NRL Team List: Senior Players Return, One New Face
The One New Zealand Warriors are gearing up for their season-opening NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at the sold-out Go Media Stadium. This Friday night (8:00 pm kick-off) promises an exciting match with a mix of familiar faces and one new addition.
Captain James Fisher-Harris is back at the helm, having missed the club's Pre-season Challenge matches. He'll be joined by his teammates, who have also recovered from minor injuries: winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf).
However, Fisher-Harris had a demanding schedule, leading the Māori All Stars in their drawn match against the Australian Indigenous All Stars in Hamilton on February 15. Meanwhile, Tuivasa-Sheck and Harris-Tavita start the season fresh and ready to go.
The only newcomer is second rower Morgan Gannon, who joins the club from the Leeds Rhinos. Despite not being new to top-level football, he's a valuable addition as Warrior #295. Gannon made 73 appearances for the Rhinos in the Super League and Challenge Cup after his debut in 2021, and he also participated in the One New Zealand Warriors' Pre-season Challenge matches against Manly Warringah and the Dolphins.
Co-captain Mitchell Barnett is still sidelined due to knee surgery but is expected to return soon. Second rower Marata Niukore (calf) will be available next week, while Luke Metcalf (knee), Te Maire Martin (leg), and Rocco Berry (shoulder) will be in recovery for some time.
Ali Leiataua, who hasn't been on the NRL stage since round 12 last May, rejoins Adam Pompey in the centres after a successful trial with three tries. The backline remains largely the same as last season's week one playoff against Penrith, with just one change in the starting forward pack, where Jacob Laban replaces Marata Niukore in the second row.
The interchange positions feature Sam Healey, Demitric Vaimauga, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Leka Halasima, with Taine Tuaupiki and Morgan Gannon completing the new-look six-man bench.
Left winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set to make his 149th appearance for the Warriors this week, with his 150th appearance on the horizon against Canberra at Go Media Stadium in round two on March 13.
