Heading into 2021 the New Zealand Warriors look promising.

Their recruitment has been impeccable, with the acquisition of Euan Aitken, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Kane Evans, Addin Fonua-Blake and new head coach Nathan Brown.

It will be interesting to see just how far they can go this season, but win or lose these are five games you need to watch.

ROUND 1 – GOLD COAST TITANS

Both the Titans and Warriors have been active in the market for 2021, and they will get to boast their new signings for the first time against each other in round one.

First impressions can be lasting, so a win in this game for both sides will be important as expectations are high for both clubs this year.

New Zealand will also want revenge following their loss to the Gold Coast last season in controversial circumstances.

ROUND 2 – NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

In 2016, the Newcastle Knights were languishing at the bottom of the NRL ladder and the future looked bleak, but then the club appointed Nathan Brown to the role of head coach.

Brown reinvigorated the Knights and had them set for big things before an ugly exit in 2019, which was followed by Newcastle making their first finals series in seven years in 2020.

The Warriors are hoping that Brown can have a similar impact on them, and tensions will be high as the former Super League-winning coach faces his old side.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫. #UndertakerFocus #letsgonewarriors #pumpedfortheseason #2021runitstraight pic.twitter.com/laE1lOH8Jd

— Vodafone Warriors (@NZWarriors) February 5, 2021

ROUND 7 – MELBOURNE STORM

On Anzac Day the Storm and Warriors will go up against each other once again in their annual matchup.

Hopefully, AAMI Park can host a full crowd for this event where the animosity between the two clubs will be at its highest, with the Storm representing Australia and the Warriors representing New Zealand.

The defending premiers will also prove a great litmus test for the team across the Tasman who have finals aspirations.

ROUND 19 – SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

In another good litmus test for the Warriors, they will face the top four favourite South Sydney Rabbitohs side on the Sunshine Coast.

We’ve seen the Sunshine Coast come into the limelight in the Australian Rugby League in recent years, with the Sunshine Coast Falcons dominating the Intrust Super Cup competition in 2019 and the Melbourne Storm adopting the Sunshine Coast as their temporary home in 2020.

Fingers crossed these two clubs put on a great performance in front of a passionate crowd that does not get to see the NRL live in person too often.

ROUND 23 – BRISBANE BRONCOS

Ever since the Warriors and Broncos did battle in the first round of the 1995 season, this fixture has always meant that little bit more to Warriors fans.

New Zealand, or Auckland at the time, nearly got the win in their first game as well, losing to Brisbane 25-22.

The Warriors will be looking to please their faithful with a big win over the Broncos at Suncorp.