The side to face the Warriors at 8:00pm at Go Media Stadium has been trimmed 24 hours ahead of kick-off.
Fetalaiga Pauga replaces Robert Toia at centre moving Cody Ramsey into the 6 man interchange bench.
Toby Rodwell and Salesi Foketi are the remaining reserves.
Originally published 03/03/2026
The wait is over.
The Sydney Roosters have finalised their line-up for a blockbuster Round One showdown against the New Zealand Warriors, launching their 2026 campaign with a trans-Tasman battle that promises intensity from the opening whistle.
After a demanding pre-season built on resilience, connection and standards, Head Coach Trent Robinson has named a side blending experience, strike power and emerging youth ready to make their mark.
Skipper James Tedesco will lead the Tricolours into the new season, with the Roosters captain entering 2026 in strong form following a sharp summer preparation.
In the halves, the Roosters will look to control the tempo early, combining composure with creativity as they aim to lay the platform for an explosive attacking display. Daly Cherry-Evans is set to make his Roosters debut, becoming Rooster #1246
Up front, the forward pack shapes as a key battleground. The Roosters’ middle rotation has been primed for physicality, with enforcers Naufahu Whyte and Lindsay Collins ready to set the tone against a powerful Warriors outfit. Expect aggression through the middle, quick ruck speed and relentless line speed in defence.
Round One. New beginnings. Same standards.
The team is as follows-
Match: Warriors v Roosters
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-KlokstadFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-ZelezniakWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Warriors is number 3 Ali LeiatauaCentre for Roosters is number 3 Billy Smith
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Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam PompeyCentre for Roosters is number 19 Fetalaiga Pauga
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Winger for Warriors is number 5 Roger Tuivasa-SheckWinger for Roosters is number 5 Mark Nawaqanitawase
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Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Chanel Harris-TavitaFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Daly Cherry-Evans
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Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Tanah BoydHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam Walker
Forwards
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Prop for Warriors is number 8 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Roosters is number 8 Naufahu Whyte
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Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Wayde EganHooker for Roosters is number 9 Benaiah Ioelu
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Prop for Warriors is number 10 Jackson FordProp for Roosters is number 10 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton
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2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Jacob Laban2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher
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Lock for Warriors is number 13 Erin ClarkLock for Roosters is number 13 Blake Steep
Interchange
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Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Sam HealeyInterchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor Watson
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Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Demitric VaimaugaInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Siua Wong
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Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Leka HalasimaInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Egan Butcher
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Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tanner Stowers-SmithInterchange for Roosters is number 20 Salesi Foketi
Reserves
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Reserve for Warriors is number 18 Taine TuaupikiReserve for Roosters is number 18 Cody Ramsey
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Reserve for Warriors is number 20 Morgan GannonReserve for Roosters is number 22 Toby Rodwell
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
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