The New Zealand Warriors have officially announced that three key players will return for their season opener against the Roosters, launching their 2026 season.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring), Chanel Harris-Tevita (calf), and Marata Niukore (calf) will all recover from preseason injuries just in time for Round 1.
These trio previously missed their preseason challenge matches against the Sea Eagles and the Dolphins earlier this February.
This news is a significant boost for the Warriors, who will be starting the season without Mitch Barnett and Luke Metcalf, both of whom are on the mend from long-term knee injuries sustained last mid-season.
The return of Harris-Tevita is particularly relieving for the Warriors, as they are facing an injury crisis in the halves before the season even begins.
Harris-Tevita is anticipated to take the initial position in the halves for the Warriors, especially with Te Maire Martin nursing a leg fracture from the All Stars game.
As Metcalf deals with his injury, the Warriors' depth is being put to the test quite early this season.
With the added pressure on halves partners Harris-Tevita and Tannah Boyd, the two will need time to develop their partnership on the field, especially since they haven't played together in the trials, while waiting for Metcalf's return, projected between Rounds 8-10.