In their second season back in the NRLW, the One New Zealand Warriors launch their season against the Bulldogs at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.
The Warriors have strengthened their ranks with high-profile former Broncos Gayle Broughton and Annetta Nuuausala, whose experience will prove invaluable.
The Bulldogs enter their second NRLW season off the back of a preseason army camp that has them primed physically and mentally to build on last year's ninth-placed finish.
The big test for Brayden Wiliame's team is whether they can withstand the emotion and energy of a Warriors home opener in a hostile environment.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
3rd Position
away Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Team news
One New Zealand Warriors: The Warriors have recruited heavily in the offseason, with former Broncos Gayle Broughton (halfback) and Annetta Nuuausala (prop) listed to line up. Rugby union convert Jasmin Huriwai has been named on the bench, while Olympic gold medallist and former Bronco Stacey Waaka is listed in the reserves. Fellow recruit Mele Hufanga has not been named after she suffered a hamstring injury. Patricia Maliepo will partner Broughton in the halves, with captain Apii Nicholls to line up at fullback.
Bulldogs: Co-captain Tayla Preston will partner five-eighth Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau in the halves, with Andie Robinson to wear the No.1 jumper after starting in all 11 games last season. Former Western Force rugby talent Tamika Jones will make her NRLW debut in the back-row, with Tongan representative Pauline Suli-Ruka the other edge forward. Ebony Prior will line up at hooker, with Leilani Wilson at lock.
Match: Warriors v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Warriors
away Team
Bulldogs
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii NichollsFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Andie Robinson
-
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Lavinia TauhalalikuWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Moana Courtenay
-
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha IkenasioCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Daynah Nankivell
-
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Emmanita PakiCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Monica Tagoai
-
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Payton TakimoanaWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Elizabeth MacGregor
-
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Gayle BroughtonFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Shaquaylah Mahakitau-Monschau
-
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Patricia MaliepoHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Tayla Preston
Forwards
-
Prop for Warriors is number 8 Annetta NuuausalaProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa
-
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Capri PaekauHooker for Bulldogs is number 14 Mary-Jane Taito
-
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Mya Hill-MoanaProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Alexis Tauaneai
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Maarire Puketapu2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Pauline Suli-Ruka
-
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Tamika Jones
-
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Ashlee MatapoLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Leilani Wilson
Interchange
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Jasmin HuriwaiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 9 Ebony Prior
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata ButlerInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Giovanna Suani
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Laishon Albert-JonesInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Hope Millard
-
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Christabelle OnesemoInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Kalosipani Hopoate
Reserves
-
Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Metanoia FetalaigaReplacement for Bulldogs is number 18 Evelyn Roberts
Match Officials
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Senior Review Official: Liam Kennedy
Last updated:
Stat attack
- Warriors winger Payton Takimoana scored four tries in three games in Hamilton in 2025.
- The Bulldogs upset the Knights in their opening round game last season.
- The Warriors lost all three games in Hamilton in 2025.
- The Bulldogs will play in New Zealand for the first time.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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