Warriors coach Andrew Webster has possibly more dilemmas than any other head coach as to who to select in his squad in the opening month of the NRL season.
There are so many questions – and at this point few answers – but that may all change after Friday night’s premiership-opener against the Roosters.
Let’s look at some of the situations Webster has to resolve.
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The first is at fullback – does he stick with the established Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, or move him to the centres and give the younger, more dynamic Taine Tuaupiki a crack in the number one jumper.
Tuaupiki won the fullback spot for three games late last season, with Nicoll-Klokstad in the centres. He went okay – but the Warriors lost two of the three games so Webster has a lot to weigh up.
Former Titans flyer Alofiana Khan-Pereira comes into the squad and he brings plusses and minuses – he’s a noted try scorer, but he also can let tries in, in defence, so is he worth the gamble?
All eyes will be on Luke Metcalf when he returns from knee surgery – will he again find the electrifying pace that was instrumental in the club’s strong start to 2025? If not, it may be time to blood Jett Cleary, younger brother of Nathan, who is a first grader in waiting.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster. NRL Images
The forwards present less headaches, although Webster has to decide if he will immediately blood Leeds recruit Morgan Gannon or give him time to get used to the pace of southern hemisphere football.
The Warriors faded yet again in the second half of the season last year, although much of that can be put down to Metcalf’s injury – the star half was leading the Dally Ms before crashing and burning.
The forwards can over-power any team on their day – especially if Leka Halasima can continue to improve on his inspirational efforts of last year.
A club with the depth and strength to make the finals – if they keep their heads screwed on and play with discipline.
Jett Cleary is first grader in waiting. Getty
2026 gains
Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos, 2028), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans, 2028), Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights, 2028), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2028)
2026 Losses
Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers), Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers), Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers), Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers), Setu Tu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels)
Best buy: Khan-Pereira could be a roughie for top try scorer in 2026 – such is his ability to get over the try line. But first he has to make the team – and iron out his defensive problems.
It’s a big season for: Having made the decision to return to Oz for personal reasons in 2027, Mitchell Barnett needs to convince the fans that he is still 100 per cent committed to the cause. He’s a true pro – I think he will prove his loyalty.
Biggest question mark: The perennial one with the Warriors – all the talent in the world, but can they match it with the well disciplined Aussie clubs over 80 minutes and not throw games away with lapses in discipline.
Predicted finish: 6th
Best 19 man squad
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Ali Leiataua 4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Leka Halasima 12. Kurt Capewell 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Demitric Vaimauga 15. Jackson Ford 16. Marata Niukore 17. Morgan Gannon 18. Tanah Boyd 19. Taine Tuaupiki
Odds to win comp: $26