A rugby league match between the Warriors and the Penrith Panthers is a coup for Rotorua, and could lead to more big games in the city.
It was announced earlier this week the New Zealand NRL side would play Penrith in a pre-season trial at the Rotorua International Stadium on February 14, 2015. The Warriors last played in the city in 2011, when they beat Parramatta 24-4.
"Having our New Zealand NRL team and one of the league's top Australian teams playing in Rotorua is a coup for the game and it will undoubtedly boost interest in league here," said Peter McLeod, Events and Venues general manager.
"If this match gets well supported in Rotorua I would hope we'd see more similar games at our International Stadium."
Jenny Nahu from Bay of Plenty Rugby League (BOPRL) is organising a "Festival of League" with Rotorua District Council, which is set to take place in the days before the match.