The Wests Tigers are preparing for the 2026 NRL season under head coach Benji Marshall, who recently signed a contract extension until 2030. The squad has seen several changes, with notable new additions and a focus on youth development.

2026 NRL Squad Additions and Departures

The Tigers have recruited several players to strengthen their 2026 roster, while also seeing some players leave the club.

Key Gains:

• Bunty Afoa (from New Zealand Warriors, development deal)
• Mavrik Geyer (from Penrith Panthers)
• Jock Madden (from Brisbane Broncos)
• Kai Pearce-Paul (from Newcastle Knights)
• Javon Andrews (young Queensland half, development deal)
• Ethan Roberts (development deal)

 
Notable Losses:

• Tallyn Da Silva (Parramatta Eels)
• Solomona Faataape (Catalans Dragons)
• Lachlan Galvin (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
• Brent Naden (departed)
• Charlie Staines (Catalans Dragons)

Predicted Round 1 NRL Lineup

Based on pre-season news and analysis, here is a potential lineup for the Tigers’ first match of the 2026 season against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday, 14 March at Leichhardt Oval.

Position Player

• Fullback Jahream Bula
• Winger Sunia Turuva
• Centre Taylan May
• Centre Starford To’a
• Winger Jeral Skelton
• Five-eighth Jarome Luai
• Halfback Adam Doueihi
• Prop Terrell May
• Hooker Apisai Koroisau (c)
• Prop Fonua Pole
• Second Row Samuela Fainu
• Second Row Kai Pearce-Paul
• Lock Sione Fainu
• Interchange Jock Madden
• Interchange Alex Twal
• Interchange Alex Seyfarth
• Interchange Bunty Afoa

Benji Marshall is expected to field a competitive team, with high expectations for new signings like Kai Pearce-Paul and the return of players like Jock Madden.