NRLW 2025, Round 1, Sydney Roosters, Warriors, match preview, official team lists, injuries, updates, women's rugby league

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Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 6 Jul 2025, 10:59 AM

Everything old is new again as the Roosters host the newly reinstated Warriors for their first game back in the NRLW competition.

The two clubs first met in the inaugural season of the NRLW in 2018 where the Warriors produced an upset over their Australian-based rivals.

While the Warriors have assembled an impressive squad for this year under coach Ronald Griffiths, a first-up victory will be a remarkable result against a well-drilled and settled Roosters side keen to make a winning start as they attempt to defend their 2024 title.

With names like reigning Golden Boot player of the year Tarryn Aiken in the halves and 2025 Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick leading the forwards, it will be a tough challenge for the Warriors to overcome, but their history has proven enthusiasm goes a long way.

Round 1 - Sunday 6th July

Full Time

Roosters

Warriors

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Team News

Roosters: Corban Baxter is set for her first NRLW match since September 2023 after she missed all of last season with an ACL injury. The veteran has been named at five-eighth, with Jocelyn Kelleher at halfback. Jillaroos and Queensland star Tarryn Aiken has not been named. Olivia Kernick will start at lock after a dominant performance for the Blues during the State of Origin series. NSW teammates Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly will again link up in the centres, while Keeley Davis is set to start at hooker. Jasmin Strange has shifted from the outside backs to the back row as she takes on a new role this weekend. No late changes on game day.

Warriors: Fullback Apii Nicholls will lead the Warriors in their return to the competition, with Patricia Maliepo and Emily Curtain to combine in the halves. Olympic gold medallist Michaela Brake (nee Blyde) is set for her NRLW debut and has been named on the wing. Maroons young gun Emmanita Paki will line up in the centres, while Kiwi Ferns veteran Harata Butler will start at prop. New Zealand star Laishon Albert-Jones has been named at lock after joining the Warriors from the Knights in the off-season. No changes to the line up on game day.

Round 1 - Sunday 6th July

Full Time

Roosters

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Brydie Parker

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Taina Naividi

Winger for Warriors is number 2 Michaela Brake
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Jessica Sergis

Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Emmanita Paki
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Jayme Fressard

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Payton Takimoana
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Corban Baxter

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Patricia Maliepo
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Jocelyn Kelleher

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Emily Curtain

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Otesa Pule

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Harata Butler
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Keeley Davis

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Capri Paekau
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Rima Butler

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Lavinia Kitai
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Mia Wood

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Shakira Baker
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Jasmin Strange

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Kaiyah Atai
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Olivia Kernick

Lock for Warriors is number 13 Laishon Albert-Jones

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Shawden Burton

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Lydia Turua-Quedley
Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Macie Carlile

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Maarire Puketapu
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Aliyah Nasio

Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Ashlee Matapo
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Taneisha Gray

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Matekino Gray

Reserves

Replacement for Roosters is number 18 Jayde Herdegen

Replacement for Warriors is number 18 Makayla Eli

Match Officials

Senior Review Official: Todd Smith

Last updated: 09:38 am Sunday 6th July 2025

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won only one of their three games against the Roosters.
Warriors NRLW player #2 Apii Nicholls will play her first game for the club since 2019 and returns to the side as captain.
Roosters centre Jess Sergis has scored 10 tries in her last nine NRLW games.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.