The Warriors are facing a pre-season puzzle! As the 2026 NRL season approaches, Coach Andrew Webster is grappling with more selection dilemmas than most, and the opening month is shaping up to be a real test. With their premiership opener against the Roosters on Friday night, many questions hang in the air, and the answers might only become clear on the field.
But here's where it gets interesting: Webster has some tough calls to make, especially in the fullback position. Should he stick with the seasoned Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, or give the younger, more dynamic Taine Tuaupiki a shot at number one? Tuaupiki did fill in for three games at the end of last season, with Nicoll-Klokstad shifting to the centres. While he performed reasonably well, the team only managed to win one of those three games, leaving Webster with a lot to ponder.
And this is the part most people miss: the arrival of former Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira brings a mixed bag. He's a known try-scorer, which is fantastic, but he's also been known to let tries in defensively. Is this gamble worth it for the Warriors?
All eyes will also be on Luke Metcalf as he makes his return from knee surgery. Can he recapture the electrifying pace that was so crucial to the club's strong start in 2025? If he can't, it might be time to give Jett Cleary, younger brother of NRL superstar Nathan, a chance to shine. He's considered a first-grader in waiting.
In the forwards, things are a bit clearer, though Webster still needs to decide if Leeds recruit Morgan Gannon will be thrown straight into the action or given time to adapt to the pace of Southern Hemisphere football. The Warriors' tendency to fade in the latter half of last season was, in part, attributed to Metcalf's injury, as he was a strong contender for the Dally M award before his setback.
The forward pack has the potential to dominate any team on their day, especially if Leka Halasima can build on his inspirational performances from last year. This is a club with the talent and depth to make the finals, provided they can maintain focus and discipline throughout the season.
Key Acquisitions for 2026:
* Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos, signed until 2028)
* Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans, signed until 2028)
* Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights, signed until 2028)
* Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs, signed until 2028)
Departures for 2026:
* Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers)
* Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers)
* Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers)
* Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)
* Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
* Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
* Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers)
* Setu Tu (St George Illawarra Dragons)
* Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels)
Best Buy: Khan-Pereira could be a dark horse for the top try-scorer award in 2026, given his knack for crossing the try line. However, he first needs to secure a spot in the team and iron out his defensive frailties.
Player to Watch: With his decision to return to Australia in 2027 for personal reasons, Mitchell Barnett needs to prove his unwavering commitment to the Warriors. He's a true professional, and I believe he'll demonstrate his loyalty.
Biggest Question Mark: This is a recurring theme for the Warriors – they possess immense talent, but can they consistently match the discipline and intensity of the well-drilled Australian clubs over a full 80 minutes, without letting games slip away due to lapses in concentration?
Predicted Finish: 6th
Projected 19-Man Squad:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
Interchange:
14. Demitric Vaimauga
15. Jackson Ford
16. Marata Niukore
17. Morgan Gannon
18. Tanah Boyd
19. Taine Tuaupiki
Odds to Win Competition: $26
What do you think? Are the Warriors poised for a strong season, or will these selection headaches and discipline issues hold them back? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
