Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​

-	Player	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
1	Bunty Afoa	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔	✔
4	Rocco Berry	✔	✔
5	Tanah Boyd	✔	✔
6	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔
7	Erin Clark	✔	✔	✔
8	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
9	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
10	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
11	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔
12	Morgan Harper	✔
13	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
14	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
15	Edward Kosi	✔
16	Jacob Laban	✔	✔
17	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
18	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
19	Te Maire Martin	✔
20	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
21	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔	✔
22	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
23	Adam Pompey	✔	✔	✔
24	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔
25	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
26	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
27	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
28	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Fatialofa	S
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	S	✔	✔
S5	Sio Kali	S
S6	Patrick Moimoi	S
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
-	Morgan Gannon	-	✔	✔	✔
-	Jye Linnane	-	✔	✔	✔
-	Motu Pasikala	T	?	?

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 28/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 25/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights), Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
2026 Losses: Nil

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Tanner Stowers-Smith
Off Contract from 01/11/25: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Jacob Laban, Freddy Lussick, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

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[Ferdie]

I've had a go ranking each player's potential by position and put the age they are turning/have turned this year.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch but tried to include everyone that i think has some sort of first grade potential. This is obviously not a list of who's better right now also.

Fullback
1. Jeremiah Lemana (17)
2. Joseph Ratcliffe (18)
3. Caelys Putoko (20)

Wing
1. Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso (18)
2. Alexander Pua (17)
3. Kaian Olsen (16)
4. Motu Pasikala (20)
5. Conor Bowden (19)
6. Raphael Sio (20)
7. Kairus Booth (18)

Center
1. Soane Ma'asi (17)
2. Sio Kali (20)
3. Patrick Moimoi (21)
4. Nganaiaiafu Vake (20)
5. Hiraka Waitai-Haenga (19)
6. Kahu Capper (19)
7. Hinckley Ioka (17)

Halves
1. Jack Thompson (18)
2. Tyson Hansen (17)
3. Tusi Alapati Soagia (17)
4. Jett Cleary (21)
5. Luke Hanson (21)
6. Christiano Elia (16)

Prop
1. Lucian Mikaele (17)
2. Jason Salalilo (19)
3. Krushil Koteka (17)
4. Kenny Lafituanai (16)
5. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea (20)
6. Paea Sikuvea (19)
7. Harry Durbin (20)
8. Toby Crosby (22)
9. Tepatasi Laumalili (19)

Second Row
1. Bishop Neal (17)
2. Satali Fretton (16)
3. Eddie Ieremia (21)
4. Kayliss Fatialofa (20)
5. Tusi Fanolua (16)
6. Militoni Sikuvea (18)
7. Dougal Grant (17)

Lock:
1. Lennox Tuiloma (18)
2. Ronan Byford (17)
3. Augustino Filipo (19)
4. Gordon Afoa (18)

Hooker:
1. Makaia Tafua (20)
2. Dreytin Marriott (17)
2. Jacob Auloa (20)

You've gone above and beyond, great stuff, much appreciated!

 

[Warriorsfan92]

I've had a go ranking each player's potential by position and put the age they are turning/have turned this year.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch but tried to include everyone that i think has some sort of first grade potential. This is obviously not a list of who's better right now also.

Fullback
1. Jeremiah Lemana (17)
2. Joseph Ratcliffe (18)
3. Caelys Putoko (20)

Wing
1. Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso (18)
2. Alexander Pua (17)
3. Kaian Olsen (16)
4. Motu Pasikala (20)
5. Conor Bowden (19)
6. Raphael Sio (20)
7. Kairus Booth (18)

Center
1. Soane Ma'asi (17)
2. Sio Kali (20)
3. Patrick Moimoi (21)
4. Nganaiaiafu Vake (20)
5. Hiraka Waitai-Haenga (19)
6. Kahu Capper (19)
7. Hinckley Ioka (17)

Halves
1. Jack Thompson (18)
2. Tyson Hansen (17)
3. Tusi Alapati Soagia (17)
4. Jett Cleary (21)
5. Luke Hanson (21)
6. Christiano Elia (16)

Prop
1. Lucian Mikaele (17)
2. Jason Salalilo (19)
3. Krushil Koteka (17)
4. Kenny Lafituanai (16)
5. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea (20)
6. Paea Sikuvea (19)
7. Harry Durbin (20)
8. Toby Crosby (22)
9. Tepatasi Laumalili (19)

Second Row
1. Bishop Neal (17)
2. Satali Fretton (16)
3. Eddie Ieremia (21)
4. Kayliss Fatialofa (20)
5. Tusi Fanolua (16)
6. Militoni Sikuvea (18)
7. Dougal Grant (17)

