The nib Newcastle Knights will return to the Central Coast in 2021 due to the Warriors' agreement to shift to Australia for the opening stages of the new year.
The Rd2 clash between the Knights and Warriors, originally slated to take place in Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium, has now been relocated to Central Coast Stadium after the announcement on Friday.
The Knights called the Gosford ground home for a brief period of the 2020 season, hosting games against Brisbane and Melbourne at the ground behind closed doors.
The Knights have not featured at the venue in a publically-accessable NRL game since 2010.
The announcement came from Warriors CEO Cameron George, who cited preparation and certainty as the reasons behind the decision.
The Warriors will shift to Tamworth for a month-long training camp from January 3, before moving back to their Terrigal base in February.
The New Zealand-based Club will play their opening four games in Australia, before a planned return to Auckland on April 4.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo thanked the Warriors for their sacrifice to ensure the viability of the new season.
"The Warriors are a special club to all of us," Abdo said.
"They have again put the competition ahead of their own personal interests.
"Their sacrifices cannot be overstated, on behalf of the Australian Rugby League Commission and the game I want to thank the players and staff for what they are doing for the competition."
Round 2
New Zealand Warriors v Newcastle Knights
Central Coast Stadium
Friday, 19th March, 6pm
