Central Coast Council have welcomed the New Zealand Warriors NRL team to Central Coast Stadium to train while they are in Australia.

 The team are due to arrive to the Central Coast on Wednesday 20 May, in preparation for the 2020 NRL season.

 Central Coast Council CEO, Gary Murphy said Council had been working behind the scenes with the New Zealand Warriors to make this happen.   

 “Council has had a long positive relationship with the NRL. Hosting the New Zealand Warriors is recognition of Council management of Central Coast Stadium as a high-quality venue delivering for professional sporting codes from its ideal location just outside Sydney,” said Mr Murphy.

 “The Stadium is in the best shape it has ever been, with Council recently investing in major upgrades, including new seating, change rooms, corporate facilities, accessible amenities, large outdoor screens and sound systems.

 “Stadium staff are following all operational guidelines and working closely with the NRL to ensure there is no health risk to the community.  All parties will be following the protocols of the government health orders and will be adapting to any changes including restrictions on social distancing and public gathering requirements,” said Mr Murphy.

 Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the announcement offered significant benefits for the local economy.  

 “The decision to support the New Zealand Warriors training sessions will help to restimulate local employment across many skill sectors which we welcome for many businesses on the coast,” Mayor Matthews said.

 “We are living up to our reputation as a region that excels in delivering high quality sporting facilities, including the opening of the Central Coast Regional Sporting and Recreation Complex which has already hosted significant regional events in its first twelve months of operating.”

 Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club hugely appreciates the support from the Central Coast Council and the community.

 “Our players and staff are so excited knowing the Central Coast will be their home away from home as they count down to the resumption of the 2020 season,” he said.

 “They’re also really looking forward to using Central Coast Stadium as their training base. It’s a terrific facility with a fantastic surface which was a critical requirement to ensure our team is as well prepared as possible each and every week of the campaign ahead.

 “A huge vote of thanks goes out to Mayor Lisa Matthews, the Council and everyone involved in the Central Coast community for doing so much to support us and for making us feel so welcome.”