The Warriors’ first home game in New Zealand in almost two years is inching closer after the Kiwi government announced a trans-Tasman travel bubble on Tuesday.

If everything goes to plan, the Warriors will host the St George Illawarra Dragons in Auckland on Friday, July 2.

Warriors players and stuff will stay in Australia until the end of the NSW school term.

“Today’s announcement of a travel bubble is cause for excitement but it doesn’t immediately affect our plans,” Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

“Our position is that we will stay in Australia until after playing Newcastle on June 19. We had discussions with the NRL and our players and staff about our plan to ensure we have some stability for the first 15 rounds of the season.

“Our desire hasn’t changed. We want to be back home as soon as it’s feasible so we can have our team playing in front of our families, members, fans and our supportive sponsors.  

“When it’s safe to do so, we look forward to sharing the biggest homecoming party with everyone at Mount Smart Stadium but we need to be absolutely sure we will be able to travel to and from Australia with confidence to ensure our place in the competition isn’t jeopardised.

“As we have done throughout we will keep monitoring the situation and will seek the best possible advice.”