Warriors Maintain Line-up for Clash Against Raiders on Friday

The NZ Warriors have confirmed a largely unchanged line-up for their upcoming match against the Canberra Raiders at Go Media Stadium on Friday. Coach Andrew Webster has opted to field the same 19 players who contributed to the team’s impressive 42-18 victory over the Sydney Roosters last week. The only modification involves second-rower Marata Niukore replacing halfback Luke Hanson on the extended bench.

Niukore, who was sidelined for the entire pre-season and the season opener due to a calf injury, has reportedly passed fitness tests in time for this match. Co-captain Mitch Barnett remains unavailable, still recovering from a knee injury that cut his 2025 season short. Despite this, Webster expressed optimism about Barnett’s potential return in the near future, stating, “We’re getting closer, so no dramas there.” He emphasized the complexities of recovery timelines for serious injuries, particularly ACL injuries, which can vary significantly.

Player Highlights and Team Dynamics

In Barnett’s absence, Jackson Ford will again start, having led the team in tackles and running metres against the Roosters. Alongside him will be Jacob Laban in the second row, while Leka Halasima comes off the interchange bench. Notably, wing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will celebrate his 150th game for the club, adding a milestone to the team’s performance.

The full line-up for the Warriors includes: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Tanah Boyd, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Kurt Capewell, and Erin Clark as well as the interchange players: Sam Healey, Demitric Vaimauga, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Taine Tuaupiki, and Morgan Gannon.

Raiders Adjust Line-up Ahead of the Match

In contrast, the Raiders will be without veteran front-rower Josh Papalii, who is sidelined due to concussion. He will be replaced by Morgan Smithies, an English player stepping into the starting line-up. Additionally, Matt Timoko makes a return to the bench after recovering from a foot injury that kept him in reserve grade last week.

Last season, the Raiders triumphed over the Warriors in both encounters, including a decisive victory during the season opener held in Las Vegas, which contributed to their minor premiership achievement. The full line-up for the Raiders is: Kaeo Weekes, Savelio Tamale, Simi Sasagi, Seb Kris, Xavier Savage, Ethan Strange, Ethan Sanders, Tom Starling, Joseph Tapine, Hudson Young, Noah Martin, and Corey Horsburgh, with the interchange players: Jayden Brailey, Zac Hosking, Ata Mariota, Matt Timoko, Daine Laurie, and Joe Roddy.

With both teams eager to secure a win, fans can expect an exhilarating match as the Warriors aim to build on their recent success while the Raiders seek to establish dominance once again.