Three of the One New Zealand Warriors’ most experienced players will be on deck along with one new face for the season-opening NRL clash against the Sydney Roosters at a sold-out Go Media Stadium on Friday night (8.00pm kick-off; match day sponsor: V Energy).

Captain James Fisher-Harris returns to lead the side after missing both of the club’s Pre-season Challenge matches while winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and standoff Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf) have been cleared from minor injuries after also bypassing the two trials.

While Tuivasa-Sheck and Harris-Tavita come into the season fresh, Fisher-Harris had a big workload leading the Māori All Stars in their drawn encounter with the Australian Indigenous All Stars in Hamilton on February 15.

The only newcomer, although far from new to top level football, is second rower Morgan Gannon who joined the club from the Leeds Rhinos. He has been included on the extended bench and will become Warrior #295 should he take the field.

The 22-year-old made 73 appearances for the Rhinos in the Super League and Challenge Cup following his debut in 2021 while he also played in each of the One New Zealand Warriors’ Pre-season Challenge matches against Manly Warringah and the Dolphins last month.

Co-captain Mitchell Barnett remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery but is tagged to return soon. Second rower Marata Niukore (calf) will be available next week while Luke Metcalf (knee), Te Maire Martin (leg) and Rocco Berry (shoulder) will be in the recovery room for some time yet.

Back on the NRL stage for the first time since round 12 last May is Ali Leiataua. The 23-year-old rejoins Adam Pompey in the centres after coming through the trials with three tries.

The rest of the backline is the same as the combination used in last season’s week one play-off against Penrith while the starting forward pack has just one change with Jacob Laban replacing Niukore in the second row.

Hooker Sam Healey, front rowers Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith and second rower Leka Halasima are the first four players on the interchange with Taine Tuaupiki and Gannon rounding out the new look six-man bench.

Left winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his 149th appearance for the Warriors this week, leaving him set for his 150th against Canberra at Go Media Stadium in round two on March 13.