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

 

[Damo]

Are people wrong to say this a lot?

Considering he only had one failed HIA this season in RD21 and evidently seems to have his tackle technique in a much better place, I think so.

Its his other injuries that seem to frequently pop up that are of concern, definitely needs to share minutes rather than smashing out 80 every week.

 

[Damo]

I think your comment has no basis. It's a pretty obvious statement he's made. Egan gets HIA or other injury at the drop of a hat.

Sam Rapira was a good player, but his size meant he got injured a lot because of sheer extra effort he had to put in to compensate. Happens to most good 'small' players.

Egan's good. But he's doing something wrong to get injured all the time. It's not luck. You'd be better off with a stronger 9 who lasts the season but has a different upside. Healey's that man.

My comment was in reply to HIAs only. The only people that know where he is at with his concussions is him and the medical team. I think he's quite clearly improved his tackle technique.

Clearly my comment did have basis.

 

[Damo]

I think the biggest issue is the knock on effect it has on the team that has to complete the game with the disruption in the spine, the following weekend when he's ruled out and however much longer it takes Egan to find form after the head knock(s). He has been a liability at times due to being prone to concussion and as brilliant as he can be, his form is fleeting/cut down with imo head knocks..

One failed HIA this season in RD21.
I definitely think he needs to share minutes with Healey though

 

[Boston Boy]

One failed HIA this season in RD21.
I definitely think he needs to share minutes with Healey though

Healey adds so much on attack and is a very good defender. I agree that he needs to be on the bench.

 

[Five&Last]

What's everyone's thoughts on a Wayde Egan extension

Would be pretty cut throat to not re-sign him given he's been with us through some dark periods.

But if Sam Healey continues on a trajectory towards becoming a starting hooker by 2028. And if we re-sign CHT on a two year deal (2027 as halves depth, transitioning to hooker/utility depth in 2028).

Then also factoring in Makaia Tafua, Braelan Marsh, Rico Lemalie progression.

Plus he's approaching that Luke Keary territory where you don't know how many more head knocks he can sustain.

 

[Noitall]

What's everyone's thoughts on a Wayde Egan extension

Would be pretty cut throat to not re-sign him given he's been with us through some dark periods.

But if Sam Healey continues on a trajectory towards becoming a starting hooker by 2028. And if we re-sign CHT on a two year deal (2027 as halves depth, transitioning to hooker/utility depth in 2028).

Then also factoring in Makaia Tafua, Braelan Marsh, Rico Lemalie progression.

Plus he's approaching that Luke Keary territory where you don't know how many more head knocks he can sustain.

When I talked about CHT perhaps being a bit slow for the up tempo style Webster could want play yesterday, I think Egan is apart that too. He’s a player Webster inherited when he took over as coach but I also think Egan is a leadership voice in the club too. Healey looks good and his name is coming up in many places but one concern I have is he plays a lot for himself in last tackle options and wonder about his ability to stick to a game model? Egan too had a lot of scoots out of dummy half close to the line but sometimes Healey will grubber for himself of a kind of play. I don’t see them extending Egan

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Are we better with Egan? Yes.
Is Healey ready for 60+ mins every week in the nrl? No.

Egan was close to a SOO debut, he’s in the top 5 hookers in the game imo. Hes a leader for us, has captained us & makes other players better around him.

He does need a reduction in mins though, that i agree with. Hes probably a 60 min hooker these days, with the speed & physicality of games. But I think people underestimate how important Egan is to our side.

 

[Theking267]

What's everyone's thoughts on a Wayde Egan extension

Would be pretty cut throat to not re-sign him given he's been with us through some dark periods.

But if Sam Healey continues on a trajectory towards becoming a starting hooker by 2028. And if we re-sign CHT on a two year deal (2027 as halves depth, transitioning to hooker/utility depth in 2028).

Then also factoring in Makaia Tafua, Braelan Marsh, Rico Lemalie progression.

Plus he's approaching that Luke Keary territory where you don't know how many more head knocks he can sustain.

It would be hard not to re-sign him because the whole game plan revolves around him now, that there is no ball playing back rower

 

[sup42]

I think Hanson's a stayer. I'd like him or Linnane to start with Luke next year and see how Jett responds. I feel like CHT is actually blocking better prospects at this point. If Luke goes down, we’re going to need an enterprising play-maker to spark our attack. Boyd won't do that.

