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	Jett Cleary	✔	S	S
9	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
10	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
11	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
12	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
13	Morgan Harper	✔
14	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
15	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
16	Edward Kosi	✔
17	Jacob Laban	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
18	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
19	Jye Linnane	✔	✔	✔	✔
20	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
21	Te Maire Martin	✔	✔
22	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
23	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔	✔
24	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
25	Adam Pompey	✔	✔	✔
26	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔	✔	✔
27	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
28	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
29	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
30	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
-	Morgan Gannon	-	✔	✔	✔
-	Haizyn Mellars	✔	✔	✔
-	Motu Pasikala	T	?	?

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

Top 30 2026: 29/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

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

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

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[Boats n Hoes]

Lee Oudenryn, Skinny Byrne.
Both fast, both flops.
AKP will be our first in a while. The foundations we have now are a lot better than what those other two walked into.

Skinny Byrne?......fast?

Didnt an average 2nd rower run him down with ease in a GF once?

Yeah we havent had much luck when we've gone the imported speed route.....Denan Kemp and Michael Crockett speedsters that didnt offer a helluva lot.
I think the fact our outside back options this year we're Kosi, Capes to centre, and probably Morgan Harper next off the rack.....nah, ill take the punt with AKP.

 

[the WARs]

Skinny Byrne?......fast?

Didnt an average 2nd rower run him down with ease in a GF once?

Yeah we havent had much luck when we've gone the imported speed route.....Denan Kemp and Michael Crockett speedsters that didnt offer a helluva lot.
I think the fact our outside back options this year we're Kosi, Capes to centre, and probably Morgan Harper next off the rack.....nah, ill take the punt with AKP.

What I don't get is the amount of talent in NZ Rugby on the wing Can we steal one of these up-and-coming stars ... is the rooters star winger ex rugby ? one position that a ruggers player can work ..

 

[CWC]

What I don't get is the amount of talent in NZ Rugby on the wing Can we steal one of these up-and-coming stars ... is the rooters star winger ex rugby ? one position that a ruggers player can work ..

Mark NatonWasabe?

Suali’i is a superstar for a re-emerging wallabies side too, and they had Sailor, Tequiri, Falau and Rogers in the past, they seem to know how to transition players whereas we end up with RTS and Benji, SBW is the only exception really

 

[CWC]

I think you can’t coach speed but you can coach and learn tackling, defensive read, catching high balls and mature with attitude and surrounding environment lol

He’s on a second life with us and we will see if Fish, Barney and Webby can sort it out. Kali next in line will add pressure too. Competition is good. If it goes busy we will just send him to super league

 

[Blain]

If legit, AKP wants to move to NZ and is happy for a non starting winger salary, sure I'm happy to have him as a back up. But if we are making heaps f=of noise and are happy to pay starting money, then there must be something going on with DWZ or RTS. No way you can have all 3.

I'm worried about his potential attitude problems. Can't teach certain people in life, and if he's a 1 trick pony with low potential for growth, I don't think Webby would want him.

Mellars has just signed, who is also a great talent. Kali looks to be coming right for NRL also, something doesn't add up to me.

 

[John Nick]

I think you can’t coach speed but you can coach and learn tackling, defensive read, catching high balls and mature with attitude and surrounding environment lol

He’s on a second life with us and we will see if Fish, Barney and Webby can sort it out. Kali next in line will add pressure too. Competition is good. If it goes busy we will just send him to super league

Might not be able to coach speed but a decent sprint coach will improve most players

 

[Garry Saloon]

He sulks when he gets moved from fullback imo lol, look at his performances this year at centre barely got involved. He’s being selfish with the fullback spot, when the team should come first. He was like this at the raiders then was dropped to reserve grade. People don’t agree with this but Roger should’ve been our fullback from last year as well.
The fact we had a 30 year old Dally m winning fullback in Roger returning to the club last year, and webby straight shut down any chance of Roger having a go at fullback was quite bizzare. The idea that Roger can’t ball play is wrong, for the little time he’s had there under webby he’s played on some nice balls for his outside men Leiataua, Leka and co along with being best on ground.
If was an outide back id rather be marking up against Charnze on a out the back block play than Roger

This is pure fiction. He's playing pit of position. He plays less well than when he plays the position he's played most of his career. This is surprising? Absolutely no reason to think he's sulking.

 

[the WARs]

Mark NatonWasabe?

Suali’i is a superstar for a re-emerging wallabies side too, and they had Sailor, Tequiri, Falau and Rogers in the past, they seem to know how to transition players whereas we end up with RTS and Benji, SBW is the only exception really

surely NZ has more >>>WW giant BIG powerful fast winger ..what a beast














If only we could hold onto some of kiwi stars what a backline we could build

 

[Dannevegas]

his speed is hard to ignore. But do we really create space for our wingers like that? No. If we can release DWZ, Berry and Lussick and he’s not in the way of Sio Kali i wouldn’t mind it.
Other wise I’d be more than happy with RTS, Kali, Mellars, Norris and Pasikala as our wing stocks

View: https://youtu.be/Y3YOXnwQZJk?feature=shared

 

[Leon Black]

Lee Oudenryn, Skinny Byrne.
Both fast, both flops.
AKP will be our first in a while. The foundations we have now are a lot better than what those other two walked into.

