A historic clash in Christchurch headlines Sunday afternoon as the Warriors look to cement their top-two standing against a Cowboys side desperate to stay in the finals race. With a sold-out crowd and plenty of firepower on both sides, this shapes as a must-watch contest.

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Matchday Details

Sunday 21 June – 2pm (AEST) – ONE NZ Stadium, Christchurch
📺 Broadcast: Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Grant Atkins | Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond

Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Jacob Laban, 12. Marata Niukore, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Sam Healey, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Kayliss Fatialofa, 18. Rocco Berry, 20. Luke Metcalf, 21. Makaia Tafua, 22. Mitchell Barnett, 23. Kurt Capewell

Cowboys: 1. Scott Drinkwater, 2. Braidon Burns, 3. Zac Laybutt, 4. Tom Chester, 5. Murray Taulagi, 6. Jaxon Purdue, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Thomas Mikaele, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Jason Taumalolo, 11. Heilum Luki, 12. Jeremiah Nanai, 13. Reuben Cotter (c), 14. Soni Luke, 15. Griffin Neame, 16. Matthew Lodge, 17. Coen Hess, 18. Liam Sutton, 19. Sam McIntyre, 20. John Bateman, 21. Jaxson Paulo, 22. Ethan King, 23. Wiremu Greig

Match Preview

The city of Christchurch will be abuzz with excitement as the New Zealand Warriors prepare to play their inaugural match at the new One NZ Stadium against the North Queensland Cowboys on Sunday afternoon in front of a capacity crowd of 25,000.

Five months before the Warriors’ first NRL match at the venue, general admission tickets sold out in just five days—the fastest-selling regular season game in the club’s history, apart from their inaugural 1995 clash against the Brisbane Broncos.

The Warriors, who have won five of their past seven games in Christchurch, will be eager to show their supporters that they are a premiership-calibre team. They’ll be hoping the new stadium brings them some added fortune.

Coming off a bye, the Warriors returned last week against a strong Sharks side. In a tight, defensive battle, Cronulla snatched victory late with a 40-metre field goal from Braydon Trindall, sealing a 10–8 win at Go Media Stadium in Auckland.

Despite the loss and several key injuries, coach Andrew Webster was pleased with his side’s effort, praising their composure and defensive resilience. The Warriors will aim to replicate that defensive intensity this weekend.

Confidence remains high for the home side, particularly given their strong recent record against North Queensland, having won their last four meetings. The Cowboys also face the challenge of a poor record in New Zealand, not having won there since 2019.

North Queensland enter this clash after back-to-back losses, though a bye last week should leave them refreshed. Their last outing was a heavy 40–14 defeat to the Dolphins at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, a result that exposed issues with cohesion and execution under pressure.

Coach Todd Payten has highlighted the importance of connection, communication, and players understanding their roles as key areas for improvement. The Cowboys will be hoping the extended break provides the reset they need.

The Warriors sit second on the ladder with nine wins, four losses, and two byes, while the Cowboys are ninth with eight wins, six losses, and one bye. The Warriors also hold the edge in points conceded, reinforcing their defensive strength.

There are several key changes for the Warriors. Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell have been named in the extended squad as they return from representative duties, while captain James Fisher-Harris is sidelined with a calf injury. Leka Halasima is also out with a hamstring issue, and Alofiana Khan-Pereira is unavailable due to a quad strain. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifts to the wing, while Sam Healey returns via the bench. Luke Metcalf and Rocco Berry have also been included in the extended squad.

For the Cowboys, Jeremiah Nanai returns from a shoulder injury, providing a major boost to their forward pack. Braydon Burns is also back after a lengthy layoff, while Zac Laybutt shifts to centre and Jaxon Purdue moves into the five-eighth role. John Bateman has been named in the extended squad and could be a late inclusion.

Tactically, the Warriors will look to control the middle, though the absence of Fisher-Harris may test their forward depth. The Cowboys will aim to exploit this through their powerful middle rotation led by Reuben Cotter and Jason Taumalolo.

Taumalolo remains a key figure, producing strong numbers this season with his post-contact metres and tackle breaks. Meanwhile, the Warriors’ spine—featuring Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, and Nicoll-Klokstad—provides creativity and attacking spark that could stretch the Cowboys’ defence.

Out wide, Murray Taulagi poses a significant threat, with his try-scoring and line-breaking ability capable of testing the Warriors’ edge defence.

With a sold-out crowd, a new venue, and major finals implications, this promises to be a thrilling contest as the Warriors aim to hold their top-two position while the Cowboys chase a return to the top eight.

Prediction

RLZ Tip: Warriors by 14
Full Round 16 tips → /nrl-round-16-predictions-2026/
Bold call: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad makes a major impact and crosses for a try.

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