Warriors named to face Rosters in opener
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- 2 min read
Three experienced NZ Warriors are available along with one new face for the season-opening NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Friday night.
Captain James Fisher-Harris returns to lead the side after missing both of the club’s Pre-
season Challenge matches while winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and standoff
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Chanel Harris-Tavitas (calf) have been cleared from minor injuries after also bypassing
the two trials.
Tuivasa-Sheck and Harris-Tavita come into the season fresh, Fisher-Harris had a
big workload leading the Māori All Stars in their drawn encounter with the Australian
Indigenous All Stars in Hamilton on February 15.
The only newcomer, although far from new to top level football, is second rower Morgan
Gannon who joined the club from the Leeds Rhinos. He has been included on the
extended bench.
The 22-year-old made 73 appearances for the Rhinos in the Super League and Challenge
Cup following his debut in 2021 while he also played in each of the Warriors pre-season Challenge matches against Manly Warringah and the Dolphins last month.
Co-captain Mitchell Barnett remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery but is
tagged 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 the
recovery room for some time yet.
Back on the NRL stage for the first time since round 12 last May is Ali Leiataua. The 23-
year-old rejoins Adam Pompey in the centres after coming through the trials with three
tries.
The rest of the backline is the same as the combination used in last season’s week one
play-off against Penrith while the starting forward pack has just one change with Jacob
Laban replacing Niukore in the second row.
Hooker Sam Healey, front rowers Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith and
second rower Leka Halasima are the first four players on the interchange with Taine
Tuaupiki and Gannon rounding out the new look six-man bench.
Left winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his 149th appearance for the Warriors this
week, leaving him set for his 150th against Canberra at Go Media Stadium in round two
on March 13.Under new NRL rules, Webster has named six on the interchange bench, featuring specialist hooker Sam Healey, outside back Taine Tuaupiki and four forwards.
Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Morgan Gannon
Reserves: 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Luke Hanson, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
