Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment and Retention Discussion​

Player	2026​	2027​	2028​	2029​	2030​
Mitchell Barnett	✔​	✔​
Rocco Berry	✔​
Tanah Boyd	✔​
Kurt Capewell	✔​
Erin Clark	✔​	✔​
Wayde Egan	✔​	✔​
Kayliss Fatialofa	✔​	✔​
James Fisher-Harris	✔​	✔​	✔​
Jackson Ford	✔​	✔​
Morgan Gannon	✔​	✔​	✔​
Leka Halasima	✔​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔​
Sam Healey	✔​	✔​
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	✔​	✔​
Alofiana Khan-Pereira	✔​	✔​	✔​
Jacob Laban	✔​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Ali Leiataua	✔​	✔​
Jye Linnane	✔​	✔​	✔​
Freddy Lussick	✔​
Te Maire Martin	✔​
Haizyn Mellars	✔​	✔​	✔​
Luke Metcalf	✔​	✔​	✔​
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔​	✔​
Marata Niukore	✔​
Adam Pompey	✔​	✔​
Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔​	✔​	✔​
Taine Tuaupiki	✔​
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔​
Demitric Vaimauga	✔​	✔​	✔​
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔​	✔​
Jett Cleary	S​	U​
Sio Kali	U​
Braelan Marsh	U​	U​	U​
Motu Pasikala	U​	U​

✔ = Signed to Top 30, C = Club option, M = Mutual Option, P = Player option, S = Signed to supplementary list, U = Unclear

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

2027 Top 30: 21/30
2027 Supplementary: 0/6

2027 Gains: Nil
2027 Losses: Nil

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Will be off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2028 from November 1st, 2026: Mitchell Barnett, Erin Clark, Jett Cleary, Wayde Egan, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jackson Ford, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Ali Leiataua, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Motu Pasikala, Adam Pompey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

 

[Ever Hopeful]

The issue Metcalf has to weigh up is whether he wants to be Ben Hunt and struggle to win anything at the Dragons or stay at the Warriors & have a chance of winning things.

The Dragons are a bit of an enigma. I didn't think they were bad last year and seemed on the upward trajectory with Flanagan.

They beat the Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks and had some very close games. Despite an ugly finish on the ladder, their PD sat about 11th.

We have some exciting things at the Warriors and it seems a well run club, but there are no guarantees.

 

[Blain]

The Dragons are a bit of an enigma. I didn't think they were bad last year and seemed on the upward trajectory with Flanagan.

They beat the Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Sharks and had some very close games. Despite an ugly finish on the ladder, their PD sat about 11th.

We have some exciting things at the Warriors and it seems a well run club, but there are no guarantees.

They have some gun young forwards coming through, Liddle is dynamite. Their issue is the halves, need a classy 7, and Metcalf fits the bill if he stays healthy.

Shambles of a club though, terribly managed. I wouldn't want us to pay $1 million for 4 years for Metcalf, but they may want too.. Be hard to turn that down for Luke.

 

[j_p]

From a Warriors perspective a two year extension would be the prudent offer. Given his injury problems and his inability to string more than a dozen or so games in a row, I cant see how they could justify the risk of a big money offer and for more than two years.

If Metcalf had joined the Dragons from Cronulla and had the same history, and we were now looking to sign him from them for 2027 onwards on a 4 year deal at $1m+ per season I don't think many would be getting excited about it without some huge causes for concern and doubt.

I agree, my post was more in response to some posts I've seen online calling him disloyal, or that he can F off if he wants to test the market after we stuck by him etc. Mainly on other sites but seen a few similar sentiments on here.

 

[Inruin]

I agree, my post was more in response to some posts I've seen online calling him disloyal, or that he can F off if he wants to test the market after we stuck by him etc. Mainly on other sites but seen a few similar sentiments on here.

It's a business at the end of the day. And sometimes players and clubs don't come to a decision that suits both parties. It's not like Metcalf has been a dick while here or about any of the negotiations currently. If he stays I hope he goes well for us, if he leaves good luck to him. Either way, I hope he gets an injury free run.

Sorry, my previous response wasn't aimed at you, more a general thought for consideration to the wider forum.

 

[maddog]

I am certain Metcalf will be at Eels in 2027, not buying the Eels reasons at all for signing Pezet for one year and I would strongly suggest it's a done deal with Metcalf just waiting for November 1 to make it appear above board.

 

[Inruin]

I am certain Metcalf will be at Eels in 2027, not buying the Eels reasons at all for signing Pezet for one year and I would strongly suggest it's a done deal with Metcalf just waiting for November 1 to make it appear above board.

to play 6 with Mitch Moses at 7? Or have i missed something with Moses?