That Sattler tackle is immortal for a reason — bloke had all the acceleration of a tractor yet still reeled Skinny Byrne in! Fair to say “Skinny” only ever looked quick if you squinted and ignored the gale pushing him along.

My biggest is concern is CNK — heart, work ethic, big defensive ticker, but he’s more blue-collar than game-breaking. He’ll never be that electric, strike-weapon fullback who flips games on their head. You can build a spine around him for consistency, but not clutch, match winning moments!

Ponga on the other hand? That’s the missing piece. He’s got the class, creativity and confidence under pressure to take this roster from grinding wins to blowing sides apart.

If there’s one thing Cappy has shown, it’s that he plays his cards tight then pulls a rabbit out of the hat. Half the big recruits in the last few years have come out of nowhere — no leaks, no whispers, just suddenly a press conference and boom, signed.

Time to get the beers chilled and ready!

 

[Leon Black]

What I don't get is the amount of talent in NZ Rugby on the wing Can we steal one of these up-and-coming stars ... is the rooters star winger ex rugby ? one position that a ruggers player can work ..

Agree, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke would be nice, but plenty of quality in NPC too!

 

[the WARs]

Agree, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke would be nice, but plenty of quality in NPC too!

Size and speed the next "Will Warbrick" style player ... If only Rocco wasn't made of glass I'm sure he would have been one of our stars ...so gutted for the guy coming from someone that has a he fair share of injuries like most of the time as I age LOL

 

[MrFrankWhite]

his speed is hard to ignore. But do we really create space for our wingers like that? No. If we can release DWZ, Berry and Lussick and he’s not in the way of Sio Kali i wouldn’t mind it.
Other wise I’d be more than happy with RTS, Kali, Mellars, Norris and Pasikala as our wing stocks

View: https://youtu.be/Y3YOXnwQZJk?feature=shared

AW can make big offseason moves, we saw it this year. I think the only person 100% guaranteed to be in his position rnd1 next year (in the backs) and thats CNK. Id say RTS too but theres a chance he takes up the overseas gig.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Size and speed the next "Will Warbrick" style player ... If only Rocco wasn't made of glass I'm sure he would have been one of our stars ...so gutted for the guy coming from someone that has a he fair share of injuries like most of the time as I age LOL

The silver lining about the whole Rocco situation is that there really is only two options now.
Either A: Rocco comes back next year and dominates, plays 20+ games and helps us push a bit further than this year.

Or B: There's one more poor injury year in 2026 and then he's done in Warriors colours.

I'm hoping its the former!

 

[the WARs]

AW can make big offseason moves, we saw it this year. I think the only person 100% guaranteed to be in his position rnd1 next year (in the backs) and thats CNK. Id say RTS too but theres a chance he takes up the overseas gig.

outside metres which as a FB you get heaps of those CNK not having a great season 2x tries .. I recall at least 3x tries from players that just eased past him ...for sure he's on his last legs in FG .. if CNK is going be are FB for the entire 26 season then no way we will go further than the first week of finals ..WAHs needs to throw some money and secure early 20's flyer with real try scoring ability .. as CNK as much as I love the guy been legend player for decade+ is really needing to move to Super league etc

 

[the WARs]

The silver lining about the whole Rocco situation is that there really is only two options now.
Either A: Rocco comes back next year and dominates, plays 20+ games and helps us push a bit further than this year.

Or B: There's one more poor injury year in 2026 and then he's done in Warriors colours.

I'm hoping its the former!

Yes if we want to compete in SEPT we need ROCCO to be fit and firing

 

[Damo]

Other wise I’d be more than happy with RTS, Kali, Mellars, Norris and Pasikala as our wing stocks.

Geez, I wouldn't be happy with that. RTS is the only current first grader.

 

[Dannevegas]

AW can make big offseason moves, we saw it this year. I think the only person 100% guaranteed to be in his position rnd1 next year (in the backs) and thats CNK. Id say RTS too but theres a chance he takes up the overseas gig.

Hope not he’s our best back

 

[kos]

Will be interesting to see how AKP is used if he comes here. Don't recall having anyone with his blistering pace so will be a new experience. If they can create the smallest bit of space either on the outside or in broken play this guy will be gone.
Wouldn't it be great to finally get see someone in a Wah's jersey scoring end to end tries

Especially outside say Pompey

 

[CWC]

outside metres which as a FB you get heaps of those CNK not having a great season 2x tries .. I recall at least 3x tries from players that just eased past him ...for sure he's on his last legs in FG .. if CNK is going be are FB for the entire 26 season then no way we will go further than the first week of finals ..WAHs needs to throw some money and secure early 20's flyer with real try scoring ability .. as CNK as much as I love the guy been legend player for decade+ is really needing to move to Super league etc

TT, Linnane, Metcalf, Roger, or sign Ponga or steal another Healey level fullback stuck in Cup…