The New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters will kick off the first Friday night double-header of the 2026 season when they meet at Go Media Stadium.

The Roosters arguably exceeded expectations last year despite their first-week finals exit and enter 2026 with genuine premiership aspirations behind a new-look lineup, headlined by the legendary Daly Cherry-Evans.

Fellow newcomer Reece Robson will miss time with a thumb injury, meaning Benaiah Ioelu starts at hooker.

The Warriors had their 2025 momentum halted by Luke Metcalf’s ACL injury and his ongoing recovery leaves Tanah Boyd in the halfback role. New signing Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been named among the reserves as he attempts to clear concussion protocols.

Meanwhile, a shoulder injury to Rocco Berry sees Ali Leiataua line up in the centres for his first appearance since Round 12. Leiataua played a pivotal role when these sides met last season, scoring two tries as the Warriors claimed a 14-6 victory.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this trans-Tasman tussle, check out our Warriors vs Roosters tips and predictions below.

Warriors vs Roosters Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

The new look Roosters will begin life with Daly Cherry-Evans as their halfback across the ditch against the depleted Warriors.

The former Queensland Captain showed everyone it’s never too late to change jobs, moving to Bondi after 14 years at Manly.

His addition, along with that of NSW hooker Reece Robson has launched the Tri-colours back into the premiership picture, although they’ll be with Robson here who is currently injured.

Speaking of injuries, the Warriors are set to be without half their spine as Luke Metcalfe and Te Maire Martin are out, as is departing representative forward Mitch Barnett.

Home ground advantage should ensure the damage isn’t too severe, but we can’t see the hosts overcoming this many outs against a side as stacked as the Roosters.

Betting tip: Sydney Roosters. 

First Try Scorer Prediction

If you’re looking for a reliable try scorer for this market, then it’s pretty hard to go past last season’s most prolific finisher.

Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase topped the try-scoring charts last season and we’re backing him to pick up where he left off.

He also adores playing away from home and has scored two or more tries in each of Sydney's last three matches outside of New South Wales.

Betting tip: Mark Nawaqanitawase.

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the last five matches between New Zealand and Sydney at Go Media Stadium have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (41.5) total match points. 

Warriors vs Roosters Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad has scored a try in three of his last four Round 1 appearances.

Sam Walker

Sam Walker has scored a try in each of his last three appearances against New Zealand.

Angus Crichton

Angus Crichton has scored a try in each of Sydney's last two matches.

Adam Pompey

Adam Pompey has scored at least one try in three of New Zealand's last five matches.

Warriors vs Roosters Teams

New Zealand Warriors Team List

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 (c)

9. Wayde Egan

10. Jackson Ford

11. Kurt Capewell

12. Jacob Laban

13. Erin Clark

14. Sam Healey

15. Demitric Vaimauga

16. Leka Halasima

17. Tanner Stowers-Smith

18. Taine Tuaupiki

19. Morgon Gannon

Sydney Roosters Team List

1. James Tedesco (c)

2. Daniel Tupou

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Mark Nawaqanitawase

6. Daly Cherry-Evans

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Benaiah Ioelu

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Angus Crichton

12. Nat Butcher

13. Blake Steep

14. Connor Watson

15. Siua Wong

16. Egan Butcher

17. Spencer Leniu

18. Cody Ramsay

19. Fetalaiga Pauga

Warriors vs Roosters Match Details

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026.

Kick-off: 6:00pm AEDT.

Location: Go Media Stadium, Auckland.