Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

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The forum centers on the Warriors' 2025/2026 roster planning, with significant focus on roster adjustments and player roles. Discussions highlight Erin Clark's signing #342 as a key middle-forward addition for defensive grit, though some skepticism about his ideal position persists #343. Backline restructuring dominates the dialogue, particularly Marcelo Montoya's likely departure to the Tigers for family reasons #88#232, prompting debates about shifting Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to wing despite concerns over his positional fit #13#240. Fan sentiment emphasizes securing Ali Leiataua's long-term deal #192 and explores Taine Tuaupiki's viability at fullback #50#288.
Controversy arises around Josh Curran's critical exit interview, where users #69 interpret his remarks as unprofessional while acknowledging his on-field value. Recruitment targets like Leo Thompson #108 and development signings such as Sam Healey #202 suggest strategic futureproofing. Forward pack balance remains contentious, with members debating Tohu Harris's reduced role #427, Jackson Ford's utility value #404, and dissatisfaction with Marata Niukore's output relative to salary #86#378. The analysis concludes that cap management and injecting pace into the outside backs are critical priorities moving forward.

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Recruitment Strategy, Player Contracts, Backline Restructuring

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Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Top 30 2025: 30/30
Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Top 30 2026: 26/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper, Te Maire Martin
Can negotiate with other clubs from Nov 1, 2025 (Entering final year) 🐻: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck



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Unfortunate, but I ranked our youngsters potential as.

1. Halasima
2. Leiataua
3. Demetric
4. Zyon Maiu’u
5. Laban.

You can’t keep them all, and IMO we still have the better one’s.
I see Halasima and Demetric as 200 gamers
And Ali could be a top 5 centre.

Laban was twice the player of Zyon Maiu’u last year. I think he's being slept on because of his low NRL minutes with little impact last season. He's a bigger body with a motor, skills and younger. If we are planning to play Marata at prop, Zyon Maiu’u becomes the 8th or 9th prop in the squad after JFH, Barnett, Marata, Clark, Demetric, Ale, Ford and Afoa.
 

NZWarriors.com

I'm reading quite an interesting take - really only two arguements

1. That he has failed to dominate NSW Cup and is not ready to step up.

2. That he has the potential to step up in future

So there is consensus really that he his not currently ready to be a first grade regular.

If the TOF rumours are true, then for now the NRL side is improved by this move.

And with the long list if juniors in this position, it would be a long bow to suggest the future NRL team is significantly weakened by this move.
 
I just watched a video the other day of Tof buying his first house which would mean strange timing to move home right after, unless Manly are forcing him out?
Was it here or Aussie? On his instagram page is wedding pictures from November and says Home in the caption, is that here or Australia? His brother Patrick is there looking like a best man?
 
To be fair to the Warriors. There isn’t many young players from our system that have been released and gone on to be exceptional players. Most were either signed to other NRL as teenagers and bipassed the Warriors completely or were established first graders like IPap and Katoa.
If the Warriors are happy to let him go then I back them.
 
he was unlucky with injuries and sort of regressed back end of last season imo. That NSW cup finals clash v Panthers he was quite average. Would have gotten rid of Bunty tbh.

Down to 27 now, hopefully they have someone big incoming soon. But honestly I dont know how I feel. I feel like this will be Katoa 2.0
Why, when Katoa left he had at least a really solid season of first grade behind him.

He might turn into a decent player but he hasn't shown diddly squat yet
 
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