NSW Cup Preview: Chasing big improvement in Canberra

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Sun 28 Jun 2026, 07:21 AM

Chastened by last week’s heavy loss to the Bulldogs, the One New Zealand Warriors will be desperate for a vastly improved performance in their New South Wales Cup clash against the Raiders at GIO Stadium in Canberra today (11.30am kick-off local time; 1.30pm NZT).

Playing on the big stage at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, they had a 16-12 lead at halftime but fell away as the Bulldogs took ownership of the contest to win 44-16.

Going into today’s encounter, the Warriors lie 10th on the ladder, six points out of the top five.

In round two they powered to an emphatic 44-12 win over the Raiders in Auckland but their form has fluctuated since as they’ve battled to find a winning rhythm.

On the other hand Canberra is in a rich vein of form putting together a run of four straight wins which has them alongside the Warriors on 18 points but eighth on points for and against.

Round 17 - Round 17 - Sunday 28 Jun

1:30 am

Raiders

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Ethan Alaia

Fullback for Warriors is number 6 Luke Hanson
Winger for Raiders is number 2 Sione Finau

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Daeon Amituanai
Centre for Raiders is number 3 Kain Anderson

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Sio Kali
Centre for Raiders is number 4 Mark Tuialii

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Jye Linnane
Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jed Stuart

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Haizyn Mellars
Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Jalen Afamasaga

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 20 Luke Metcalf
Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Coby Black

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Jett Cleary

Forwards

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Vena Patuki-Case

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Cooper Page-Wilson
Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Shaun Packer

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Makaia Tafua
Prop for Raiders is number 10 Jesse Milin

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea
2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Regan Carr

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Connor Bowden
2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Jordan Uta

2nd Row for Warriors is number 21 Kayliss Fatialofa
Lock for Raiders is number 13 Malachi Smith

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Jacob Auloa

Interchange

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Michael Asomua

Interchange for Warriors is number 1 Geronimo Doyle
Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Jayze Tuigamala

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Jason Salalilo
Interchange for Raiders is number 16 Chaev Kolone

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Hohepa Chandler
Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Myles Martin

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tyson Hansen

Reserves

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 Luke Cannon

Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Jeremiah Lemana

Jed Stuart
Luke Cannon
Vena Patuki-Case

Haizyn Mellars
Hohepa Chandler
Luke Metcalf
Makaia Tafua

Chevy Stewart
Jake Clydsdale
Roman Tuaimau

Amasio Tiatia
Christian Sikuvea
Morgan Gannon
Rocco Berry

Last updated: 6/28/2026 8:04:35 AM

The Warriors included two potential debutants in their lineup named on Tuesday with Jersey Flegg Cup players Dezman Laban in the second row and middle forward Hohepa Chandler on the bench.

Also included were Jye Linnane, Makaia Tafua and Jason Salalilo who were all named in the Warriors’ extended NRL squad on Tuesday but were later omitted leaving them set to turn out today.

Making his return from injury is winger Haizyn Mellars who scored nine tries in the opening nine rounds but hasn’t played since.