Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
key: T = Team option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, D = Development contract

Confirmed Top 30 2024: 28/30
Confirmed Development 2024: 5/6

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 25/30
Confirmed Development 2025: 1/6

2025 Gains: Nil
2025 Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks)
 
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I agree. Especially if the dogs are picking up most of his salary. Consistent effort and attitude saw him appointed club captain before the cluster at Belmore23 unraveled - as far as I can tell he fell out of favour when he became the 'face' of a disaffected playing group when players approached him in his capacity as club captain and he relayed their concerns... then he trained sick and wound up with pneumonia. He's got the size and ability to trouble oppositions and he'd come here with something to prove. Agree juniors need to be the priority but I'd take RFM over Jazz on the bench any day as Jazz sadly just isn't big enough to foot it with the top 4 team forward packs.

And let's not forget he fits the hyphenated name brief!!
As SJ2k mentioned, he’s not going to get us to the grand final alone but along with a starting prop like BHU or the likes could see us benefit from his experience and size you mentioned from the bench. A pack like
AFB
Egan
BHU
Niukore
Ford
Harris
with a bench of
Walker
Afoa/Ale/Zyon Maiu’u/CHT/Lussick (any option dictated by who opposition is)
Barnett
RFM
would be unreal.
 
The way I see it, nek year as it stands we probably look like:

AFB
Egan
Barnett
Ford
Niukore
Tohu

Walker
Jazz

And then 2 of:
CHT
Ale
Bunty
Sifakula
Zyon Maiu’u

It does feel to me that were one more consistent first grade prop away from really making a push for a premiership in 2023.
It's hard - do we throw all our eggs in the one basket and try to get a 600k prop over for next year to make a charge? Likely SJ and Tohu's last year, and with a lot more experience from this year and Roger, CHT and a big prop, we could really go close next year.

With all the promise of our youngsters, were still probably 3 years away from seeing the best of players like Metcalf, Volkman, Berry, Sifakula, Zyon Maiu’u ect so I think we need to go hard and get a 120m + big bopper with an offload and decent defence.

Braden Hamlin-Uele, Taniela Paseka or Tof Sipley would be my best bets for around that 4-600k mark, not sure we could get any of them for nek year tho
I wouldn’t have too much expectations on Sifakula next year. ACL tears take time to come back from.

Honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Halasima jumps him.
 
I wouldn’t have too much expectations on Sifakula next year. ACL tears take time to come back from.

Honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Halasima jumps him.
Need to take injury history into account when we see form and people start wanting to ditch players. How much was their pre-season disrupted, how much of the season did they miss before they were available for selection.

If you take the old 18 months after an ACL injury than Ale should be hitting his stride next year. If I remember right he came back late in 2022 as I remember thinking who is that as he was out of sight out of mind. Then he had a full season this year.
 
Our team is in a bit of a unique situation - next year is likely our best opportunity at a premiership but we also have a tonne of young rookies coming through that need more time in the FG team. Its a tough balance but imo if there are players like RFM out there who can help move the needle, even slightly, then they might be worth it for a one year contract for nek year.

I feel that we didn't get out balance on the bench right at the end of the year, a big, experienced body who makes limited mistakes and penalties could be a huge plus for us, but if I'm management I'm holding out til at least mid November to see what's happening with the musical chairs, in the hopes that a 500-600k prop becomes available
 
Our team is in a bit of a unique situation - next year is likely our best opportunity at a premiership but we also have a tonne of young rookies coming through that need more time in the FG team. Its a tough balance but imo if there are players like RFM out there who can help move the needle, even slightly, then they might be worth it for a one year contract for nek year.

I feel that we didn't get out balance on the bench right at the end of the year, a big, experienced body who makes limited mistakes and penalties could be a huge plus for us, but if I'm management I'm holding out til at least mid November to see what's happening with the musical chairs, in the hopes that a 500-600k prop becomes available
I think if we dig our toes in, we could get him for next to nothing with the bulldogs contributing massively, more so than they did with DWZ. After all that’s happened over there it could be really awkward for him to see his contract out being signed until 2025 and I think they just want to see him go. Not sure if he’s keen on a return home but I wouldn’t be surprised if the super league option is the bulldogs seeing if they can get anything in return, sounds like no interest in the nrl for him though. We’re potentially offering a lifeline. With all pathways and nsw cup up and going we could see players like Jackson Topine who was out of favour over there too and come home and see if they can play their way in. Could be a few like that with players like ex junior Josiah Karopani let go from the rabbits recently.
 
