The Sydney Roosters, one of the title contenders, will face a tough challenge against the NZ Warriors as the 2026 NRL season kicks off tonight at Go Media Stadium.
This marks the Warriors' third round-one match in New Zealand over the last four years, taking on a Roosters team that ranks just below the Broncos and Panthers for premiership favorites.
The match will also mark the beginning of Daly Cherry-Evans' reign with the Roosters in front of enthusiastic fans at Go Media Stadium, where the visitors have triumphed in eight of their last nine meetings.
The Warriors' sole victory in recent history occurred last season in Auckland when Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad excelled with an impressive 316 meters and Ali Leiataua scored twice.
Last season, the Warriors posted a 5-6 record at home, a less than ideal outcome for a team supported by passionate fans at sold-out games.
Fans will rally again tonight as Andrew Webster's players aim to improve upon last year's early finals exit.
With Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker directing play alongside James Tedesco, the Roosters will look to avoid a slow start for the upcoming season.