New Zealand Warriors Chief Executive Cameron George has asked the NRL to allow the Warriors to play all 2023 games at home venues across New Zealand.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warriors have not played at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland since August 2019 and have been based out of the Central Coast and Redcliffe for the past three seasons.
Warriors co-captain Addin Fonua-Blake has supported George’s proposal and said the Warriors have made the greatest sacrifice of all the NRL clubs - earning the right to have all their 2023 fixtures in New Zealand.
“That’s definitely going to be a talking point with the club,” Fonua-Blake said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“The club will be trying to push for that.
“Our fans deserve it and it’s only going to help the younger generation coming through as they haven’t been able to see their favourite team play throughout the years.
“Hopefully at the end of this year, fingers crossed we can get back there, set up camp and live a normal life rather than be back on the road.”
The Warriors have been based in Redcliffe at the Dolphins' facilities since the final game of last season.
Fonua-Blake said he and his teammates will be forever thankful to the Dolphins for allowing the squad to use their facilities as a base of operations.
“It’s a small place and everyone is really friendly,” Fonua-Blake continued.
“We are just thankful that the Redcliffe Dolphins have let us set up camp here all year.
“The facilities are great and we are just really thankful that we get to call that place home for the next 10 months.”
The Warriors are scheduled to return to Mt Smart Stadium on July 3 against the Wests Tigers after the NZ Government announced the lifting of travel restrictions.