NRL news 2026: The Mole Warriors season preview; Luke Metcalf return; Alofiana Khan-Pereira recruitment
The Warriors coach, Andrew Webster, faces a challenging task in selecting his squad for the opening month of the NRL season. With numerous questions and few answers, the team's performance against the Roosters on Friday night will be pivotal.
Here are some key decisions Webster must make:
Fullback: Webster must decide between the experienced Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and the younger, more dynamic Taine Tuaupiki. Tuaupiki's performance as a fullback in the latter part of the previous season was satisfactory, but the team lost two out of three games, indicating a need for further evaluation.
Recruitment: Alofiana Khan-Pereira, a former Titans flyer, joins the squad. He is a noted try scorer but also has defensive weaknesses. The question arises: is he a worthwhile risk?
Halfback: Luke Metcalf's return from knee surgery is highly anticipated. He must regain his electrifying pace, which contributed to the club's strong start in 2025. If not, Jett Cleary, the younger brother of Nathan, may get a chance as a first-grader.
Forwards: Webster must decide whether to immediately introduce Morgan Gannon, a Leeds recruit, or give him time to adapt to the southern hemisphere's pace.
The team's performance in the second half of the previous season was disappointing, largely due to Metcalf's injury. However, the forwards have the potential to overpower any team, especially with Leka Halasima's continued improvement.
The Warriors have the depth and strength to make the finals, but discipline and focus are crucial. The team's predicted finish is 6th, with odds of $26 to win the competition.
Key signings and departures for 2026:
Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans), Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Losses: Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers), Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers), Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers), Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers), Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers), Setu Tu (St George Illawarra Dragons), Dylan Walker (Parramatta Eels)
Best buy: Khan-Pereira has the potential to be a top try scorer, but he must address his defensive issues to secure a spot in the team.
It's a crucial season for Mitchell Barnett, who plans to return to Australia for personal reasons in 2027. He needs to demonstrate his commitment to the team. The biggest question mark remains the Warriors' ability to maintain discipline and consistency over 80 minutes, despite their talent.
Predicted finish: 6th
Best 19-man squad:
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3. Ali Leiataua
4. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira
6. Chanel Harris-Tavita
7. Luke Metcalf
8. James Fisher-Harris
9. Wayde Egan
10. Mitchell Barnett
11. Leka Halasima
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Erin Clark
Interchange: 14. Demitric Vaimauga, 15. Jackson Ford, 16. Marata Niukore, 17. Morgan Gannon, 18. Tanah Boyd, 19. Taine Tuaupiki
