Warriors vs Newcastle Knights, result, kick-off time, updates; Daniel Saifiti ruled out as Shaun Johnson named; Sellout crowd packing in as hosts break 15-year drought

The Warriors will end a 15-year drought when the game kicks off in Auckland this afternoon, with the New Zealand club set for its first home final since 2008.

The Warriors have not played a home final since beating the Roosters 30-13 in a 2008 semi-final under the guidance of Ivan Cleary.

Another sell-out crowd is swarming to the Auckland venue for this afternoon’s clash with the Go Media Stadium selling out for the sixth time in 10 games this season.

More than 22,000 tickets were sold in pre-sale windows starting on Monday with the remaining seats gone in a matter of minutes yesterday.

“We’ve all waited so long to have a home final here at Go Media Stadium,” said Warriors chief executive Cameron George.

“The reaction from members and fans has been sensational all season and now they’ve responded by selling out this game in less than 24 hours. It’s brilliant. As a club we’re so proud seeing the support from the public.

“We couldn’t be happier for our fans seeing their team playing a final at home. They really deserve this after what they endured while the team was away from home the past three years.”