A blockbuster Friday night home game against the Sydney Roosters will launch the One New Zealand Warriors’ 2026 NRL season.
Revealed today ahead of the full draw set to be announced later this week, the Warriors will host the Roosters at Go Media Stadium on Friday, March 6 (8.00pm kickoff).
Igniting the Warriors’ 32nd season in the competition, the glamour tie will be the 49th encounter between the rivals.
Both clubs made the playoffs this season, the Warriors finishing sixth before being eliminated by Penrith in week one of the finals while the eighth-placed Roosters were knocked out by Cronulla Sutherland.
In the only battle between the sides this year, the One New Zealand Warriors prevailed 14-6 to break a run of eight straight losses to the Roosters leaving the overall record at 23 wins to the Warriors, 24 to the Roosters with one match drawn.
Match: Warriors v Roosters
Round 3 -
home Team
Warriors
7th Position
away Team
Roosters
13th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
The match is set to coincide with legendary halfback Daly Cherry-Evans making his debut for the Roosters after ending his 15-season, 352-game career with Manly Warringah. Also in line for his Roosters debut will be New South Wales Origin hooker Reece Robson, who has been signed from North Queensland.
The Roosters' 2026 squad boasts outstanding Kiwi middle forward Naufahu Whyte as well as three members of the Kangaroos' squad which has just swept England 3-0 in the Ashes series - winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, second rower Angus Crichton and prop Lindsay Collins.
The first round of the season starts in Las Vegas on February 28 with the Bulldogs taking on the Dragons and the Knights facing the Cowboys.
2026 NRL Draw | Round 1
Thursday, March 5 | Storm v Eels, AAMI Park
Friday, March 6 | One New Zealand Warriors v Roosters, Go Media Stadium
Friday, March 6 | Broncos v Panthers, Suncorp Stadium
Saturday, March 7 | Sharks v Titans, Sharks Stadium
Saturday, March 7 | Sea Eagles v Raiders, 4Pines Stadium
Sunday, March 8 | Dolphins vs Rabbitohs, Suncorp Stadium