Lock:
1. Lennox Tuiloma (18)
2. Ronan Byford (17)
3. Augustino Filipo (19)
4. Gordon Afoa (18)

Hooker:
1. Makaia Tafua (20)
2. Dreytin Marriott (17)
2. Jacob Auloa (20)

I think Alvin Chong nee deserves to be on the edge list. SG ball & NSW cup bench 2024, jersey flegg 2025, starting back row. Good player

 

[Five&Last]

I think Alvin Chong nee deserves to be on the edge list. SG ball & NSW cup bench 2024, jersey flegg 2025, starting back row. Good player

Yeah fair. He is a good player and should be there. My thinking is he's probably too undersized to be a difference maker at the next level. Like majority of the centers/wingers on that list are bigger than him. And I haven't seen any ball skills to play center or an undersized ball playing lock role.

One things for sure, he runs hard and gives 100% effort every game. I don't think he's played NSW cup yet.. Hopefully he progresses. There will no doubt be players missed from that list end up being first graders.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Yeah fair. He is a good player and should be there. My thinking is he's probably too undersized to be a difference maker at the next level. Like majority of the centers/wingers on that list are bigger than him. And I haven't seen any ball skills to play center or an undersized ball playing lock role.

One things for sure, he runs hard and gives 100% effort every game. I don't think he's played NSW cup yet.. Hopefully he progresses. There will no doubt be players missed from that list end up being first graders.

Yeah I think he coverts to a centre, will see

 

[Get them onside ref!]

Are you filming a movie on Webster? Looks like you’ve found an actor that’s not far off, well done. Looks more like 2023 Webster, he’s aged a bit since then

He sure has
So has Benji!
Benji is a right grump now

 

[gambler03]

I've had a go ranking each player's potential by position and put the age they are turning/have turned this year.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch but tried to include everyone that i think has some sort of first grade potential. This is obviously not a list of who's better right now also.

Fullback
1. Jeremiah Lemana (17)
2. Joseph Ratcliffe (18)
3. Caelys Putoko (20)

Wing
1. Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso (18)
2. Alexander Pua (17)
3. Kaian Olsen (16)
4. Motu Pasikala (20)
5. Conor Bowden (19)
6. Raphael Sio (20)
7. Kairus Booth (18)

Center
1. Soane Ma'asi (17)
2. Sio Kali (20)
3. Patrick Moimoi (21)
4. Nganaiaiafu Vake (20)
5. Hiraka Waitai-Haenga (19)
6. Kahu Capper (19)
7. Hinckley Ioka (17)

Halves
1. Jack Thompson (18)
2. Tyson Hansen (17)
3. Tusi Alapati Soagia (17)
4. Jett Cleary (21)
5. Luke Hanson (21)
6. Christiano Elia (16)

Prop
1. Lucian Mikaele (17)
2. Jason Salalilo (19)
3. Krushil Koteka (17)
4. Kenny Lafituanai (16)
5. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea (20)
6. Paea Sikuvea (19)
7. Harry Durbin (20)
8. Toby Crosby (22)
9. Tepatasi Laumalili (19)

Second Row
1. Bishop Neal (17)
2. Satali Fretton (16)
3. Eddie Ieremia (21)
4. Kayliss Fatialofa (20)
5. Tusi Fanolua (16)
6. Militoni Sikuvea (18)
7. Dougal Grant (17)

Lock:
1. Lennox Tuiloma (18)
2. Ronan Byford (17)
3. Augustino Filipo (19)
4. Gordon Afoa (18)

Hooker:
1. Makaia Tafua (20)
2. Dreytin Marriott (17)
2. Jacob Auloa (20)

Is Jack Thompson the goods?

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Is Jack Thompson the goods?

Yes, pretty much won them the 17s gf last year

 

[Five&Last]

Is Jack Thompson the goods?

Yep, needs to put on a lot of muscle and work on his game management (probably the easiest things to improve as a young half) but very high ceiling.

Yeah I think he coverts to a centre, will see

Yeah possibly, could be a Steve Matai type. He hits bloody hard and plays above his weight.

 

[chrisnz]

What junior can come do a job on wing and if none can we please hit the market for some decent ones seems like our biggest issue atm

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

What junior can come do a job on wing and if none can we please hit the market for some decent ones seems like our biggest issue atm

I Would make a play for Blake Wilson, while Montoya is ahead.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Would everyone be happy if Ed Kosi was extended?

I think we need a winger with experience as a backup.

 

[Hitro]

Would everyone be happy if Ed Kosi was extended?

