Rumour Pre-season Games

Has anyone heard of the Warriors preseason schedule? I have heard a couple a times now a pre-season game in Dunedin mentioned. from the article below it might be gaining momentum.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...udent-party-town/story-e6frexp0-1226476777022
BRISBANE Broncos players may have to dodge toga parties, burning couches and student riots next February, with the club negotiating to play a trial against New Zealand Warriors in university town Dunedin.
Broncos commercial operations manager Terry Reader travelled to the city at the bottom of New Zealand's South Island recently to hold talks with management of the 30,000-seat Forsyth Barr Stadium, which was rebuilt for the Rugby World Cup and has a transparent roof.
The game could be part of a double-header with a Super Rugby trial featuring Otago Highlanders.
It is likely to be played during Dunedin's orientation week, when thousands of students descend on the city to begin the university year and hold street parties.
In one incident during this year's orientation week, 80 people were treated by emergency services and 15 arrested after a street party spiralled out of control.

A Broncos trial would be expected to sell out, given the large student presence and the fact it would be the first time NRL teams have visited.
Broncos chief executive Paul White said talks were continuing. "We have spoken to the Warriors and officials from the stadium but no deal is done," he said.
Dunedin has been mooted as a possible venue for a league Test but Auckland's Eden Park was chosen as it had a greater capacity.
The city is a staunch rugby union stronghold, with former All Black and Warrior Marc Ellis its only league product. The area has produced a host of All Blacks including Anton Oliver, Taine Randell and dual sport international Jeff Wilson who also represented his country on the cricket pitch.
Last season the Broncos played a trial match in Hobart against Melbourne, which attracted a crowd larger than an AFL trial two weeks later.
The game became controversial after Storm player Ryan Hoffman was hit high by Petero Civoniceva.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy complained about the tackle post match and his club provided the NRL with video evidence which saw Civoniceva eventually rubbed out for the Broncos' opening round NRL match.
Meanwhile Canterbury lock David Stagg is preparing for both an NRL preliminary final and a career after football, as the former Bronco's future remains in limbo.
Stagg, uncontracted for next season, may be pushed out if salary-cap restrictions come into play. He says he's preparing himself for a return home to Queensland if the Dogs don't find a place for him.
"(I'm) realising I'm closer to the end and we're preparing ourselves as best we can. You get to a point and you've got to think about it (life after football)," said the 28-year-old, who has a diploma in civil engineering and is completing a certificate in construction project management.
"As much as I've enjoyed my time down here - it's been four years. When I do retire it'll be time to head back to the Sunshine State."


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Haha you beat me to it, just read that and came on to post it up...

That would be awesome if it happens, been starved of NRL action down these ways the last couple of years... Would be an awesome roadie down to Dunners for the game

Good idea, Id say they would get a good turn out down there, especially versus the Broncos.

When was the last time they played in Wellington? Not feeling the love here Warriors. F**k Taupo and Whanga's!!

Its a great idea to take a game down south and utilise the stadium, but Dunedin?? I know they have a league comp running down there but isn't it Senior B stuff? Would of thought Christchurch would of been a better choice, though have they got a stadium?

The "new AMI stadium" is the old Rugby League Park where they played a lot of the Bartercard games back in the day but also played a lot of the local Prem games more recently... Went there for the Auckland/Canterbury Challenge cup game back in July this year, really enjoyed it... But when the NZRFU or the CRFU came in with their plans to upgrade the stadium and use it primarily for rah-rah, they stipulated that Canterbury RL was only entitled to two games a season at the venue, otherwise would clash with the rah-rah too much... Would be able to hold about 20,000+ there if they were allowed to take a game there, but dont see it happening while the rah-rah guys are still calling it home

Pity been down to ChCh for the odd game and they have solid support in the region. Just question what numbers would show up to Dunedin to watch league in a union strong hold?

I think if the students are in town, there will be a good turn out. Dont think you would see many old fellas/farmer types there, but I know many younger guys down there and love their league. The Broncos would be a great match as well, anyone who watches some NRL would surely want to go if the price is right.

Sounds like the Stadium management are being pro active in getting events for their stadium. Who knows, if it goes ahead and is successful other clubs might take games their during the NRL season.

Love to see another pre season game in Hamilton, last one was 2009. I have been to 3 pre season games in Hamilton and everytime its nearly a sell out.

Ngaruawahi and Huntly are nearly ghost towns when league comes to Hamilton

its definitely going to happen! be great for dunedin, heaps will travel up from invercargill as well!

Should get a decent crowd there, especially if they trying to plan it during "O" week... Already got at least 20 people keen for a mean roadie down from CHCH to Dunners for it... We all went to the Roosters/Warriors at AMI in 2010 and have been gagging for some more NRL action down here since then...

Isn't the union hierarchy great? "Our venue has been so badly damaged, we want to use your's until we get a flash new one but you can only play at your ground twice a year because we're now using it. Oh, and when we have our new one, don't even think that you would be able to play there."

Wasn't the deal that union paid for the upgrade to the stadium though? It was a fairly unselfish and noble gesture from Canterbury League considering the Christchurch people haven't got much else to to be cheerful about.

Hope the Dundedin game is a double header, most likely a full stadium and a chance to put the yawnion game to shame by comparison to a Broncos vs Warriors match, despite it being a pre-season game and the Highlanders probably playing a comp game.

I'm Auckland so I'm only going by what I can remember. Union has paid for some infer structure but most of the money was spent on temporary seating and other temporary things that would be removed when they shift to their new head quarters.

I'd actually be really keen to go down from Auckland to experience the Dunedin stadium. Friends from down their say it's a great venue to watch sport in. Who knows, I may even drive down through Palmerston North and pick up Trevor AKA the Da Mad Maori/Ambo. I'm sure he'd love to have a meet and greet with Nig going on their history from VOT days

Invercargill have hosted preseason games of the Warriors v NQ in 1997 or 98 and Warriors v Panthers in 2003. Both games were rapid sellouts. The stadium only held around 16000, but tickets were like hen's teeth. I don't think Dunnedin will struggle to get 35000. I know me and half a dozen mates are already planning the fieldtrip. There will be plenty of others from all over the south doing the same thing.

I'm keen if he is. I think we have a few discussions left unfinished.

Got some free tickets to the Georgia/England WC game last year, went down on a piss up trip with a few of the boys... Absolutely loved the stadium, the atmosphere was insane... Only about 20,000 at the game but with the enclosed stadium it felt more like 50,000... Was the most electric atmostphere ive experienced at any live sporting game

The game I watched in Hamilton when the Warriors had a preseason against the Storm was amazing. First and only time Ive been to that Stadium and it had a really good atmosphere. Great stadium and not a bad seat to view the game in the place. That game was after the 8th beat 1st season when the Warriors beat the Storm in finals footy to create history. Michael Witt!!!

If there is indeed a game in Dunners then I'll definately fly down from Aucks to watch it. Love Dunedin. Great place, amazing buildings, friendly people, awesome nightlife, beautiful women... I love Dunners! Cant wait...