He'll control the kicking but is not going to test the opposition defence. He's a Robin, not a Batman. Even if we start with TMM and bring Hanson in later, I'd be happier. We need to 'bring it' to teams like Broncos and Dolphins. Even Bulldogs.

CHT brings enthusiasm and effort. But I can't think of one game where he has taken the bull by the horns and won it for us through sheer will. As mentioned, he doesn’t break the line often and he doesn't throw magic passes, deceive defenders that often or outpace them.

Storm is rarely without both Munster and Hughes at the same time, and when they do they lose. But if one is missing, the other has that impact the team needs to dominate the opposition.

Wheras the Broncos, if Mam and Reynolds are out, Walsh pushes the attack and he has speedy 3/4s to set up in Marriner, Karapani, Staggs (who also can light up the attack).

We don't have a gun back 3 or gun centres. We're working on it. But not there yet. So the halves have to be guns and lead the team. That's why IMO we need a gun 5/8 this year. And on top of that, Healey needs more game time. We can't have Egan go off and momentum come to a halt all the time. Even if his distribution is not yet 100%, he makes up for it with go forward. He's a spark. He needs to know that he's our hooker moving forward.

Upping our game includes getting rid of the deadwood. CHt and CNK have been good stop gaps but we want to go next level. I'd definitely start RTS and see what RTS v Taine looks like. If Taine can't bring more than RTS, then we need to move him on. If CNK can't beat RTS' stats then move him on too.

We can't have complacency. Can't keep a FB because he's the safe option. We must be hungry to win the comp. I know Luke and Barney will be. Ford will be. JFH will be. RTS will be.

Just my opinions but I think we have to keep improving. And if CHT and CNK are in FB and 6 most of the year we're going to finish in the bottom half of the top 8 again. And if Egan is not immediately replaced by Healey when he gets tired or goes down injured, it's going to feel old.

For me anyway. Up the Wahs!

Our game plan relies entirely on a kicking half and pinning the opposition in the corners.

They're not going to throw out the game plan intentionally by picking those other sevens outside of Metcalf and Tanah.

It just won't happen (injury forced only scenario) and you can understand why.

You don't need a good running halfback, you need strike players at center and pace on your wings. That is why the metamorphosis of Metcalf to seven saw his running game set aside for an emphasis on kicking and distributing - granted this allowed him to bring his running game in late in his short run of games - but the priority was clear, get to the kicks and chase.

We have seen three years of this, and it has gotten them into the better half of the table twice.

Everything after that is fan noise. Find a kicking game out of the other prospects then sure, it makes sense to see them as realistic challenges to the incumbents.

 

[Kav1]

Yeah mate. You are right
Tbf the argument is pretty fair but considering Brown was underwhelming this year compared with Metcalf who up till his unfortunate injury was playing miles better than Brown you see why .

That depends on the team you are playing for and the position you are asked to play. Para played much better when Mitch Moses resumed as a half, freeing up Dylan Brown to play his natural running game at 6.

 

[John Nick]

That depends on the team you are playing for and the position you are asked to play. Para played much better when Mitch Moses resumed as a half, freeing up Dylan Brown to play his natural running game at 6.

Fair comment. Lots of variables to be taken into consideration in this game of ours. Stats are not always the best consideration as they don't always take examples like you have just said

 

[Kav1]

When I talked about CHT perhaps being a bit slow for the up tempo style Webster could want play yesterday, I think Egan is apart that too. He’s a player Webster inherited when he took over as coach but I also think Egan is a leadership voice in the club too. Healey looks good and his name is coming up in many places but one concern I have is he plays a lot for himself in last tackle options and wonder about his ability to stick to a game model? Egan too had a lot of scoots out of dummy half close to the line but sometimes Healey will grubber for himself of a kind of play. I don’t see them extending Egan

I prefer Healy for his speed and unpredictability. Sadly, Wade is past his prime as indicated by less or no comments about his State of Origin chances in the last couple of seasons. He has served us well but everything must eventually come to an end.

 

[CWC]

Our game plan relies entirely on a kicking half and pinning the opposition in the corners.

They're not going to throw out the game plan intentionally by picking those other sevens outside of Metcalf and Tanah.

It just won't happen (injury forced only scenario) and you can understand why.

