RTS and CHT return for Round 1 Roosters showdown
There were few surprises in Andrew Webster's first NRL premiership team list for 2026.
The Warriors’ 19-man squad for the Round 1 clash with Sydney Roosters rolled out more or less as expected, with winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita named to return after missing both pre-season fixtures.
Marata Niukore (calf) was unavailable for selection, allowing Tanner Stowers-Smith to retain a spot in the No.17 jersey. Elsewhere on the bench, Sam Healey earned the No.14 call-up, while Taine Tuaupiki and English recruit Morgan Gannon were both included in the six-man interchange.
Jackson Ford will start in the front-row in the place of expected Round 2 returnee Mitch Barnett with Demetric Vaimauga on the bench, and - as reported - Jacob Laban gets a second-row spot which leaves Leka Halasima on the pine.
Centre Ali Leiataua makes his first NRL appearance since Round 12 last year.
Interestingly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira is in the reserves list but - unlike No.22 Luke Hanson and No.23 Eddie Ieremia-Toeva - has not been named in the NSW Cup side for Friday’s season-opening curtain-raiser against the Roosters.
Recruit Haizyn Mellars and Motu Pasikala are on the flanks for the reserve grade line-up, outside the exciting young centre duo of Sio Kali anbd Caelys-Paul Putoko.
Jett Cleary makes his first appearance of the season, partnering Hanson in the halves.
Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea earns a front-row berth with fellow trials standout Makaia Tafua starting at hooker and Jack Thompson named in the No.14.
Most interest in the Warriors’ first Jersey Flegg line-up of 2026 centres around rugby union convert Harry Inch, named at five-eighth, and Braelan Marsh - son of Warriors 2002 grand final hooker PJ - who will be in the No.9 jumper.
