Team List Sydney City Roosters v NZ Warriors - [Round 1, 2026]

[WAH MAN]

I'm happy with that team. I'm picking Ali to run right through their defence and score two and set up two more.

I also didn't see Laban starting so that's a great idea everyone who said he would.

Leka and Demetric off the bench if down right explosive.

 

[BlackToko88]

Marata back next week according to our website. Barnett tagged soon

Marata still TBC

Casualty Ward

Check the Official NRL Casualty Ward, which players are injured, and who is expected to make their way back onto the field and in the game.

www.nrl.com

 

[BlackToko88]

 

[kos]

To my eyes Morgan Gannon is a surprise.
But knowing this coach three out of the six reserves wont get any game time.

 

[Inruin]

Jeeze DCE and Walker are a combination tho aye...

Be interesting to see if they work well together and who plays the dominant role. I thought signing DCE was a mistake by the Roosters but let's wait and see. Could be a genius signing

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Warrior by 4

 

[Naynay]

Only opinion Is wouldnt have minded seeing a dedicated prop in there instead of gannon, but guess thats more for when Barrnett is back

 

[Matiunz]

Going in with low expectations but hope to be pleasantly surprised. Last year post Metcalf/Barnett injuries is what I fear we may be in for

 

[CWC]

Probably better to get the roosters now when the halves don’t know what they are doing

Boyd has some firepower on the right with Laban, Ali and later Leka, hopefully CNK passes and Dallin can finish a few

 

[BrisbaneWarrior]

They have us covered in the backs, we have a better forward pack

 

[JaggedJ]

Curious to see how Ali goes, but otherwise it's the same uninspiring backline/spine that stunted us against good teams last year.

Good thing games aren't played on paper. Go Wahs.

 

[Beastmode]

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I reckon the old and injured fellas ie Mitch and Marata can take the whole month off if we start strong. Let the young legs do all the hard work.

It’s a long season and we’re gonna need the old hands in September for finals footy.

BUT if we lose on Friday, get them back ASAP.

 

[Neo]

Curious to see how Ali goes, but otherwise it's the same uninspiring backline/spine that stunted us against good teams last year.

Good thing games aren't played on paper. Go Wahs.

If the trials are anything to go by it looks like we will move the ball more amongst the forwards to try and compensate for the lack of backline power. Something reminiscent of the Des Hasler Bulldogs

 

[Beastmode]

If the trials are anything to go by it looks like we will move the ball more amongst the forwards to try and compensate for the lack of backline power. Something reminiscent of the Des Hasler Bulldogs

Play like we have 13 forwards on the field

Just gritty grinding footy. Same as last year. Can get boring to watch but we got the results on paper and top 4 for large parts of the season so it works

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Probably better to get the roosters now when the halves don’t know what they are doing

Roosters are historically slow to start the season so best time I reckon.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

Yeah, I'm just not feeling optimistic this year with that backline. It has been a glaring issue for a while, and hasn't been improved coming into the season.

A good chance for Ali to stand up and show he has arrived, but I'm still dubious about his defence.

 

[WHB]

Love the bench.
Young and hungry.

 

[Popdukes]

Excited to see Leka & Demi off the bench, that’ll have the Roosters rattled, it’ll be interesting to see how they try and stem their impact. I don’t think they’ll cope with it well. Need the boys to bash the Roosters and constantly keep them on the back foot, bit concerned about Dallin &,Ali sharing defensive space though, I hope Boyd keeps them pinned with smart and accurate kicking. He needs a cool head going into this. Gotta jag at least one win with home games back to back (no reason why can’t win both) but it’s v Roosters for me….it may not be pretty but Wahs by 6, really looking forward to this…Will be watching cup side beforehand too.

I love this club. I love League….been a long time between 0.0% drinks

 

[3rdstriker]

Strong team, i love the young, hungry and impactfal bench, If Webby utilises it right we should win.
Looking forward to see how stowers smith goes, also Tuaupiki and Healys inclusion if they're used.
Only downbuzz is seeing Dwz back the on the wing he could be a superstar in super league, but still no surprises there.

 

[Boats n Hoes]

Be interesting to see if they work well together and who plays the dominant role. I thought signing DCE was a mistake by the Roosters but let's wait and see. Could be a genius signing

I think altho DCE is wearing the 6 he'll be steering that team round. I think he'll free Walker up just to play eyes up footy.....and that is a scary proposition. He was mighty impressive in that trial......yeah thats a formidable combination if it clicks.

The key for us will be to control that ruck. The onus is on Fish, Ford, Erin Clarke, this game will be won or lost in the middle. And altho we rate our pack Roosters arent short in that department.....Naufahu Whyte, Lindasy Collins aremt mugs by any stretch.
They have strike in that backline and their bench is at least equal to ours.

I cant pick it tbh. Its shaping to be an epic tight one.....here's hoping that sold out stadium of fanatics gets us over the line.