Three wins from first four games: Wests Tigers 2026 campaign off to a flying start
The Wests Tigers have released multiple squad lists covering pre-season fixtures, regular season matches, and team changes for the 2025-2026 NRL Telstra Premiership season. The announcements span from their pre-season challenge matches to Round 6 of the regular season.
Pre-Season Challenge Matches
Squad for Pre-Season Challenge v Sydney Roosters (February 14)
Head Coach Benji Marshall named a 26-man squad for the initial Witzer Pre-Season Challenge fixture against the Sydney Roosters at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle. The squad included NRL Top 30, Development, NSW Cup, and Wests Tigers Pathways players.
Jock Madden and Tristan Hope were designated as co-captains for the match. Sione Fainu, Tony Sukkar, and Charlie Murray were among the players included with prior NRL experience.
The match was scheduled for Saturday, February 14, with kick-off at 3:50 PM.
Squad for Pre-Season Challenge v Penrith Panthers (February 20)
A 28-man squad was announced for the second Witzer Pre-Season Challenge fixture against the Penrith Panthers at Leichhardt Oval. Several senior players who did not participate in the Tigers' previous match were included.
Co-captains Api Koroisau and Jarome Luai were named in the squad. Adam Doueihi and Alex Twal also were listed. New recruits Bunty Afoa and Kai Pearce-Paul were named to debut for the Tigers.
The match was scheduled for Friday, February 20, with kick-off at 8:10 PM.
Regular Season Squad Announcements
Round 2 Season Opener v North Queensland Cowboys (March 14)
A 22-man squad was named for the opening match of the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership campaign against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval. The Tigers had a Round 1 bye.
Kai Pearce-Paul was set to make his first appearance for the club. Terrell May returned to the starting front row. The match was scheduled for Saturday, March 14, with kick-off at 3:00 PM.
Round 5 Easter Monday v Parramatta Eels (April 6)
A 22-man squad was confirmed for the Round 5 Easter Monday clash against the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium.
The lineup remained largely consistent with the side that played in the previous round. Bunty Afoa was included on the interchange bench. The match was scheduled for Monday, April 6, with kick-off at 4:05 PM.
Round 6 v Newcastle Knights (April 12)
Multiple squad updates were released for the Round 6 match against the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Initial Squad Changes:
- Tino Tavana was omitted from the squad due to hamstring tightness.
- Patrick Herbert was named to make his debut for the Wests Tigers at centre.
- Tony Sukkar moved from the reserves to the interchange bench.
Subsequent Changes:
- Bunty Afoa and Charlie Murray were omitted from the match day squad.
- Both players were scheduled to play for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Knock On Effect NSW Cup.
Final Squad:
Position Player 1. Jahream Bula 2. Heamasi Makasini 3. Patrick Herbert 4. Sunia Turuva 5. Jeral Skelton 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Api Koroisau (c) 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal Interchange: 14. Latu Fainu 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Tony SukkarThe match was scheduled for Sunday, April 12, with kick-off at 4:05 PM. The match was broadcast live on Fox League, Kayo Sports, and Channel 9.
Team Performance Context
According to club statements, the Wests Tigers won three of their first four games of the 2026 season. Their previous match was played on Easter Monday.