Warriors to face Manly in Napier pre-season match this February

The Warriors are sliding back into Napier's McLean Park for a preseason Valentine's Day game against the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Photosport

The Warriors are returning to Napier for a preseason hit-out.

But an organiser has warned if fans run on to the field again, it will be the last time the team plays in the Art Deco city.

The NRL has announced the return of the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge this February, promising league fans a first look at how their favourite team is tracking after preseason training.

Part of the challenge will see the Warriors take on the Manly Sea Eagles in an afternoon Valentine’s Day game on Saturday, February 14 at Napier’s McLean Park.

Kevin Murphy, event manager at Napier City Council, said it was great the Warriors are coming back to Napier.

“It’s great that we’ve got a team like Manly as well.”

Murphy said the Valentine’s game will have an early kick-off of 3.40pm, which he described as a little bit unusual.

“But it’s perfect for that whole family and summer atmosphere. So, Valentine’s Day, we love the Wahs.”

The last time the Warriors played in Napier in May 2023 against the Brisbane Broncos, 12 pitch invaders ran on to the pitch towards the end of the match, garnering boos from the sold-out stadium and pleas from the ground’s announcer for spectators to not encourage them.

Murphy said if there are any repeats of that behaviour, the Valentine’s game will be the last time the Warriors play at McLean Park.

“The venue will be set up differently, but at the end of the day, the message to the public is if we have any of that sort of nonsense, we will not be asking them again.”

Murphy said tickets will go on sale in December and recommended to keep an eye on the McLean Park Facebook page for announcements.

He added Manly has some history in Hawke’s Bay after they took on a Hawke’s Bay Invitational XIII at Nelson Park in Hastings in 1992.

Murphy was at that match, which he recalls as a “really good game”.

Hawke’s Bay Today journalist Doug Laing was the secretary of Hawke’s Bay District Rugby League at the time.

Laing recalls Manly being the adopted New Zealand team at the time and about 3000 fans turned up to Nelson Park to watch Manly win 42 to 2.

“They were literally the Beatles of the NRL at the time.”

Laing sat next to then Hastings Mayor Jeremy Dwyer at the game who was shocked by the size of the crowd.

“He just couldn’t believe it. He would exclaim several times during the game, ‘Just look at that crowd’.”

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.