The Wests Tigers, under Head Coach Benji Marshall, have announced their squads for two fixtures in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge and their initial match of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season. These announcements detail player selections, captaincy appointments, and match information for the games against the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers, and North Queensland Cowboys, spanning from mid-February to mid-March.
Witzer Pre-Season Challenge: Sydney Roosters Match
The Wests Tigers commenced their 2026 Witzer Pre-Season Challenge against the Sydney Roosters.
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Kick-off: 3:50 PM
- Result: Wests Tigers defeated the Sydney Roosters 42-26.
A 26-man squad was named for this fixture, comprising a combination of NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup, and Wests Tigers Pathways players.
Jock Madden and Tristan Hope were designated as co-captains for this fixture. Notable inclusions featured Sione Fainu, Tony Sukkar, and Charlie Murray, all players with prior NRL experience. Pheonix Godinet was named to start in the back row, while Christian Taupau-Moors and Siotame Havea Jr, emerging from Wests Tigers Pathways, were listed on the bench.
Wests Tigers Squad vs. Sydney Roosters (26-Man)
- Heath Mason
- Luke Laulilii
- Heamasi Makasini
- Patrick Herbert
- Tino Tavana
- Javon Andrews
- Jock Madden (c)
- Kit Laulilii
- Tristan Hope (c)
- Sione Fainu
- Tony Sukkar
- Pheonix Godinet
- Charlie Murray
- Jared Haywood
- Jack Attard
- Solomone Saukuru
- Christian Taupau-Moors
- Max Taotua
- Siotame Havea Jr
- Lachlan Broederlow
- Luke Jack
- Iverson Matai
- Logan Brookes
- Mitch Taotua
- Josese Lanyon
- Will Craig
Witzer Pre-Season Challenge: Penrith Panthers Match
The second fixture in the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge saw the Wests Tigers face the Penrith Panthers.
- Date: Friday, February 20
- Venue: Leichhardt Oval
- Kick-off: 8:10 PM
- Context: The match was part of a double-header event.
- Broadcast: The game was broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports. Tickets were available via Ticketek.
An extended 28-man squad was announced, drawing from the NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup, and Wests Tigers Pathways.
Co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai were named for their first appearance of the 2026 campaign. Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal were also included in the lineup. New recruits Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul were slated to debut for the Tigers. Heamasi Makasini, who impressively scored a hat-trick against the Roosters, was retained, with Jared Haywood, Tino Tavana, and Javon Andrews also included in the extended squad.
Wests Tigers Squad vs. Penrith Panthers (28-Man)
- Jahream Bula
- Heamasi Makasini
- Taylan May
- Star To’a
- Sunia Turuva
- Jarome Luai (c)
- Adam Doueihi
- Bunty Afoa
- Api Koroisau (c)
- Fonua Pole
- Samuela Fainu
- Kai Pearce-Paul
- Alex Twal
- Jock Madden
- Jack Attard
- Alex Seyfarth
- Sione Fainu
- Patrick Herbert
- Tony Sukkar
- Kit Laulilii
- Tristan Hope
- Heath Mason
- Luke Laulilii
- Jared Haywood
- Mavrik Geyer
- Tino Tavana
- Charlie Murray
- Javon Andrews
NRL Telstra Premiership: Round 2 vs. North Queensland Cowboys
The Wests Tigers' opening match of their 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership campaign followed a Round 1 bye.
- Date: Saturday, March 14
- Venue: Leichhardt Oval
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Broadcast: The match was broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo Sports.
A 22-man squad was named for this pivotal Round 2 match. Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau were named as co-captains for the team.
New recruit Kai Pearce-Paul was named for his first appearance for the club in the regular season. Heamasi Makasini shifted into the centres, and Luke Laulilii moved to the wing. Terrell May made his return to start in the front row alongside Fonua Pole. Providing impact from the interchange bench were Sione Fainu, Royce Hunt, and Alex Seyfarth.
Wests Tigers Squad vs. North Queensland Cowboys (22-Man)
- Jahream Bula
- Sunia Turuva
- Taylan May
- Heamasi Makasini
- Luke Laulilii
- Jarome Luai (c)
- Adam Douiehi
- Terrell May
- Api Koroisau (c)
- Fonua Pole
- Samuela Fainu
- Kai Pearce-Paul
- Alex Twal
Interchange: - Jock Madden
- Sione Fainu
- Royce Hunt
- Alex Seyfarth
Reserves: - Tristan Hope
- Jeral Skelton
- Mavrik Geyer
- Tony Sukkar
- Heath Mason