Jazz getting written off and I can see the logic round size but when he was fit and in form the uplift in tempo he brought along with Walker early in the season was epic. You ain't seen the last of the junkyard dog you unbelievers.
Hundy. People writing off jazz hard. He was the best interchange player in comp a few years ago (2?) & had a bad run with injuries this year. Returned underdone. We needed his experience that’s why he was in, but he was evidently unfit & underprepared unfortunately. Jazz & walker are borderline the best impact forwards in the comp at their best.
 
Jazz getting written off and I can see the logic round size but when he was fit and in form the uplift in tempo he brought along with Walker early in the season was epic. You ain't seen the last of the junkyard dog you unbelievers.
Gets back to fit and you could be right a rabid junkyard dog and the Walker combo was awesome

But our bench balance is paramount to making moves next season, and it caught us out against the big boys

I’m a fan of another big body on rotation but with jazz and CHT in the mix I’m a little concerned
 

Reckon this guy would make a great front rower with his leg drive and from Auckland. At 19 is going to get bigger already at 190cm and 105kg. Sounding like there’s a possibility cowboys won’t be able to hold onto him with their abundance of second rowers. Watching this footage I reckon he could transition to the front row like JFH.
 
Jazz getting written off and I can see the logic round size but when he was fit and in form the uplift in tempo he brought along with Walker early in the season was epic. You ain't seen the last of the junkyard dog you unbelievers.
You're not wrong but it's really hard for a smaller person to keep up that intensity and aggression for a whole season. At least with a bigger guy he's still big.
 
If he’s costing next to nothing it could be a shrewd move, we could see some variations on the bench next year and someone like him could be handy to carry on the bench for some size against the bigger packs in the competition with Bunty or Zyon Maiu’u. The promotion of a dummy half to assistant coach could see Walker learn the nuances of playing there at a pinch if Egan goes down to carry big bench sometimes.
Would've hoped he learnt hooker already from dez
 

NRL Free Agency special: The November 1 targets at every club | Daily Telegraph​

St George Illawarra captain Ben Hunt has backed a push to sign North Queensland half Tom Dearden as the Dragons look to fast-track their rebuild by launching a spending spree on November 1.
The Dragons are cashed-up and coach Shane Flanagan is intent on landing some big names as he attempts to strengthen their roster and give their long-suffering supporters some genuine hope that they can turn things around after years of frustration.

Dearden has emerged as a potential target given he will enter the final year of his contract on November 1, having baulked at an initial offer from the Cowboys to extend his deal.

The Cowboys and Queensland star is expected to command offers in excess of $900,000 on the open market as he cashes in on the dearth of playmakers up for grabs.

Dearden heads a list that also includes Penrith star Jarome Luai, Brisbane sensation Ezra Mam and Sydney Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary.

Dragons captain Ben Hunt has backed a push for his club to poach Cowboys star Tom Dearden. Picture: Getty Images

Dragons captain Ben Hunt has backed a push for his club to poach Cowboys star Tom Dearden. Picture: Getty Images
This masthead understands that Luai is not on the Dragons radar. Mam is expected to command huge offers following his grand final heroics, although there is a view that he is unlikely to leave the Broncos.

Keary almost joined the Dragons some years back, meeting then-coach Paul McGregor, but he rejected a lucrative deal to sign with the Roosters and the expectation is that he will finish his career at Bondi Junction.

That leaves Dearden and Hunt is among his fans – the pair played together for Queensland last year.

“He is a great kid, a really good kid,” Hunt said.

“He has definitely got to be someone that a lot of clubs look at. Halves and five-eighths don’t grow on trees.

“They are very hard to come by and he is a young guy with his best footy ahead of him.”


NOVEMBER 1 FREE AGENCY: TOP TARGET, MUST KEEP​



BRONCOS​


Off contract November 1: Adam Reynolds, Billy Walters, Ezra Mam, Brendan Piakura, Corey Oates, Delouise Hoeter, Ezra Mam, Jock Madden, Jordan Riki, Kurt Capewell, Martin Taupau (11 players)
Who they must keep: Ezra Mam - Mam’s value sky-rocketed after his performance in the grand final, where he almost inspired a Broncos win. He is expected to attract huge offers on the open market and Brisbane look to have a fight on their hands.
Who they must target: A lot depends on the future of back rowers Kurt Capewell, Brendan Piakura and Jordan Riki. All are up for grabs on November 1 and if one or two leave, Jaydn Su’A would be a more than handy replacement.

