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

 

[tyrael]

Watching Pacific nations, I don't know how people still want to argue CNK over RTS, especially with AKP signing.

I think if we got one large human at prop we're good to go.

 

[watcher]

Capewell still an effective player, but to me his importance is as a mentor to the young guys. Niokore is now a middle option imo.

Father Time catching up with CNK. He will offer all out effort and solid defence, but will he be effective enough, and who can step in.

As a long time fan Hanson interests me not a shooting star but improving year by year, what level can he get to.

Recruitment is about balance of the squad.

 

[Noitall]

Watching Pacific nations, I don't know how people still want to argue CNK over RTS, especially with AKP signing.

I think if we got one large human at prop we're good to go.

RTS picked up most running metres against Kiwis but went further against Tonga showing more creativity though not polished than CNK. He certainly seems the better option of the two but with him seemingly committed to r360, would they put him there for a season? And with him committing, will nrl be petty regarding the 2026 season for players that do commit? Agree regarding prop and would be keen on a big nasty one, I think this is a guy down on confidence that in the right environment can have a huge impact on games. Sometimes for better and sometimes worse but being a proud Kiwi I reckon he’d thrive here

 

[SJ2k]

Watching Pacific nations, I don't know how people still want to argue CNK over RTS, especially with AKP signing.

I think if we got one large human at prop we're good to go.

I feel like the only person who has been arguing this is webby. He backed himself into a corner and just never pivoted. RTS was the best FB in the club as soon as he signed, and CNK has only gotten worse since then. Webby is a savant at getting the most out of his players and motivation style coaching. He still has a long way to go with selections, especially performance related selections, and bench rotations. Would love if we could get a vet like Des to assistant coach for a couple years and give him a bit of wisdom there.

Ships mostly sailed now though. Would love Koula as others have mentioned, need a long term investment at fullback. Forwards looking really promising, especially if we can figure out a true 13.

Surely Healey needs to be 14, not sure why we didn't give that a proper nudge last year. Relates to my comment on webby's bench usage I suppose. You can even play him and Egan at the same time for a bit. Can't see how he doesn't just leave with his current usage. Healey 14 + 3 forwards bench, proper minutes rotation. Stop fucking around Webby.

 

[Lance155]

The frustrating thing about CNK at fullback is there is so much talent in that position across the comp (more than any other I reckon). I don't want an early Walsh type that has lazy D but there is plenty of good options out there

 

[Tragic]

I feel like the only person who has been arguing this is webby. He backed himself into a corner and just never pivoted. RTS was the best FB in the club as soon as he signed, and CNK has only gotten worse since then. Webby is a savant at getting the most out of his players and motivation style coaching. He still has a long way to go with selections, especially performance related selections, and bench rotations. Would love if we could get a vet like Des to assistant coach for a couple years and give him a bit of wisdom there.

Ships mostly sailed now though. Would love Koula as others have mentioned, need a long term investment at fullback.

To be fair to Webby, he probably picks the best back 3, not just best fullback.

CNK, RTS, DWZ was our best back 3 and CNK can't play wing.

May be different in 2026 but you could argue that CNK, RTS, AKP would be out best back 3.
But maybe it's RTS, AKP, DWZ/?.

To be honest while RTS looked better against Tonga, wasn't much separating him and CNK against the kiwis.

So it's not as cut and dried as one vs the other.

 

[Noitall]

The frustrating thing about CNK at fullback is there is so much talent in that position across the comp (more than any other I reckon). I don't want an early Walsh type that has lazy D but there is plenty of good options out there

Think it’s really hard to know what’s in store for CNK because his ability to fill positions could be that he’s outside back cover? Every chance Webster picks him at fullback but he also made many of the changes for 2025 that people were noticing with players like SJ and Tohu Harris struggling and bringing in a host of young guys. CNK seems like he plays a huge leadership role and would imagine he’s one that drives standards

 

[Warriorsfan92]

We are in danger of losing taine. He’s off contract next week. Hes 4 years younger than cnk, so are we prepared to lose him by not giving him first grade experience? Charnze is contracted another 2 years, but taine won’t wait that long. The reality is outside of taine, our next option is probably ratcliffe, or Doyle. Not good. I think taine needs to be retained but a Perth could offer him triple what we can, he’d be silly to stay.

 

[gambler03]

We can't just wait on Lemana to play first grade lol. Linnane should be looked at as a 1, or go make a play for Tolu Koula.

 

[Horriors2013]

To be fair to Webby, he probably picks the best back 3, not just best fullback.

CNK, RTS, DWZ was our best back 3 and CNK can't play wing.

May be different in 2026 but you could argue that CNK, RTS, AKP would be out best back 3.
But maybe it's RTS, AKP, DWZ/?.

To be honest while RTS looked better against Tonga, wasn't much separating him and CNK against the kiwis.

