In a departure from recent seasons, the Warriors are likely to open their NRL campaign at home in 2015.
The NRL draw has yet to be finalised but a probable scenario will see the first game of the season at Mt Smart on the weekend of March 6-8.
The past two campaigns began in Australia and were forgettable defeats, both against Parramatta. The Warriors preferred to start across the Tasman, both to take the chance to fly over fresh (rather than in recovery mode) and also to 'bank' a home game for later in the season.
Next season, they won't be able to play in Auckland in round two because of the two Eagles concerts controversially booked by the council for the same weekend and Mt Smart is also unlikely to be used the following weekend because of the length of time it will take to restore the ground for football.
It's considered a footballing risk to wait until round four to play at home, hence the request for a match here to start the season.
The Warriors also need to turn around what is becoming a worrying pattern -- the club have lost five of their last six opening matches, with the last victory to open a season coming in 2009.
The club still have plans for a spectacular re-enactment of their inaugural game against Brisbane in 1995 to commemorate their 20th anniversary but it won't happen in round one. The Broncos are certain to open their season at home, especially with the interest in the homecoming of foundation coach Wayne Bennett.
Any Warriors-Broncos clash will need to be staged later in the year.
There's also likely to be a departure from tradition on the Anzac weekend round in 2015.
The Warriors have usually headed to Melbourne in recent seasons, often facing the Storm in their own territory on or around Anzac Day. Next year, that is likely to change, with a match to be played in New Zealand on Anzac weekend, probably on the day (April 25) itself.
- Michael Burgess of the Herald on Sunday