WARRIORS​


Off contract on November 1: Rocco Berry, Jackson Ford, Tohu Harris, Shaun Johnson, Freddy Lussick, Luke Metcalf, Jazz Tevaga, Taine Tuaupiki, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (9 players)
Who the Warriors must keep: 2023 Dally M winger of the year Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. DWZ scored the most tries (23) ever in a season for the Warriors this year. His freakish ability to score tries won games for the Warriors, however, his ferocious runs to start his team’s sets are equally as influential.
Who they must target? Jordan Riki. The departure of Josh Curran to Canterbury will see the blooding of several younger forwards into the back row. However, the Warriors’ premiership window is open and the acquisition of a lethal backrower like Riki would take them to another level.

RABBITOHS​


Off contract November 1: Thomas Burgess, Michael Chee-Kam, Jye Gray, Dean Hawkins, Josiah Karapani, Ben Lovett, Peter Mamouzelos, Taane Milne, Shaquai Mitchell, Isaiah Tass, Leon Te Hau, Izaac Thompson (12 players).
Who the Rabbitohs must keep: Ben Lovett - The hard-running backrower is going places. Just 22, Lovett showed plenty of punch in his three NRL appearances in 2023. Assistant coach John Sutton has identified Lovett as a player to watch in 2024.
Who they must target: Max King. The Rabbitohs should take one off the Bulldogs after Liam Knight and Blake Taaffe opted to move to Belmore. King has the potential to offer plenty inside a well-rounded pack like Souths.

SHARKS​


Off contract November 1: Jayden Berrell, Jesse Colquhoun, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Mawene Hiroti, Kayal Iro, Matt Moylan, Niwhai Puru, Toby Rudolf, Siteni Taukamo, Connor Tracey, Jack Williams (11 players)
Who the Sharks must keep: Jesse Colquhoun. This would seem a shock call given the other more experienced NRL players on the Sharks off-contract list. Yet Colquhoun has huge potential and with good judges at the Sharks suggesting he could reach representative level.
Who they must target? Jacob Saifiti. The Knights prop would add size, experience and starch to the Sharks front row.

BULLDOGS​


Off contract November 1: Reece Hoffman, Samuel Hughes, Max King, Liam Knight, Joseph O’Neill, Chris Patolo, Hayze Perham, Ethan Quai-Ward, Khaled Rajab, Toby Sexton, Jeral Skelton, Jackson Topine (12 players)
Who the Bulldogs must keep: Max King. King has been left to punch above his weight over the past 18-months inside an under-strength Canterbury pack. He has the capability to thrive once the Dogs add more experienced forwards around him.
Who they must target: Luke Keary. The Rabbitohs and Roosters premiership winner bleeds success and his experience in leading the Dogs in the halves, even if only for 12 months, would be a god send.

RAIDERS​


Off contract November 1: Nick Cotric, Jamal Fogarty, Peter Hola, Ata Mariota, Trey Mooney, Jordan Rapana, Pasami Saulo, James Schiller, Harley Smith-Shields, Elliott Whitehead, Zac Woolford
Who the Raiders must keep: Jamal Fogarty - With a dearth of quality halves on the open market, Fogarty has to be retained by the Raiders. His even-hand and experience in the halves will be crucial during a period where Canberra are about to blood a string of young talent.
Who they must target: Brendan Piakura. The talented Broncos backrower would add a new and frightening dimension to the Raiders ability to power through sides on their edges.

DRAGONS​


Off contract November 1: Alec Tuitavake, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cody Ramsey, Francis Molo, Jack de Belin, Jack Bird (mutual option), Jaydn Su’A, Mathew Feagai, Max Feagai, Michael Molo, Moses Suli, Talatau Amone, Tyrell Sloan (13 players)
Who they must keep: Jack de Belin is worth another 12 months while Jadyn Su’A at his best is still an elite backrower. Moses Suli has proven he can be a damaging centre while the jury is still out on the likes of Francis Molo, Tyrell Sloan and the Feagai twins.
Who they must target: The Dragons are crying out for some big name signings and some leadership. Kurt Capewell would provide outstanding leadership and is likely to be squeezed out of the Broncos. They have already spoken with Connor Tracey, while up front Jacob Saifiti could be handy. The halves are the prime target with Tom Dearden at the top of their list as is young Cowboy Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Joey Manu would be a dream signing.

