Wests Tigers Unveil 2026 Squads: Pre-Season Challenge and Early NRL Rounds
The Wests Tigers, under Head Coach Benji Marshall, have announced various squad compositions for their 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge fixtures and early rounds of the NRL Telstra Premiership. These announcements detail player selections, captaincies, and key debuts for matches against the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, North Queensland Cowboys, and Parramatta Eels, spanning February to April 2026.
Witzer Pre-Season Challenge: Sydney Roosters
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Kick-off: 3:50 PM
The Wests Tigers named a 26-man squad for their initial Witzer Pre-Season Challenge match against the Sydney Roosters. The squad included a diverse mix of NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup, and Wests Tigers Pathways players.
Jock Madden and Tristan Hope were designated as co-captains for the fixture. Notable inclusions featured players with prior NRL experience such as Sione Fainu, Tony Sukkar, and Charlie Murray. Pheonix Godinet was named to start in the back row, with Christian Taupau-Moors and Siotame Havea Jr listed on the bench.
The Tigers secured a 42-26 victory against the Sydney Roosters in this fixture.
Witzer Pre-Season Challenge: Penrith Panthers
- Date: Friday, February 20
- Venue: Leichhardt Oval
- Kick-off: 8:10 PM (part of a double-header)
Following their win against the Roosters, a 28-man extended squad was announced for the second Witzer Pre-Season Challenge fixture against the Penrith Panthers. The squad featured a combination of NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup, and Wests Tigers Pathways players, with several senior players returning after not participating in the Roosters match.
Co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai were set to make their first appearance of the 2026 campaign. Senior players Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal were also named in the squad.
New recruits Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul were scheduled to debut for the Tigers.
Heamasi Makasini retained his position after scoring three tries against the Roosters, with Jared Haywood, Tino Tavana, and Javon Andrews also included. The game was broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
NRL Telstra Premiership: Round 2 vs North Queensland Cowboys
- Date: Saturday, March 14
- Venue: Leichhardt Oval
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM
The Wests Tigers announced a 22-man squad for their opening match of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season, following a Round 1 bye. This significant fixture was against the North Queensland Cowboys.
New recruit Kai Pearce-Paul was named to make his first appearance for the club in an NRL regular season match. Heamasi Makasini shifted to the centres, and Luke Laulilii moved to the wing. Terrell May returned to start in the front row alongside Fonua Pole. Named on the interchange bench were Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, and Alex Seyfarth.
Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau were listed as co-captains for the club's NRL season opener.
The match was broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
NRL Telstra Premiership: Round 5 vs Parramatta Eels
- Fixture: Parramatta Eels vs Wests Tigers
- Date: Monday, April 6
- Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney (Parramatta)
- Kick-off: 4:05 PM
A 22-man squad was confirmed for the Round 5 Easter Monday clash against the Parramatta Eels. This announcement followed a previous win against the Warriors, with the team lineup remaining largely consistent with the side that played in Auckland.
Bunty Afoa was included on the interchange bench, replacing Tristan Hope. Tristan Hope, Tony Sukkar, and Patrick Herbert were named in the reserves.
Adam Doueihi and Jock Madden continued as the halves pairing for this key encounter.
Api Koroisau was listed as co-captain for the fixture. The game was broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.