warriors playing in the NRL final?
The Warriors face the seventh-ranked Knights in a must-win elimination match, according to 1News.
Where is the match being played?
The game is being held at Eden Park after the governing body shifted the venue from Mt Smart Stadium, according to 1News.
Are tickets still available for the Eden Park fixture?
What are your predictions for Sunday’s clash at Eden Park? Drop a comment below and join the conversation as the Warriors chase a spot in the preliminary finals.