Home goal looks sitter now, say Kiwi teams

News of the NZ-Australia bubble is a huge boost for Kiwi sport teams competing in transtasman competitions which have had to base themselves across the ditch.

League

Warriors CEO Cameron George said yesterday’s transtasman bubble announcement was a positive step towards the club returning home.

George confirmed a month ago the Warriors had decided to extend their stay in Australia until June 21 while continuing to monitor developments.

“We will stay in Australia until after playing Newcastle on June 19,” he said. ”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 ... sponsors.

“When it’s safe to do so, we look forward to sharing the biggest homecoming party with everyone at Mount Smart Stadium.”

As it stands, the Warriors’ first home game at Mount Smart Stadium will be their 16th-round match against St George Illawarra on Friday, July 2.

Rugby

While the bubble doesn’t affect the schedule and format of Super Rugby Aotearoa, the crossover tournament between New Zealand and Australian clubs is set to go ahead.

Super Rugby Transtasman will feature an additional 26 games over six straight weeks, kicking off on May 14, with a final scheduled for June.

The transtasman bubble will also likely make All Blacks tests with the Wallabies easier, providing a financial boost for rugby governing bodies as well as making fan travel possible.

Football

The Wellington Phoenix, who haven’t played an A-League match in New Zealand for over a year, will continue to base themselves in Wollongong, New South Wales.

However, the Phoenix are open to holding two A-League games in New Zealand after the announcement.

“The club has previously stated that returning home is a goal,” the club said in a statement. “It’s important for the fans, our corporate partners and of course players and staff members — some of whom will have been separated from their families for over six months.

“The club has been working on a plan to have the team and support staff return . . . these plans can now be accelerated.”

Basketball

The Breakers have been based in Tasmania and will stay in Australia for now.

However, owner Matt Walsh said the team will meet ANBL officials and hopes to get players back as soon as possible.

Veteran swingman Tom Abercrombie shared his reaction on YouTube: “It’s incredibly exciting for us to have something set in stone. “We’ve been here a long time . . .”