NRL Squad Update: Two Players Dropped from Extended Team
The NRL season is underway, and with recent changes to the bench ruling, each team will now have only two players omitted from their squad before game day. One New Zealand Warriors’ head coach Andrew Webster has confirmed two key omissions ahead of their opening match against the Sydney Roosters.
NRL Squad Update: Two Players Dropped from Extended Team
Luke Hanson and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have dropped out of the Warriors’ 22-man squad. They were initially listed in jerseys #22 and #23 and were also set to play in the New South Wales Cup match.
Key Game Day Details
- Match: One New Zealand Warriors vs. Sydney Roosters
- Date: Friday, 8.00 PM Kick-off
- Location: Go Media Stadium
New signing Alofiana Khan-Pereira will remain in the 20-man lineup, along with bench players announced on Tuesday: Sam Healey, Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Taine Tuaupiki, and Morgan Gannon.
Returning Players
The Warriors welcome back several experienced players. Captain James Fisher-Harris is set to lead the team after missing the Pre-season Challenge matches. Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has recovered from a hamstring injury, while standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita returns from a calf issue.
Fisher-Harris recently captained the Māori All Stars in a match against the Australian Indigenous All Stars on February 15. Notably, if Morgan Gannon takes the field, he will become Warrior #295, having joined the team from the Leeds Rhinos.
Injuries and Upcoming Players
Co-captain Mitchell Barnett is still recovering from knee surgery but is expected back soon. Marata Niukore will return next week, while Luke Metcalf, Te Maire Martin, and Rocco Berry are still in recovery.
Ali Leiataua is back after a lengthy absence and has performed well in the trials. He will join Adam Pompey in the centers. The forward pack will see Jacob Laban stepping in for Niukore.
In a significant milestone, Tuivasa-Sheck is set for his 149th appearance for the Warriors this week. He is on track for his 150th appearance against Canberra on March 13 at Go Media Stadium.
