A top-four battle headlines Round 15 in Auckland as the Warriors host the Sharks in an Origin-affected clash. With both sides in strong form and pushing for finals positioning, this matchup shapes as a crucial test in the race toward September.
Read Full Previews (links to all games)
- Rabbitohs vs Broncos → Read full preview: rabbitohs-vs-broncos-round-15-preview-2026
- Dolphins vs Roosters → Read full preview: dolphins-vs-roosters-round-15-preview-2026
- Warriors vs Sharks → Read full preview: warriors-vs-sharks-round-15-preview-2026
- Eels vs Raiders → Read full preview: eels-vs-raiders-round-15-preview-2026
- Wests Tigers vs Titans → Read full preview: wests-tigers-vs-titans-round-15-preview-2026
Matchday Details
Saturday, 13 June 2026 – 5:30pm AEST – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
📺 Kayo / Foxtel
Referee: Gerard Sutton | Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
New Zealand Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Te Maire Martin, 8. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 9. Wayde Egan (c), 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Marata Niukore, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark, 14. Makaia Tafua, 15. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Kayliss Fatialofa, 18. Jason Salalilo, 20. Jye Linnane, 21. Luke Metcalf, 22. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 23. Jacob Auloa
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks: 1. William Kennedy, 2. Samuel Stonestreet, 3. Jesse Ramien, 4. KL Iro, 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Braydon Trindall, 7. Niwhai Puru, 8. Jesse Colquhoun, 9. Jayden Berrell, 10. Toby Rudolf, 11. Billy Burns, 12. Teig Wilton, 13. Cameron McInnes (c), 14. Mawene Hiroti, 15. Oregon Kaufusi, 16. Siosifa Talakai, 17. Thomas Hazelton, 18. Hohepa Puru, 19. Tuku Hau Tapuha, 20. Sione Katoa, 21. Michael Gabrael, 22. Blake Hosking
Match Preview
The second-placed Warriors return to Auckland for the first time in eight weeks as they host the sixth-placed Sharks in an Origin-affected match.
The Warriors’ six-game winning streak was ended by the Panthers prior to their bye last weekend, while the Sharks enter the round aiming to win four straight for the first time since the end of the 2025 season.
A triple injury blow has forced coach Andrew Webster into three changes to the side that was defeated by Penrith two weeks ago, with James Fisher-Harris (calf), Leka Halasima (hamstring), and Sam Healey (thumb) joining Origin pair Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell on the unavailability list. Tanner Stowers-Smith and Marata Niukore join the starting side, while Eddie Ieremia-Toeava comes onto the interchange alongside potential debutants Makaia Tafua, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jason Salalilo, and Jye Linnane. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Luke Metcalf are among the reserves as they push to return from injury.
The biggest team news for the Sharks is the continued unavailability of Nicho Hynes due to a calf injury. The Sharks will also be without Addin Fonua-Blake and Briton Nikora following their selections for Game 2 of State of Origin, with Jesse Colquhoun and Billy Burns taking their spots in the starting side. Jesse Ramien returns after being a late withdrawal against the Dragons, shifting Mawene Hiroti back to the bench.
Fresh off the bye, the Warriors will be looking to bounce back after Penrith snapped their streak with a 20–18 win in Round 13. Their season has been built on disciplined football — they have the highest completion rate, the fewest errors, and the second-fewest penalties conceded. While they rank among the lowest for offloads, they compensate with direct running and strong defence, sitting second for both points scored and points conceded per game.
The Sharks have been one of the enigmas of the 2026 season. They’ve produced big wins, heavy losses, comebacks, and have now won four of their past five to rise to sixth on the ladder. They hold the second-best completion rate and rank third for points scored per game. Their biggest issue has been consistency against top sides, although they did defeat the Warriors 36–22 when they met at Ocean Protect Stadium in Round 5.
The Sharks hold a 30–22 advantage in all-time meetings between the two sides, but have won only two of the previous six clashes. The Warriors have scored at least 30 points in each of their four recent wins, while the Sharks have won six of their past eight matches at Go Media Stadium.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Warriors by 12
Full Round 14 tips →
Bold call: The Warriors come from behind at half-time.
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Related
- Full Round 15 coverage → /nrl/2026-season/round-15
- NRL Round 15 Team Lists → /nrl-round-15-team-lists-2026/
- NRL Injury List → /nrl/injuries/