I think we need a winger with experience as a backup.

Dude should get a run in the middle in NSW cup, big body, could make great bench prop

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Dude should get a run in the middle in NSW cup, big body, could make great bench prop

I see why you say that, but I don't think he could handle the defensive work in the middle.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I see why you say that, but I don't think he could handle the defensive work in the middle.

And while a big body, you need a totally different motor which Kosi would struggle with.

 

[Damo]

I Would make a play for Blake Wilson, while Montoya is ahead.

Won't be ahead for long if he plays like he did yesterday.

 

[Viking]

I've had a go ranking each player's potential by position and put the age they are turning/have turned this year.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch but tried to include everyone that i think has some sort of first grade potential. This is obviously not a list of who's better right now also.

Fullback
1. Jeremiah Lemana (17)
2. Joseph Ratcliffe (18)
3. Caelys Putoko (20)

Wing
1. Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso (18)
2. Alexander Pua (17)
3. Kaian Olsen (16)
4. Motu Pasikala (20)
5. Conor Bowden (19)
6. Raphael Sio (20)
7. Kairus Booth (18)

Center
1. Soane Ma'asi (17)
2. Sio Kali (20)
3. Patrick Moimoi (21)
4. Nganaiaiafu Vake (20)
5. Hiraka Waitai-Haenga (19)
6. Kahu Capper (19)
7. Hinckley Ioka (17)

Halves
1. Jack Thompson (18)
2. Tyson Hansen (17)
3. Tusi Alapati Soagia (17)
4. Jett Cleary (21)
5. Luke Hanson (21)
6. Christiano Elia (16)

Prop
1. Lucian Mikaele (17)
2. Jason Salalilo (19)
3. Krushil Koteka (17)
4. Kenny Lafituanai (16)
5. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea (20)
6. Paea Sikuvea (19)
7. Harry Durbin (20)
8. Toby Crosby (22)
9. Tepatasi Laumalili (19)

Second Row
1. Bishop Neal (17)
2. Satali Fretton (16)
3. Eddie Ieremia (21)
4. Kayliss Fatialofa (20)
5. Tusi Fanolua (16)
6. Militoni Sikuvea (18)
7. Dougal Grant (17)
8. Alvin Chong Nee (20)

Lock:
1. Lennox Tuiloma (18)
2. Ronan Byford (17)
3. Augustino Filipo (19)
4. Gordon Afoa (18)

Hooker:
1. Makaia Tafua (20)
2. Dreytin Marriott (17)
2. Jacob Auloa (20)

Great list. Next year will shake it up a bit though and it will be where the club sees the best position for the potential first grade targets long term vs where the players see themselves playing. For example, half of this years Matt’s boys in the list were playing in what they would see as their third or fourth best positions.

 

[Boston Boy]

LOCK UP KAYLISS FATIALOFA ASAP. TOO MUCH XFACTOR, other teams will be lining up. He's not far behind Leka in Factor states, very very good player.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

LOCK UP KAYLISS FATIALOFA ASAP. TOO MUCH XFACTOR, other teams will be lining up. He's not far behind Leka in Factor states, very very good player.

When do we think we'll start to see him in and around first grade? By the end of next year or still a wee while away?

 

[Boston Boy]

When do we think we'll start to see him in and around first grade? By the end of next year or still a wee while away?

His issue is he is not the biggest guy, but man he is a weapon. Really is, mad footwork, runs a great line, good speed and is strong with a great fend. What will determine whether he will be is his defensive work I think. He has looked solid for mine, I think if he can up his defensive intensity a bit, I feel like he is pushing ahead of Laban as a backrower for me. I think he could 100% debut next year, he will need to, there is no doubt he will be gone if he is not told he will. I hope we don't lose him, other teams will be all over our NSW side as we are top and our culture is very good.

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/uyCmCff5FLI?si=qqhrnhlPM5V5j0HK

 

[Tookey 2.0]

His issue is he is not the biggest guy, but man he is a weapon. Really is, mad footwork, runs a great line, good speed and is strong with a great fend. What will determine whether he will be is his defensive work I think. He has looked solid for mine, I think if he can up his defensive intensity a bit, I feel like he is pushing ahead of Laban as a backrower for me. I think he could 100% debut next year, he will need to, there is no doubt he will be gone if he is not told he will. I hope we don't lose him, other teams will be all over our NSW side as we are top and our culture is very good.

Awesome thanks for the insight bro!

With Niukore and likely Capewah finishing up end of next year, theres a few spots up for grabs in the top 17 so I'd be telling him to go hard and could be in the top 17 starting 2027