Warriors Make Historic Eden Park Move For Sudden-death Finals Clash

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The New Zealand Warriors will play their next NRL finals match at Eden Park after the club’s sudden-death showdown with the Newcastle Knights was officially moved from Go Media Stadium.

The NRL confirmed on Sunday that Eden Park will host the Week Two finals clash on September 20, with kick-off scheduled for 6.05pm local time (4.05pm AEST).

It will be the first time Eden Park has hosted an NRL finals match, adding another chapter to the Warriors’ historic 2026 campaign.

The decision comes just one day after the Warriors suffered a 26–16 defeat to the Dolphins in front of a packed Go Media Stadium.

The Warriors appeared to be in control for much of the contest, leading 16–8 early in the second half, but the Dolphins produced a stunning late comeback to score three unanswered tries and secure their place in a preliminary final.

Despite the disappointment, the Warriors will have another opportunity to continue what has already been a remarkable season.

The Eden Park move will also create one of the biggest crowds in Warriors history, with the stadium capable of holding around 50,000 spectators. The Warriors had previously preferred to remain at their traditional home at Go Media Stadium.

For the Knights, it will be their first appearance at Eden Park in an NRL finals match, while the Warriors will be looking to use the occasion to keep their premiership dream alive.

The stakes could hardly be higher.

A victory would send the Warriors into a preliminary final and leave them just two wins away from securing the club's first NRL premiership. A defeat, however, would bring their season to an abrupt end.

Warriors centre Adam Pompey will be available after avoiding suspension for his shoulder charge on Ray Stone in the loss to the Dolphins. He received a Grade One charge and a $3,000 fine with an early guilty plea.

After falling short against the Dolphins, the Warriors now have one more chance to keep their historic season alive; this time on one of New Zealand sport's biggest stages.