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NRL returns to Sport Nation for 2026
Sport Nation • February 20th, 2026 10:05 am
Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The One NZ Warriors will kick off this year's National Rugby League campaign at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Friday March 6 and Sport Nation will be back in the booth to bring you all of the action.
Entain Australia & New Zealand is proud to announce that Sport Nation’s commitment as the NZ Warriors’ official radio partner will continue for the 2026 season.
The popular commentary team of play-by-play caller Sam Hewat, alongside former Warriors Blake Ayshford and Anthony Gelling, will reunite for all home games at Go Media Stadium.
With an electric atmosphere, their Mt Smart home often has a fortress-like feel for visiting teams, and Sport Nation has been right there in the stands with Warriors Nation, riding the rollercoaster of emotions as Andrew Webster’s side looks to win the club’s first premiership.
Our weekly rugby league show Running It Straight will also return ahead of the Warriors’ home opener. Plus, our dedicated women’s rugby league podcast Six Again hosted by Pip Morris is set to return later in the year for the NRLW season.
The Wahine Warriors smash year one expectations | The Six Again Podcast
Warriors away games in Australia will be commentated by our partners SEN, and Sport Nation will also broadcast up to four other NRL games each week, plus the State of Origin, all NRL playoff games, and the NRL Grand Final.
Marcus Forbes, Sport Nation’s Head of Radio, Digital & Commercial, is thrilled to see a new deal come to fruition and build upon what fans have come to expect from Sport Nation’s live coverage.
“Rugby league is dear to the hearts of many New Zealanders, and as the Kiwi voice of sport, Sport Nation is excited to connect those fans closer to the game they love,” Forbes said.
“We are committed to bringing every Warriors home game to life with a top-class radio broadcast as we have done for the past three seasons full-time with Sam Hewat leading the charge, calling the play as it unfolds in the dynamic, exciting style he’s become known for.”
Sam Hewat loses it calling Leka Halasima's match-winning try vs Newcastle Knights | Warriors Live
Hewat, who has called several iconic Warriors moments in recent years including Leka Halasima’s 80th minute match-winning try against the Newcastle Knights, can’t wait to resume his place in the commentary box.
“I can't think of a better crew to work alongside. Blake not only carries the mana of a man who has played with some of the NRL’s greats, he also knows the game incredibly well and articulates it beautifully with a calm and measured persona,” Hewat said of analyst Blake Ayshford, before turning his praise towards sideline reporter Anthony Gelling.
“Gello has quickly turned into one of the games cult personalities, especially in the UK and NZ,” Hewat added.
“His wry humour and ability to entertain has given our broadcast a lot of extra colour and I'm looking forward to what line he gets very close to crossing in 2026!”
The Sport Nation app is available to download in New Zealand on Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android users.
Re-live the final moments of the Wahs win over the Dragons | Warriors Live on Sport Nation
