The Warriors and NRL could think of no better way to say "thank you" to the people of Tamworth for the city's assistance earlier in 2020 than by playing an NRL match at Scully Park.

When the Warriors arrived in Australia en masse in May, they needed somewhere to call home during their two-week quarantine period before the competition resumed.

That's when Tamworth stepped up, with the team using a hotel and adjacent training ground while serving out their 14-day quarantine period.

After that, they relocated to NSW's Central Coast, but the generosity they were afforded in the northern regional city with a population of just over 60,000 is worthy of thanks.

That's why the Newcastle Knights will make the trip to Scully Park to meet the Warriors in Saturday's round 16 match in the Telstra Premiership.

Warriors v Knights - Round 16

When the Scully Park match was announced on August 10, ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys said the match was an important one.

"We want to thank the Tamworth community and businesses for their kindness, support and hospitality shown to the Warriors whilst they were in their beautiful town," V'landys said.

"Allowing the Warriors to quarantine in Tamworth played an important role in the season resuming on May 28."

Scully Park boasts a capacity of 11,000. However, social distancing regulations brought on by the COVID pandemic will reduce that amount on Saturday.

The Warriors will be hoping to keep their slim finals hopes alive while the Knights are in the top eight and pushing for the top four.

Rugby league fans at Scully Park. ©NRL Photos

Key information for Saturday's Warriors v Knights match

  • Gates open 1.30pm
  • Kick-off: 3pm
  • Tickets: Wests Entertainment Group website reports that all available tickets have been sold
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing rules, spectators may face different circumstances to previous trips to Scully Park.
  • Please arrive early to the game. Due to COVID restrictions and social distancing, queues may be longer than usual.
  • Patrons seats are located in a specific zone, they cannot cross zones. Food, beverage and toilet facilities are available for each zone.
  • Patrons must social distance at all times, maintain hand hygiene and stay home if they are feeling unwell.
  • Merchandise is available for purchase at the game.
  • Please arrive early to the game. Due to COVID restrictions and social distancing, queues may be longer than usual.​

Scully Park fun facts

  • The main ground at Scully Park, as fans know it today, opened in June 2015 on the site of the old No.2 Oval at the Scully Park Regional Sporting Complex.
  • At the former feature ground at the complex, capacity was around 2500. The redevelopment came following a $3.2 million partnership with council, the state government and Wests Entertainment Group.
  • Over the years, the complex has played hosts to rugby league greats including Andrew Johns, Ellery Hanley and Steve Menzies.
  • As well as hosting NRL matches, the ground has also been the scene for City-Country fixtures.
  • The Wests Tamworth Leagues Club adjoins the complex.
  • A 2018 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and Knights supplied the ground record of 10,082.

 

* Information on Scully Park obtained from AusStadiums website