NZ Warriors have confirmed a Redcliffe base for their 2022 NRL season, but will - optimistically - schedule six home games at Mt Smart Stadium.
After two seasons trapped across the Tasman by COVID-19, the Auckland club is resigned to a third, with pre-season beginning on November 8 at the Redcliffe Dolphins facility.
"Our dream hasn't changed," says Warriors chief executive Cam George. "We'd love to be back in Auckland, playing at home in front of our families, members, fans and sponsors next year, but was also have to ensure everyone here has some stability in their lives.
"With the pre-season starting in early November, we don't have much time to work with. We can't get our players, staff and families back to New Zealand in the foreseeable future, so we need to have a base here, not to mention considering all the needs of our players, families and staff like accommodation, schools and job opportunities for partners."
Unable to field their own reserve grade team during the pandemic, the Warriors have been able to feed players through the Dolphins system to build game fitness in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup competition.
Located 30 minutes from downtown Brisbane, Redcliffe hope to join the NRL as an expansion team in the near future.
"The Dolphins have got great facilities for our training needs and a wonderful venue in the Moreton Daily Stadium for the home games we'll play here," says George.
"This gives us some certainty about our plans for 2022. We couldn't be more grateful.
"At the same time, we are leaving the option open to pay games back home. Our members and fans have waited so long. We had to cancel plans to play the Bulldogs in Auckland in August and that really hurt.
"We're just hoping the landscape will settle down to enable us to play five or six home games in New Zealand during the 2022 season."
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