So it's not as cut and dried as one vs the other.

I think Webby painted himself into a corner with CNK. A stable, reliable performer. I was surprised at the length of his resign. But here's where some of our players hit a wall. We didn't win in 2023 and we didn't win 2025 with CNK/DWZ/CHT and I'll add Wade Egan into the mix.

I think the fans noticed it this year, that certain players appear to have reached their ceiling and it's not enough to win us a premiership. The inclusion next year of a fit Metcalf and Barney along with the edition of Akp and Mellars will help, but the top 4 teams have a spine that lights up their backs. That's what we missed IMO.

 

[Noitall]

We can't just wait on Lemana to play first grade lol. Linnane should be looked at as a 1, or go make a play for Tolu Koula.

I would imagine that any fullback behind someone at their club would view us as an attractive destination? Not sold on Chevy Stewart but there was speculation of interest and dragons are keen publicly. Unless Gutherson is in their plans to be shifted, CNK could be viewed as someone easier to displace than Gutherson?

 

[CWC]

CNK looks the perfect "depth outside back" we were looking for all season, a huge upgrade from Morgan Harper.

Regarding RTS, seems more people are on board after his display the last 2 weeks, I mean, French vanilla is still better than vanilla lol, come on.

You can see clearly he has the vision and/or awareness to attract defenders (due to his name and threat) and pass, the executions were a little off but he's been playing wing/centre for 2 years, give him a pre-season to fine tune it and your spine suddenly looks a lot more threatening for the defensive team

And yes he's a stop-gap for 1-2 seasons until we get someone Webby likes and can pass in that position, while we don't waste Barney and Fish's last years "rebuilding"

 

[CWC]

Premiership winner Jordan Riki would be a fine signing for '27-28 onwards once we move on Marata and Cape

 

[Billyspleen75]

Is there some Tolu Koula rumour somewhere? I've seen his name mentioned a couple times on here and on social media

 

[Five&Last]

I think Webby painted himself into a corner with CNK. A stable, reliable performer. I was surprised at the length of his resign. But here's where some of our players hit a wall. We didn't win in 2023 and we didn't win 2025 with CNK/DWZ/CHT and I'll add Wade Egan into the mix.

I think the fans noticed it this year, that certain players appear to have reached their ceiling and it's not enough to win us a premiership. The inclusion next year of a fit Metcalf and Barney along with the edition of Akp and Mellars will help, but the top 4 teams have a spine that lights up their backs. That's what we missed IMO.

I wouldn't be surprised if CNK is on peanuts. There were pretty heavy reports that we had zero interest in re-signing him and he was being forced out to super league. Next minute he's signed on for two years. I would guess he's taken a discount to not relocate.

I like the Koula option like others have said. Throw him fullback money and the number 1 jersey. He was the fullback for their championship Harold Matthews team and SG ball teams

Problem is we would probably be competing with Dragons and Bulldogs who are also after fullbacks. Dragons have been linked to Jayden Campbell as a fullback target.

 

[Five&Last]

Played a mix of centre and fullback in his final sg ball season


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQBD62sJVM

 

[VB89]

I understand this yet, in the end, Luke didn't test the market did he? And good on him I say

Yes exactly my point at the bottom there -- After everyone commented on his Mrs calling him a Dog for looking to the market, it was just the Media telling BS about it all

 

[Noitall]

Played a mix of centre and fullback in his final sg ball season


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQBD62sJVM

He’s played a bit of fullback for them in first grade since too over the years and I thought he would be their future there until Hopoate has been seen as Trbojovich’s successor? Trbojovich has made fullback tricky for them over the years with him a walk up starter in the position when fit and his inability to play a season. If Koula was keen on fullback he’s likely to get the spot elsewhere with Hopoate signed until 2027 and his frame probably too slight for the centre role where Koula plays and Trbojovich potentially could shift to centres?

 

[maddog]

We are in danger of losing taine. He’s off contract next week. Hes 4 years younger than cnk, so are we prepared to lose him by not giving him first grade experience? Charnze is contracted another 2 years, but taine won’t wait that long. The reality is outside of taine, our next option is probably ratcliffe, or Doyle. Not good. I think taine needs to be retained but a Perth could offer him triple what we can, he’d be silly to stay.

To who exactly?

Name one other club he would start at in the NRL, I promise you can't, he wouldn't even be next up at most clubs

 

[Horriors2013]

Played a mix of centre and fullback in his final sg ball season


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTQBD62sJVM

He'd be on my list no question. Doubt Manly would release him after losing Turbo and DCE. He is injury-prone though.

This rumour was started by Warriorholic/Warriors Anonymoud Zane Matsumoto. He's just keeping his socials active. No fire to this rumour. Completely his idea. Nit a bad one though.