SEA EAGLES​


Off contract November 1: Ben Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Karl Lawton, Lachlan Croker, Raymond Vaega, Zac Fulton (six players)
Who they must keep: The Sea Eagles are confident they will tie down reliable hooker Lachlan Croker long-term. Ben Trbojevic has also shown he could hold up his spot in the 17.
Who they must target: A very well balanced roster but have a tight salary cap meaning they won’t land any big-name signings. Could do with a back-up half such as Jock Madden or Tyson Gamble.

KNIGHTS​


Off contract November 1: Bradman Best, Dane Gagai, Enari Tuala, Jacob Saifiti, Krystian Mapapalangi, Mathew Croker, Tyson Gamble, Tyson Frizell (player option) (eight players)
Who they must keep: Have put in big offers to Bradman Best and Jacob Saifiti, making it clear they want to keep the pair. Tyson Frizell also should stick around while they could get another 12 months out of Dane Gagai.
Who they must target: A lot will depend on their ability to re-sign Best and Saifiti. If they don’t then they will be in the market for a couple of big-name signings. Provided they keep the duo they will be in the look-out for an outside back with Isaiah Taas a good option.

WESTS TIGERS​


Off contract November 1: Adam Doueihi, Aidan Sezer, Asu Kepaoa, Brandon Tumeth (player option), Jake Simpkin, Junior Tupou, Justin Matamua (club option), Rua Ngatikaura, Shawn Blore, Sione Fainu, Stefano Utoikamanu (mutual option), Triston Reilly (12 players)
Who they must keep: Need Stefano Utoikamanu to stick around while Junior Tupou has shown enough to suggest he is a long-term first-grader. It is a wait and see situation with Adam Doueihi.
Who they must target: Have made it clear they want a strike outside back given discussions with Justin Olam and an impending approach to Bradman Best. Another option would be Joey Manu. Could look at Jarome Luai too.

PANTHERS​


Off contract November 1: Daine Laurie, Jarome Luai, Luke Garner, Matt Eisenhuth, Mitch Kenny, Paul Alamoti, Sunia Turuva, Taylan May, Tyrone Peachey, Zac Hosking (10 players)
Who they must keep: Easy options here with Jarome Luai, Mitch Kenny and Sunia Turuva all important players. Taylan May has also shown he can be handy.
Who they must target: Won’t have much cap space if they lock in all their players. If Luai leaves they will go to market for a half with Tom Dearden probably out of their price range. Luke Keary could be a good short-term measure.

EELS​


Off contract November 1: Bailey Simonsson, Daejarn Asi, Jirah Momoisea, Ky Rodwell, Makahesi Makatoa, Morgan Harper, Ofahiki Ogden (seven players)
Who they must keep: No stars off-contract. Bailey Simonsson had a great finish to 2023 and is worth keeping around.
Who they must target: It is clear the Eels need some speed in the outside backs which could allow them to move Clint Gutherson to centre. Joey Manu would be a major signing, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is off-contract so too Nick Meaney. At hooker they could look at Mitch Kenny.

DOLPHINS​


Off contract November 1: Anthony Milford, Edrick Lee, Euan Aitken, Jarrod Wallace, Jesse Bromwich, Kodi Nikorima, Mark Nicholls, Ray Stone, Tesi Niu, Valynce Te Whare (10 players)
Who they must keep: Kodi Nikorima - Nikorima was outstanding this season in a variety of roles for the Dolphins. He deserves another deal given his importance to the club.
Who they must target: Helium Luki - The Dolphins edge back rowers are closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. They need some youth and strike and Luki would provide lashings of both.

COWBOYS​


Off contract November 1: Chad Townsend, Coen Hess, Heilum Luki, Jake Granville, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Kyle Feldt, Sam McIntyre, Semi Valemei, Tom Dearden, Tom Chester (10 players).
Who they must keep: Tom Dearden - The Cowboys have tabled an offer to Dearden but it was short of expectations and he is expected to hit the open market, where offers are likely to tumble in. The Cowboys need to find a way.
Who they must target: Lewis Dodd - the St Helens halfback has another year remaining on his contract in England but is already on the radar of NRL clubs. Word is he has his sights set on testing himself in Australia and the Cowboys may need some help in the halves.

