NRL: Warriors returning to Eden Park

The Warriors opened the 2011 season at Eden Park against the Eel. Photo / Janna Dixon

The New Zealand Warriors will once again start their season at Eden Park after being approached by the NRL to return to the country's biggest stadium next year.

The Warriors opened this year's season against the Parramatta Eels at the home of rugby, attracting a record crowd of more than 38,000 people.

Next year's match will be the New Zealand leg of a blockbuster opening round to start the season.

The NRL has revealed plans to not only start the season a week earlier than usual but to also begin the opening round on a Thursday night (March 1) for the first time.

National Rugby League CEO David Gallop said the Warriors' historic 'home' game at Eden Park this year convinced the NRL there was a real opportunity to use the venue more often.

"It was an outstanding success taking an NRL game to Eden Park for the first time this year and it has certainly shown the value of using big stadiums for big events," he said.

"We encourage clubs to look for opportunities to increase attendances and to give their members access to the best possible facilities. By going to Eden Park, the Warriors are certainly looking to do just that.

"This presents the NRL to a much wider audience and it can only enhance the club's profile."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said it will be another big occasion for the side.

"This will be another huge day for our Vodafone Warriors members and all other fans, even bigger than this year's occasion. As well as playing at the country's biggest stadium, it'll be Brian McClennan's first NRL game as our new head coach and we'll also be playing in our new strip produced by Canterbury of New Zealand."

Scurrah said it would be some time before the opposition and exact date for the match would be known but he said the Warriors were working with the NRL to secure one of the competition's top-ranked clubs.

In confirming the return to Eden Park, Scurrah said Mount Smart Stadium was still and would continue to be the Warriors' home ground with the remaining home games in the 2012 Telstra Cup regular season being played there.

- HERALD ONLINE