The Roosters launch the Daly Cherry-Evans era with a daunting trip to Go Media Stadium but armed with the knowledge that they have won eight of their last nine games against the Warriors.

The lone defeat in those nine meetings came in Auckland in Round 3 last year when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad ran for an outrageous 316 metres and Ali Leiataua bagged a double as Andrew Webster’s men found their mojo.

Come season’s end and their record in front of the Warriors faithful at Go Media Stadium stood at 5-6, a disappointing return for a side that enjoys sold-out crowds and passionate support every time they play at home.

The fans will be out in force again on Friday night to see whether the inclusion of tryscoring machine Alofiana Khan-Pereira and skilful Englishman Morgan Gannon can help Andrew Webster’s men take the leap from finalists to a maiden premiership.

With DCE and Sam Walker calling the shots and James Tedesco chiming in from the back, the Roosters will be desperate to avoid another sluggish start after going 1-4 through the first five rounds last year and 2-3 the year before.

Team News

Warriors: Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf) will take their place in the opener but Mitch Barnett (knee) and Marata Niukore (calf) remain sidelined and Alofiana Khan-Pereira (concussion) is part of the extended squad. Tanah Boyd gets the job at halfback with Luke Metcalf recovering from an ACL injury. After helping the Warriors to NSW Cup grand final glory, Ali Leiataua plays his first NRL game since Round 12 last year with Adam Pompey the other centre. James Fisher-Harris leads a powerhouse pack that includes Erin Clark, Jackson Ford and Jacob Laban in starting roles and Leka Halasima, Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith on the bench. Englishman Morgan Gannon is part of the six-man bench as he chases an NRL debut. In the 24-hour update, halfback Luke Hanson and second rower Eddie Ieremia-Toeava were the two players omitted. 

Roosters: Maroons and Tonga representative Rob Toia has been omitted in the 24-hour team update, delaying his return from a foot injury. Junior Pauga comes into the centres in his place. Toby Rodwell has also been added to the six-player bench. Earlier in the week, Sam Walker was named to wear the No.7 and Daly Cherry-Evans the No.6 in a star-studded backline. With star recruit Reece Robson (thumb) sidelined until Round 7, Benaiah Ioelu has been named to start at hooker with Connor Watson in the No.14. Former Dragon Cody Ramsey is part of the six-man interchange bench as he chases his first NRL appearance since Round 25, 2022.

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won only one of their past four Round 1 games.
The Roosters have won eight of their last nine games against the Warriors.
Warriors winger Alofiana Khan-Pereria has scored six tries in his last four NRL appearances.
James Tedesco requires one try for a century for the Roosters and 150 for his career.
Winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his 150th appearance for the Warriors.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.