Warriors resist naming State of Origin stars
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- 2 min read
New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has resisted the temptation to name State of Origin stars for his side to face the Panthers away in the top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
Webster has omitted Blues front-rower Mitchell Barnett and Queensland second-rower Kurt Capewell out of the squad, sticking largely with the squad that dominated St George-Illawarra Dragons last weekend.
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Webster has had to make one forced change to his starting line-up, with Adam Pompey replacing centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, whose campaign ended with a knee injury against the Dragons.
Pompey may also assume goalkicking duties, after kicking the Warriors reserves to NSW Cup victory on Saturday.
Second-rower Marata Niukore replaces concussed Eddie Ieremia-Toeava on the bench.
After two standout performances, veteran Te Maire Martin has retained the halfback jersey, but Luke Metcalf lurks among the reserves for possible promotion later.
The Warriors are currently second on the competition table, two points behind the Panthers, who ended their 2025 championship hopes in the elimination playoff.
Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Marata Niukore, 18. Kayliss Fatialofa, 20. Luke Hanson
Reserves: 21. Makaia Taufa, 22. Luke Metcalf, 23. Jason Salalilo
