Go Media Stadium will host the Warriors' playoff encounter against Penrith. Photo: Brett Phibbs
NZ sports fans face double duty next Saturday, when NZ Warriors and the All Blacks are timed to overlap.
The Auckland-based NRL side will host four-time defending champions Penrith Panthers in their elimination playoff at Go Media Stadium, kicking off at 6.05pm NZT.
An hour later - about the time the Warriors begin their second half - the All Blacks will take on archrivals South Africa at Wellington's Sky Stadium.
After this weekend's final regular season games, the Warriors have finished sixth on the NRL table to book a home fixture in the first postseason round against seventh-placed Penrith. The winners progress to the semifinals, the losers drop out of contention.
This week's results did not change the previous standings, with Canberra Raiders already assured the minor premiership, before resting many of its stars and losing 62-24 to the Dolphins.
Melbourne Storm (second) and Canterbury Bulldogs (third) also lost, while Brisbane Broncos overran the Storm to stay ahead of Cronulla Sharks and the Warriors for fourth and the second life that comes with it. Penrith and Sydney Roosters also won to remain seventh and eighth respectively.
The Warriors limp into the playoffs, after a 27-26 loss to Manly Sea Eagles, suffering back-to-back defeats and losing centre Rocco Berry to a shoulder injury.
Penrith enjoy a 33-19 head-to-head advantage over the Warriors historically, with an 11-10 edge at Mt Smart. They have won nine of the last 10 meetings since 2019, with the lone exception being a thrilling 22-20 defeat at 'Magic Round' in Brisbane last season.
In June, the Warriors were duped 28-18 at home by a Panthers line-up missing five State of Origin stars.
Both coach Andrew Webster and captain James Fisher-Harris have won premierships with Penrith, under former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary.
"It's a good opportunity - it's a new competition really," Fisher-Harris said. "No-one respects us and I actually love that.
"Whatever happens happens."
NRL Playoffs - Week 1
Friday, 12 September
Qualifying final - Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs, 9.50pm (NZT), AAMI Park
Saturday, 13 September
Elimination final - NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers, 6.05pm (NZT), Go Media Stadium
Elimination final - Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters, 9.50pm (NZT), Sharks Stadium
Sunday, 14 September
Qualifying final - Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos, 6.05pm (NZT), GIO Stadium
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