The history of the Warriors at Eden Park

The New Zealand Warriors will return to Eden Park for an NRL match for the first time in 12 years for their semi-final against the Newcastle Knights.

After their 26-16 qualifying final defeat to the Dolphins on Saturday night, the Warriors now must play sudden-death football in order to keep their NRL premiership hopes alive.

When the match starts, it will mark 4516 days since the Warriors last played at Eden Park, which was back on May 10, 2014.

The move from their Penrose fortress across town to Sandringham is understandable, due to the recent demand for tickets to games, which saw many fans miss out. Mt Smart has a capacity of about 26,000, Eden Park can fit 50,000.

However, the move might make the task that little bit tougher for the Warriors, who have historically struggled at Eden Park.

They’ve played six NRL games there in their history, once each in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and three games in 2014.

The Warriors were also part of the NRL Nines, a pre-season tournament that was played at the venue between 2014-17.

This will be the Warriors’ seventh home final but the first they’ve played away from Mt Smart Stadium, now branded as Go Media Stadium.

The Warriors have two games locked in for Eden Park next year, on Anzac Day, while they will be the away side for a game played on June 13, which takes place just days before the stadium hosts the historic first New Zealand State of Origin match.

Here is a look back at the Warriors’ past NRL matches at Eden Park.

Warriors fullback Lance Hohaia looks stunned in their 24-18 loss to the Eels in 2011. Photo / Photosport

2011: Warriors 18 Parramatta Eels 24

The Warriors’ first NRL match at Eden Park was a huge occasion, attracting 38,412 fans, but the Parramatta Eels spoiled the party, which was dubbed the “Battle of Eden”.

The Warriors lost winger Manu Vatuvei early on as the Eels raced out to a quick lead and it wasn’t until just before halftime that the Warriors scored through Jerome Ropati.

The Eels stretched their lead to 24-6 early in the second half, but the Warriors mounted a late comeback. Ropati scored again before Lewis Brown crossed to make it a six-point game, but Parramatta held on to win.

Rookie Glen Fisiiahi had a debut to forget, struggling under the high ball as the Eels continually targeted him during the match. Shaun Berrigan and Feleti Mateo were the other players making their Warriors debuts.

While it was a defeat for the Warriors, it was a piece of history for the Eels, as Stephen Kearney became the first Parramatta coach to win on debut in 30 years.

Konrad Hurrell pictured during his NRL debut. Photo / Photosport

2012: Warriors 20 Manly Sea Eagles 26

Optimism was high among the 37,500 fans at Eden Park, with the Warriors beginning their new era under Brian McClennan as coach and coming off a grand-final defeat to Manly.

The Sea Eagles were classy from the start, racing out to a 16-0 lead, with Daly Cherry-Evans’ try a big highlight. The Warriors gradually worked their way back into the contest, with Shaun Johnson providing plenty of spark.

Johnson scored and set up Manu Vatuvei as the Warriors closed the gap to just two points. But Glenn Stewart’s late try proved decisive, with Manly holding on to hand the Warriors another season-opening defeat.

Ben Henry and Konrad Hurrell made their first-grade debuts in the fixture, while Nathan Friend played his first match for the Warriors.

The most memorable part of the game, though, was the skydivers who came crashing into the stadium, as part of the halftime entertainment, although one was seriously injured.

Feleti Mateo. Photo / Photosport

2013: Warriors 14 Sydney Roosters 16

James Maloney returned to Auckland to torment his old side, playing a key role in helping the Sydney Roosters race out to a 16-0 lead early in the second half.

But Johnson sparked the Warriors to life in the second half, starting with a stunning 90m solo try, before Pita Godinet and Bill Tupou also crossed with five minutes left.

Johnson had a sideline conversion to level the match, but he shanked it in front of 32,740 fans.

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson. Photo / Photosport

2014: Warriors 12 St George Illawarra Dragons 31

The Warriors appeared on track to finally break their Eden Park hoodoo in wet and windy conditions after taking a 12-6 lead into halftime, with Sam Tomkins, playing in his second match, scoring, as did Ropati.

But the game changed dramatically after the break as the Dragons scored twice in two minutes, which started with Tomkins dropping a regulation high kick.

Once the Dragons had momentum, they didn’t look back and the match was iced when Brett Morris turned a Warriors attacking opportunity into a 100m try in front of 14,000 fans.

The match saw David Fusitu’a named to make his NRL debut.

Trent Hodkinson kicks the game-winning field goal against the Warriors at Eden Park in 2014. Photo / Photosport

2014: Warriors 20 Canterbury Bulldogs 21

The Warriors looked certain to finally get their first Eden Park win when they led Canterbury 20-12 late in the contest.

But the Bulldogs fought back, with Trent Hodkinson kicking a penalty before slotting the decisive field goal in the 78th minute to secure a memorable come-from-behind win in front of 22,165 fans.

Young Warriors hooker Siliva Havili made his NRL debut.

Sione Lousi fends against Raiders' Josh Papalii. Photo / Photosport

2014: Warriors 54 Canberra Raiders 12

The Warriors’ Eden Park hoodoo finally came to an end with an emphatic win in front of 18,000 fans.

The Warriors raced to an 18-0 lead before Canberra briefly threatened, but Johnson and the Warriors’ attack took over after halftime.

Johnson scored twice, Vatuvei crossed twice and the Warriors piled on nine tries in total.

Days later, Andrew McFadden was appointed the Warriors coach on a long-term deal, having filled in on an interim basis.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.