Demitric Vaimauga and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have also been named on the bench, while Luke Metcalf and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are also a chance to return from injury.
Salalilo, Linnane, Auloa and Metcalf have also been named in the NSW Cup reserves squad, which suggests that they’re unlikely to play the Sharks.
For Warriors coach Andrew Webster, there is no concern about the prospect of handing out so many debuts with their next man up mentality proving successful.
The Warriors have only handed club debuts to Luke Hanson, Morgan Gannon (who has requested to be released from the final two years of his contract due to personal circumstances) and Alofiana Khan-Pereira in 2026. The latter is the only one to have played more than once.
Khan-Pereira became the 297th player to represent the Warriors, meaning it’s likely the 300-mark will be achieved this season.
Here is what to expect from the players who could debut against the Sharks …
Makaia Tafua. Photo / Photosport
Makaia Tafua
A thumb injury to Sam Healey has opened the door for the Christchurch native to get an extended run in the side and he will bring a different dimension to the ruck.
Tafua, who celebrates his 22nd birthday on Sunday, is known for his strength and physicality on defence, often leading the tackle count, while bringing speed to the ruck, where he has proven to be quite deceptive and taking advantage of poor markers.
A Linwood Keas junior, Tafua has worked his way through the ranks at the Warriors and has played over 40 games for their reserves side and played in both pre-season games for the Warriors.
Currently on a supplementary contract, Tafua is signed through to the end of 2028.
Kayliss Fatialofa in action for the Warriors’ New South Wales Cup side. Photo / Photosport
Kayliss Fatialofa
The Counties Manukau junior has been knocking on the door for sometime, having been an unused interchange player three times in their last four games, and before the season was touted as the player most likely to debut.
Last season, he was among several Warriors named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year, and has also played more than 40 games for the reserve squad.
Primarily an edge forward, Fatialofa has the ability to play play in the centres where his speed and attacking flair are on full display. In nine games for the cup side, he’s averaging 136m per game and 22 tackles in nine games.
The 21-year-old is part of the Warriors top 30 and is contracted through until the end of 2027.
Jason Salalilo. Photo / Photosport
Jason Salalilo
Another who hails from Christchurch, Salalilo has made quick strides through the Warriors pathways having been a member of the Under-21s squad just last season.
The 21-year-old is a quintessential Webster middle forward, with good leg speed high work rate and strong in contact, making it difficult for opposition to flip him on his back
Primary a prop, Salalilo has also spent some time a lock and second row for the cup side.
Currently on a supplementary contract, Salalilo has just signed a new deal through to the end of 2029, which will see him join the top 30 next year.
Jye Linnane has scored three tries in three games since returning from an ACL injury. Photo / Photosport
Jye Linnane
The playmaker is held in high regard around Warriors headquarters, but don’t expect him to be rushed into the top side anytime soon.
That’s because the 20-year-old Australian continues to work his way back from multiple serious knee injuries and has played three games for the reserves squad.
While his usual position is five-eighth, Linnane has been playing in the centres, where his running game and blistering speed have been on full display. Webster regards Linnane as the second-fastest player at the club behind Khan-Pereira.
Linnane is part of the Warriors top 30 and is contracted through till 2028.
Jacob Auloa. Photo / Photosport
Jacob Auloa
The Auckland hooker has found himself playing behind Tafua in the New South Wales Cup side, and has been making an impact off the bench at either hooker or lock.
Last season, he spent time captaining the Jersey Flegg team and was named the under-21s Player of the Year.
His leadership is his strongest trail, while he is very strong defensively.
It is unclear how long Auloa is contracted is at the Warriors.
Bishop Neal was recently selected for the Queensland Under-19s side. Photo / Photosport
Bishop Neal – One to watch
While not selected on the extended squad, the 19-year-old, also from Christchurch, is regarded as the most promising player in the Warriors pathways system and is one to watch for the future.
Despite being a teenager, Neal has been making waves by stepping up from the Harold Matthews Cup under-17 side to playing reserves in 2026, making an immediate impact as an edge forward.
His physicality and power are always on notice when carrying the ball.
He was recently selected for the Queensland Under-19s side, having played some junior football in the state.
Neal is locked down until the end of 2028.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.