The Roosters are always challenging and will be revitalised by smart off-season business, while the Raiders were amazing in 2025 as they romped to the minor premiership, even if they couldn’t recapture those heights in the finals. There’s a trip to Newcastle in round three – a notoriously tough place to go – and the Knights will have plenty to prove, with Kalyn Ponga expected back, Dylan Brown on his mega deal and a new coach. The Tigers, who can be tricky, especially early in the season, then visit Auckland before one of the most challenging quinellas of the year, as they face trips to Cronulla and Melbourne within the space of seven days.

Getting through that period without Metcalf won’t be easy. He became the backline general in 2025, with a series of influential performances. The 26-year-old is deadly on attack, with his raw pace and elusiveness, and his presence opens up space in other parts of the field. Metcalf scored eight tries in 15 appearances last season, emerged as a confident playmaker and goalkicker and was leading the Dally M race when the voting went behind closed doors at the halfway point of the season.

However, at least the club can plan for his absence, rather than the sudden surprise of last time. Back-up No 7 Tanah Boyd will get plenty of time in pre-season to work with his pack and backline and build greater combinations and cohesion. Boyd had some solid performances, particularly in the victories over the Tigers and the Titans, and has something to build on, even if he lacks the allround assets of Metcalf.

Barnett also leaves a massive void. He is the forward leader who offers impact on both sides of the ball. At the time of his injury he was averaging 134 running metres a game and 34 tackles, while the Warriors were victorious in nine of the 11 matches he was part of in 2025.

The 31-year-old is the more assertive of the two co-captains, with James Fisher-Harris happier in the background. Barnett is someone who gets the best out of his teammates, particularly Fisher-Harris, and their one-two punch was a big part of the impressive run from March to May. Like he does with the Kiwis, alongside Moses Leota, Fisher-Harris is at his best with a senior lieutenant next to him, which is what makes Barnett’s return so vital.

But the club won’t be taking any undue risks with either Metcalf or Barnett, preferring to err on the side of caution with their return dates to maximise their overall output in 2026.

Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.