Warriors ready to lock in as Christchurch prepares for first taste of the Wahs fever

The Warriors have put last week’s heartbreaking loss behind them and are ready to help christen Christchurch’s newest sporting stage.

Sunday’s clash against the North Queensland Cowboys will be the Wahs’ first match at One New Zealand Stadium, giving South Island fans a chance to experience a Warriors home game at the city’s new showpiece venue.

The occasion comes just days after the Warriors let a golden opportunity slip in a narrow defeat to the Cronulla Sharks.

Coach Andrew Webster says there were honest conversations after the loss but the focus has already shifted to what lies ahead.

“The reason why I don’t have a crack much in press conferences is when you lose… you're taking away from the winning team,” Webster told reporters.

“The Sharks were good, I thought we were really good, and I never want to be that guy.

“I know there’s things that we wanted to sort out as a club and be better at… I’m over it now, I've had my say.”

What has Webster excited is the chance to bring Warriors experience to Christchurch, where another large crowd is expected after the stadium’s successful opening weeks.

Adam Pompey of the Warriors in action. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport

“I love how the stadium's in town, so all the fans can enjoy themselves and walk to the game,” Webster said.

“I just think it's going to be an amazing atmosphere. I'm really excited to bring what the Warriors do here to Christchurch.”

Centre Adam Pompey said the players had some “really tough conversations” after the Sharks loss but believes the group is ready to respond.

“Just determined to change things around, making sure that our preparation and how we go into games is what we want,” Pompey said.

“It's that high-gritty game that we want to play here at the Warriors. I want to see that this weekend, and I'm sure we'll display that.”

Outside view of the One NZ Stadium. Photo/Joseph Johnson/Photosport

The Cowboys arrive in Christchurch needing a win themselves after back-to-back defeats left them ninth on the ladder and fighting to stay in touch with the top eight.

The Warriors will take confidence from recent history, having won their past two meetings against North Queensland in 2024 and 2025.

For the home side, however, this weekend is about more than competition points. It is a chance to introduce Christchurch to a full Warriors home-game atmosphere and give South Island fans a match they have been waiting years to see.

Kick-off is at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch at 4pm (NZT) on Sunday 21 June.

Teams:

Warriors: Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Jacob Laban, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark, Interchange: Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Demitric Vaimauga, Kayliss Fatialofa.

Cowboys: Scott Drinkwater, Braidon Burns, Zac Laybutt, Tom Chester, Murray Taulagi, Jaxon Purdue, Jake Clifford, Thomas Mikaele, Reed Mahoney, Jason Taumalolo, Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Interchange: Soni Luke, Griffin Neame, Matthew Lodge, Coen Hess.