Warriors 2026 draw: Warriors to open NRL season with Friday night home game against Roosters

The Warriors beat the Roosters 14-6 in March. Photo / Photosport

The New Zealand Warriors will open the 2026 NRL season with a Friday night home game, it has been announced.

The NRL released the week one fixtures today, including the two Las Vegas games.

The Warriors will host the Roosters on Friday, March 6.

Andrew Webster’s side target="_self" rel="" title="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby-league/warriors/warriors-v-roosters-nz-warriors-beat-sydney-roosters-to-break-seven-year-drought/AVOL335GVFFCJFU7UL7GPPN7MA/">beat the Roosters 14-6 in March in their only match-up last season – breaking a seven-year losing drought against the Sydney club.

Both the Warriors and Roosters were eliminated in the first week of the finals after finishing sixth and eighth on the ladder respectively.

The Bulldogs and Dragons will kickoff the season in Las Vegas on March 1, followed by the Knights and Cowboys in the double header.

The full 2026 schedule is set to be released later this week.

NRL round one fixtures

Sunday, March 1 - Bulldogs v Dragons, Allegiant Stadium

Sunday, March 1 - Knights v Cowboys, Allegiant Stadium

Thursday, March 5 - Storm v Eels, AAMI Park

Friday, March 6 - Warriors v Roosters, Go Media Stadium

Friday, March 6 - Broncos v Panthers, Suncorp Stadium

Saturday, March 7 - Sharks v Titans, Sharks Stadium