Harry Styles concert causing problems for NRL club whilst Newcastle Knights want compensation as they’re overlooked for big event

Last night the NRL fixtures were released for 2023.

There were plenty of big talking points such as confirmation of the new look pre-season tournament which will see Super League Champions St Helens take on St George Illawarra Dragons prior to a World Club Challenge clash with Penrith Panthers on February 18th.

Meanwhile, NRL new club The Dolphins are set for their debut and Newcastle Knights have missed out on the Magic Round and are wanting compensation.

But perhaps the most interesting story from the NRL draw is the fact that New Zealand Warriors, who welcome former Leeds Rhinos boss Richard Agar in 2023 as assistant coach, will have to relocate their opening home game of the season due to a Harry Styles concert.

It’s not very common to see Styles, formerly of One Direction and one of the most famous singers on the planet, making rugby league headlines but he is today perhaps for the wrong reasons.

“Mt Smart is gearing up for Harry Styles, so we’re taking our season-opener to Sky Stadium in Te Whanganui-a-Tara,’’ the Warriors said on Twitter.

This is despite the fact the game comes days before the concert but due to preparations they still cannot use their home ground.

It’s a pity for the Warriors who sacrificed playing at home throughout the pandemic.