TITANS​


Off contract November 1: Isaac Liu, Jacob Alick, Joe Stimson, Kieran Foran, Klese Haas, Tom Weaver, Treymain Spry (7 players)
Who they must keep: Kieran Foran - The Titans veteran gives the club vital experience, nous and leadership. They simply can’t afford to let him leave given the quality he provides.
Who they must target: Luke Metcalf - The Titans need a quality partner for Foran in the halves and a player who can carry the baton when he is gone. Metcalf is electric and would add speed to their

STORM​


Off contract November 1: Aaron Pene, Marion Seve, Nick Meaney, Reimis Smith (4 players)
Who they must keep: Nick Meaney - The Storm don’t have many players on the market on November 1 but Meaney is the pick of them after an outstanding season, where he starred in the No.1 jersey.
Who they must target: Shawn Blore - The Storm have made no secret of their desire to land a forward with some fire and aggression. Blore fits the bill on both fronts. He can play edge or middle.

ROOSTERS​


Off contract November 1: Angus Crichton, Brandon Smith (PO), Daniel Tupou, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, Luke Keary, Sitili Tupouniua, Siua Wong, Terrell May (10 players).
Who they must keep: Joey Manu - Manu is a deadset superstar and there seems little to no chance he will explore his options anywhere other than the Roosters. Good thing too. They can’t afford to lose him.
Who they must target: Adam Doueihi - The Roosters are well stocked across the board but some depth in the halves would be handy depending on whether Keary decides to press on in 2025. Doueihi is a class act coming back from serious injury. He could be a quality addition at the right price.
Hunt concedes November 1 is huge for the Dragons as they look to add quality and depth to their roster.

Flanagan has bought the club some breathing room by holding off on signing a number of their existing players.

Francis Molo, Jack de Belin, Jaydn Su’A, Mathew Feagai, Max Feagai, Michael Molo, Moses Suli, and Tyrell Sloan all enter the final year of their deals next week.

It is understood the Dragons have indicated a desire to begin talks with Suli but he is expected to test his value on the open market.

Jarome Luai is not on the Dragons radar, while Ezra Mam is unlikely to leave the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

Jarome Luai is not on the Dragons radar, while Ezra Mam is unlikely to leave the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images
The club has also been rocked by the guilty verdict handed down to five-eighth Junior Amone last week, leaving his future in limbo until he is sentenced in December.

The Dragons need to land some key targets to give their fans a sign that they are still a club with punch in the player market.

Asked whether November 1 had become more important following the verdict in the Amone case, Hunt said: “I think November 1 is important for us anyway. I am sure Flanno has a few guys in his sights that he is going to be after.

“It is going to be a pretty exciting couple of weeks on November 1 anyway.”

Flanagan had indicated he would use Hunt to help him recruit players and the skipper confirmed the pair had discussed some of the club’s plans.

“He has leaned on me for a few things,” Hunt said.

“I have gone to him about a couple of guys who will fit our team. It should be good.”


New November 1 Rules​


Every player must provide his incumbent Club with a last right of negotiation for a 10-day period from the date of notice that the player has received an offer from a rival Club, and that offer has been submitted to the NRL, that he is prepared to accept.
In order to give effect to this clause:
a) the player must provide notice to his incumbent Club that he has an offer that he will accept in 10 days’ time (subject to negotiations with his incumbent Club);
b) the Club can then engage in contract negotiations with the player for a period of up to 10 days, or the Club may waive its rights in writing (at which point the player is free to sign with the rival Club);
c) the offer from the rival NRL Club must be an official offer and submitted to the NRL Salary Cap Auditor (the contents of which will remain confidential, but the NRL Salary Cap Auditor can provide verification to the incumbent Club that an official offer has been received). The offer must remain open for acceptance for a minimum of 14 days, and for at least 48 hours beyond the expiry of the 10-day negotiation period with the incumbent Club. There is no requirement for the player to disclose the terms of the offer to his incumbent Club;
d) at the expiry of the 10 days, the player may sign (or reject) the offer from the rival Club.
 
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