NRLW 2026, New Zealand Warriors, North Queensland Cowboys, round 3, match preview, team lists, injuries, updates

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 18 Jul 2026, 01:52 PM

The Warriors return home to Auckland looking to bounce back from a tough Round 2 clash against Raiders, while the Cowboys need their first win after consecutive losses to start the season.

The Warriors showed in Round 1 that they can be one of the most dangerous attacking teams so the Cowboys will need to tighten their defence.

Their attack has produced some promising moments, but costly lapses and missed opportunities have prevented them from finishing on top.

The Cowboys' outside backs have shown they can trouble opposition defences, but they will need more support through the middle against a Warriors pack that enjoys playing direct and generating quick play-the-balls.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 18 Jul

Full Time

Warriors

Cowboys

Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Highlights Latest

Team News

Warriors: Metanoia Fetalaiga has moved into the starting side at prop in No.18 on Friday with Ashlee Matapo sliding to the bench. Mya Hill-Moana will make her return from suspension at lock with Christabelle Onesemo in the second row. Star playmaker Gayle Broughton remains sidelined with a quad injury, with Emmanita Paki to line up at five-eighth and Olympic gold medallist Stacey Waaka shifting to centre. Jasmin Huriwai is set to start for the first time in her NRLW career and slots in at hooker, while Shakira Baker will return to the back row after starting at centre last week.

Cowboys: Centre Abigail Roache (knee) has been ruled out, with Haylee Hifo taking her place. Former rugby star Ashley Marsters makes her NRLW debut on the interchange for Saturday's clash in Auckland. Sian Williams is also set to return to the fold after missing last week's loss to Wests Tigers with a concussion. It's North Queensland's first game in New Zealand and second-rower Tallisha Harden will make her 50th NRLW appearance.

Round 3 - Round 3 - Saturday 18 Jul

Full Time

Warriors

Cowboys

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Apii Nicholls

Fullback for Cowboys is number 1 Margot Vella
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Lavinia Tauhalaliku

Winger for Cowboys is number 2 Francesca Goldthorp
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Tysha Ikenasio

Centre for Cowboys is number 4 Jasmine Peters
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Stacey Waaka

Centre for Cowboys is number 18 Haylee Hifo
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Ocean Tierney

Winger for Cowboys is number 5 Sian Williams
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Emmanita Paki

Five-Eighth for Cowboys is number 6 Lydia Turua-Quedley
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Patricia Maliepo

Halfback for Cowboys is number 7 Rosie Kelly

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Annetta Nuuausala

Prop for Cowboys is number 8 Essay Banu
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Jasmin Huriwai

Hooker for Cowboys is number 9 Emma Manzelmann
Prop for Warriors is number 18 Metanoia Fetalaiga

Prop for Cowboys is number 10 Makenzie Weale
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Shakira Baker

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 11 Tallisha Harden
2nd Row for Warriors is number 13 Christabelle Onesemo

2nd Row for Cowboys is number 12 Hailee-Jay Ormond-Maunsell
Lock for Warriors is number 16 Mya Hill-Moana

Lock for Cowboys is number 13 Bree Chester

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 10 Ashlee Matapo

Interchange for Cowboys is number 14 Tallara Bamblett
Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Capri Paekau

Interchange for Cowboys is number 15 Tayla Curtis
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Harata Butler

Interchange for Cowboys is number 16 Ashley Marsters
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Ivana Lauitiiti

Interchange for Cowboys is number 17 Lily Dick