New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters Preview & Prediction | 2026 NRL | Regular Season
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Sydney Roosters begin the new season with a trip to Auckland for a meeting with the New Zealand Warriors, who finished above them in the regular season back in 2025.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / Australia – Channel 9 / US – Some matches are televised live on Fox Sports
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go & Watch NRL / Australia – 9Now / US – Watch NRL, and if the match is televised in the USA it can also be streamed live on Fox Sports platforms
New Zealand Warriors team news
The New Zealand Warriors will be without Mitch Barnett, Luke Metcalf and Marata Niukore through injury, but in more positive news are expected to have Chanel Harris-Tavita and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck both available.
Squad: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark, Sam Healey, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Taine Tuaupiki, Morgan Gannon, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Luke Hanson, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
Team lists for round one can be found here
Sydney Roosters team news
While Sydney Roosters fans will need to wait at least a few weeks for hooker Reece Robson’s debut, other key players such as Rob Toia and Sam Walker are all set to feature here against the Warriors.
Squad: James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Billy Smith, Robert Toia, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker, Naufahu Whyte, Benaiah Ioelu, Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Nat Butcher, Blake Steep, Connor Watson, Siua Wong, Egan Butcher, Spencer Leniu, Cody Ramsey, Fetalaiga Pauga, Salesi Foketi, Tommy Talau, Toby Rodwell
Team lists for round one can be found here
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters prediction
Sydney Roosters’ finals series experience last year was a short one after one just finishing inside the top eight across the regular season. New Zealand Warriors were also eliminated in the first round, losing at home to Penrith Panthers in a meek offensive display which saw them score just eight points. Only two points separated these two clubs in the NRL league table and the likelihood is this will prove to be a close encounter with each team desperate not to begin with a loss.
Expect a potential scrappy contest which could see defences rule over the course of 80 minutes. This is where the Roosters may well have the edge with their excellent backline, especially when taking into account the injuries within their opponents’ camp. It may take time for New Zealand Warriors to really click and it’s worth backing Sydney Roosters to secure a narrow victory.
New Zealand Warriors vs Sydney Roosters tip: Sydney Roosters to win
