The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed they will be back to the Coast next year at the start of the 2021 NRL season.

The Warriors will be moving to Terrigal in early February and training on the Central Coast before playing the first two rounds of the NRL season at Central Coast Stadium.

Central Coast Stadium Manager, Kath Casey, said Central Coast Council was pleased to be welcoming the Warriors back to the Coast at the same time as the release of an updated Health Order confirming stadiums in NSW can now go back to 100% full capacity.

“Council has been working hard behind the scenes to encourage the Warriors to come back to our great stadium and the Central Coast and we couldn’t be happier,” Ms Casey said.

“Our community really embraced the Warriors when they were here this year and we hope it means a full house at the Stadium for these first two rounds of the NRL.”

The Warriors will play the Titans in round one on 13 March 2021 and the Knights on 19 March 2020.

Council’s Administrator Dick Persson AM said the return of the Warriors was testament to the great facilities and opportunities offered by the Coast and would be a real boost for the economy.

“This is great news, and our community will benefit from a Warriors return,” Administrator Persson said.

“Our community love their footy and can now go to some great games at home but also having the Warriors here will give a real boost to our economy and reputation at a time when it is needed the most.”

Three more NRL games at the Stadium have been recently confirmed with the Roosters, Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs each hosting a home game.

Details on the lifting of the health order and COVID-NSW safety plans for stadiums can be found on the NSW Government website.