 

[Wrighty]

From a Dragons perspective they came 15th on the ladder in 2025. They need to accept they have to offer overs or a longer term contract to get a top talent. They appear to have made that realisation if this offer is true. I think this a smart and realistic offer from a club in 15th spot trying to turn things around.

 

[CWC]

IF 4M x 4 years is true then we'll put out our best offer likely 2.5 M x 3 years including 0.5M upgrade for 2026

If he signs with drags don't think there will be hard feelings due to the offer and his injury history, but he'll likely do his best for 2026 to return the favor

We just need to fast track 1 of the halves, IMO get Linnane into the team mid-season at 6 and move him to 7 for 2027 like Webby did with Luke

 

[Wrighty]

Luke Hanson to take up his option and stay with the Warriors in 2026 but be open to offers for 2027 after November 1. Details here

EXCLUSIVE: Rising Warriors playmaker makes call on playing future

He provided 18 try assists and 21 line-break assists in the NSW Cup in 2025.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[Warriors55]

I am certain Metcalf will be at Eels in 2027, not buying the Eels reasons at all for signing Pezet for one year and I would strongly suggest it's a done deal with Metcalf just waiting for November 1 to make it appear above board.

Yep I would be surprised if the Dragons are the only ones after him. Could see Bears, Eels and Bulldogs all interested.

Bulldogs could put Galvin at 6 where he belongs, Metcalf at 7 and shift Burton to another position or let him leave.

At Eels Metcalf would be a 6 and non dominant half so can't see him wanting that but the Eels are a team on the rise I think and it would probably appeal to him premiership wise compared to Dragons.

Bears could throw crazy money at Metcalf if they don't land their other half targets but it is far from his family. However if they offered $1.4m or something he might be tempted.

 

[rugged]

Luke Hanson to take up his option and stay with the Warriors in 2026 but be open to offers for 2027 after November 1. Details here

Can people who watch cup give the relative skills and potential ceiling of Jett vs Hanson?

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Haizyn is back in Auckland starting his pre-season prep.

 

[Hitro]

Luke Hanson to take up his option and stay with the Warriors in 2026 but be open to offers for 2027 after November 1. Details here

EXCLUSIVE: Rising Warriors playmaker makes call on playing future

He provided 18 try assists and 21 line-break assists in the NSW Cup in 2025.

www.zerotackle.com

Wonder if he tried to make a move back to Sydney but no clubs would put him on dev contract?

 

[Inruin]

Good to see Luke has resigned now

EXCLUSIVE: Rising Warriors playmaker makes call on playing future

He provided 18 try assists and 21 line-break assists in the NSW Cup in 2025.

www.zerotackle.com

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Good luck to the Dragons if that is the case - that's a contract disaster waiting to happen.

In so many ways too. Metcalf could start killing and with cap increases, 1m/season could be peanuts for a top half in 2027/2028. Or conversely he has another injury next year and arrives even more damaged at the start of a long term contract. Another Jack Bird situation.

 

[Canonball]

The issue Metcalf has to weigh up is whether he wants to be Ben Hunt and struggle to win anything at the Dragons or stay at the Warriors & have a chance of winning things.

Just don't see Flanno and Mets being a match - don't think it'll happen - I think it's just a matter of business and his extension with us will be announced just before christmas

 

[John Nick]

In so many ways too. Metcalf could start killing and with cap increases, 1m/season could be peanuts for a top half in 2027/2028. Or conversely he has another injury next year and arrives even more damaged at the start of a long term contract. Another Jack Bird situation.

Disappointing if we lost LM but the way the cards are falling its looking likely. Big risks either way for us and other clubs. Will make it tough for us next year and we need to bring on the Jetts and the other young guys. Shame but he has to look after himself and family. Footy careers are relatively short.

 

[Cces]

Retaining Hanson is a funny one. He played miles better this year than last but is a reluctant kicker. Just 1 kick across the 3 important games to finish the year. Boyd undoubtedly had the hot hand but surely you want your #6 to contribute with the boot? I still think he'd make a very good hooker but doubt the club feel the same based on who they've recruited. Wouldn't be surprised if Hanson isn't retained at the end of 2026 because, like Ben Farr, he isn't a well rounded half

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Good to see Luke has resigned now

Maaaaaaaate....

You wanna use a last name in here please? Given the current scenario with Mr Metcalf lol.

Nearly spat out my water when I read your comment

 

[Noitall]

Retaining Hanson is a funny one. He played miles better this year than last but is a reluctant kicker. Just 1 kick across the 3 important games to finish the year. Boyd undoubtedly had the hot hand but surely you want your #6 to contribute with the boot? I still think he'd make a very good hooker but doubt the club feel the same based on who they've recruited. Wouldn't be surprised if Hanson isn't retained at the end of 2026 because, like Ben Farr, he isn't a well rounded half

That is odd how his kick has been shelved because last year he averaged 130m per game off his boot