Source: Radio New Zealand
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak of the Warriors celebrates after scoring a try during the 2025 Season. AAP / Photosport
The Warriors will open their 2026 NRL season with a Friday night clash against the Sydney Roosters in Auckland.
While the full draw will be announced later this week, the NRL has confirmed the first round games.
Igniting the Warriors’ 32nd season in the competition, the tie on Friday 6 March will be the 49th encounter between the rivals.
The Warriors have won 23 of the previous contests, the Roosters have won 24, and one match was drawn.
Both clubs made the playoffs this season, the Warriors finishing sixth before being eliminated by Penrith in week one of the finals while the eighth-placed Roosters were knocked out by Cronulla Sutherland.
In the only battle between the sides this year, the New Zealand Warriors prevailed 14-6 to break a run of eight straight losses to the Roosters.
The 2026 season will open with the Bulldogs playing the Dragons and the Knights playing the Cowboys in Las Vegas on Sunday 1 March.
On Thursday 5 March the Melbourne Storm play the Parramatta Eels, while the champion Brisbane Broncos will open their campaign against the Penrith Panthers on Friday 6 March.
Over the weekend the Cronulla Sharks play the Gold Coast Titans, the Manly Sea Eagles play the Canberra Raiders and the Dolphins play the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
