Warriors v Roosters preview

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Warriors v Sydney Roosters Friday 6:00pm at Go Media Stadium, Penrose / Aotearoa

DCE's first official Tricolours outing sends him across the Tasman.

This match on paper could go either way and a lot of historical data shows the uncertainty either way. Warriors have only won 9 Round 1 games in their entire history, however, they have won 14 of their 23 games played in New Zealand against the Roosters, however, Roosters have won 14 of their last 21 games against the Warriors.

The Roosters come into this match with all their players available and a full bill of health and despite a pair of losses in the trials, they will be confident coming into this game of a strong performance to get their 2026 campaign off to a good start.

The Warriors on the other hand have some major concerns for the start of their 2026 NRL season, with halves Te Maire Martin and Luke Metcalf both sidelined for 10 and 7 games respectively with injuries, while forward Mitch Barnett and centre Rocco Berry are also both sidelined this week.

Despite their strong season in 2025, the Warriors campaign fell away at the back-enof the year due to injuries and subsequently they recorded just 2 wins from their last 8 games at Go Media Stadium. The Roosters won 5 of their last 8 Away games, however their biggest problem recently has been inconsistency - they've won 15 of their last 30 games. So while it looks ominous for the Warriors, the Roosters have not been capitalising on these opportunities like they once did.

Last meeting: Round 3 2025 - Warriors 14 Roosters 6

Who to watch: All eyes will be on Roosters new halfback Daly Cherry-Evans as he looks set to take over all of the organising duties, which will in turn free-up five-eighth Sam Walker and fullback James Tedesco to play their natural games. Tedesco especially could potentially be set to have a strong season due to DCE.

The Warriors will be looking for opportunities to put new recruit and prolific try scorer Alofiana Khan-Pereira in positions to score tries. The 24-year-old winger came to the Warriors after 3 years at the Titans, where he scored 53 tries in 54 games (He also scored 33 tries in 24 QLD Cup games).

Favourite: The Roosters are clear favourites for this clash.

MY TIP: The injury toll for the Warriors, their slow starts, Roosters current record against the Warriors all suggests that the Roosters will get the win here. Roosters by 14.

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Adam Pompey 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Tanah Boyd 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Jackson Ford 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Samuel Healey 15. Demitric Vaimauga 16. Leka Halasima 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith 18. Taine Tuaupiki 20. Morgan Gannon

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 19. Fetalaiga Pauga 5. Mark Nawaqanitawase 6. Daly Cherry-Evans 7. Sam Walker 8. Naufahu Whyte 9. Benaiah Ioelu 10. Lindsay Collins 11. Angus Crichton 12. Nat Butcher 13. Blake Steep 14. Connor Watson 15. Siua Wong 16. Egan Butcher 18. Cody Ramsey 20. Salesi Foketi 22. Toby Rodwell

Referees: Wyatt Raymond; Sideline Officials: Kieren Irons, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Chris Butler;