After weeks of preparation, the Warriors have finally touched down in Tamworth. The New Zealand Rugby League team will be spending the next two weeks in the city as they prepare for the start of the NRL season. The international flight carrying the team flew directly from Auckland to Tamworth on Sunday afternoon to begin their two week Covid-19 isolation at Wests. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said it was a great coup to have the Warriors choose Tamworth while they prepare for the restart of the 2020 season. “There are a number of significant benefits to having the team located in Tamworth, with local catering companies providing bulk supplies for the 48-member touring party for 14 days," he said. “Local staff have been reemployed at Wests in a number of areas of the club, including catering, cleaning, accommodation and the ground staff. “The profile of Tamworth has also been boosted by being at the centre of national attention in the lead up to the team’s arrival and will be the focus for the next two weeks." Mr Anderson said the whole touring party will be lockdown in the Wests compound and under strict public health orders. “During the planning process, the safety of the Tamworth community was of utmost importance, making sure that travel, transfers and accommodation arrangements were in line with the current public health orders around self-isolation, and all associated restrictions," he said. "Strict border force approvals were also required." Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club is excited to come to Tamworth as it has such a strong community background in rugby league. "I have been there in the past and I know the players will really embrace the experience," he said. “We are also grateful to have the use of the facilities that are equivalent to any high-performance venue in regional NSW and I’m sure we won’t be the last elite team to use them.” It’s expected the New Zealand Warriors will be in Tamworth until Sunday 17th May.