You don't need a good running halfback, you need strike players at center and pace on your wings. That is why the metamorphosis of Metcalf to seven saw his running game set aside for an emphasis on kicking and distributing - granted this allowed him to bring his running game in late in his short run of games - but the priority was clear, get to the kicks and chase.

We have seen three years of this, and it has gotten them into the better half of the table twice.

Everything after that is fan noise. Find a kicking game out of the other prospects then sure, it makes sense to see them as realistic challenges to the incumbents.

Don't know what your thoughts are on the halves but the fact Boyd known for his meltdowns actually put up a very good performance in the playoffs (his first?), if we had better support or clutch play after his line break and outside backs that are not exclusive hit up ball hoggers or out of position rookies we might have put on a few points in that game. He's had half a season to gel and give him fit/speedy centres/wings and an attacking FB (we have them in the team), it might be interesting to see how much improvement we have to start the season. His defense was very solid in the playoff too

In saying that though I'm nervous about not having Luke for 5-10 rounds, we know what we get with him and I'm HOPING Boyd with proper players around him can elevate the side

 

[CWC]

Didn't realize Egan's 28 and turning 29 when season kicks off next year, we'd be pretty gangster for the next 2 seasons if he plays 50-60min per game and Healey runs havoc for the rest, instead Webby keeps playing him injured for 80 until people think he's too concussed or old and need to retire.

I'd probably extend him for 1-2 more years when his contract runs out, reverse his role with Healey (if he stays) then transition into coaching. If Healey leaves it's kinda moot point isn't it is the Marsh boy or the juniors ready to start in 2 years?

 

[WAH MAN]

Considering he only had one failed HIA this season in RD21 and evidently seems to have his tackle technique in a much better place, I think so.

Its his other injuries that seem to frequently pop up that are of concern, definitely needs to share minutes rather than smashing out 80 every week.

Understood. I simply take head injuries as an aggregate issue. Plus we need to future proof our team regarding his age and fitness. His skill is not in question.

 

[Naynay]

Would like to see a breakdown of his try assists. Quite a few would have come from kicks as he was generally our short range kicker .

A try assist is a try assist, but I don't think many of them came from creativity or manipulating defences which is what we really lacked at times in close games.

I get what your saying but this forum screams for someone to put up kicks that are contested and hes done that, very well i might add. CHT now that metcalf is staying is perfect to go in the 6 roll.

Also on the Wade chat, hes still good we just need to put healy in the 14. To spell him in the middle of the game and let healy maximise his strong running game.

 

[mrblonde]

I get what your saying but this forum screams for someone to put up kicks that are contested and hes done that, very well i might add. CHT now that metcalf is staying is perfect to go in the 6 roll.

Also on the Wade chat, hes still good we just need to put healy in the 14. To spell him in the middle of the game and let healy maximise his strong running game.

It's a bit like the argument about goals from set pieces versus from open play in football.
Sure, the open play goals get more clicks (although Bournemouth's goal direct from a corner from last week will as well!), but if set piece is actually the easier way of getting them...
So if kicks to corners/ingoal suits the game plan - and is easier to do - why not? Boring? Yes, if it's too obvious and too often. Effective? Yep. How many times do you/the crowd groan when a perfectly good set fizzles to nothing because a player sees a break that closes a split second later and it's a handover on the opposition's 30 rather than what could have been a restart from a dropout?
Egan - I've been playing the "He'll Need To Retire" card a lot and obviously been an idiot. I'd offer a 2 year deal like CWC mentions. But I do wonder if in 2026 we start Healey against the lower teams, give him more minutes in the "flat track" games...

 

[JaggedJ]

I get what your saying but this forum screams for someone to put up kicks that are contested and hes done that, very well i might add. CHT now that metcalf is staying is perfect to go in the 6 roll.

Also on the Wade chat, hes still good we just need to put healy in the 14. To spell him in the middle of the game and let healy maximise his strong running game.

I have full confidence in our other halves to master the "kick to Leka" play.

Even with Metcalf our attack was vanilla at best, his speed just added some sprinkles to mask it. CHT would only be the perfect foil if we had a very different fullback.

We don't, so we need more out of our 6 in regards to creating space and manipulating defences.

 

[Kav1]

Don't know what your thoughts are on the halves but the fact Boyd known for his meltdowns actually put up a very good performance in the playoffs (his first?), if we had better support or clutch play after his line break and outside backs that are not exclusive hit up ball hoggers or out of position rookies we might have put on a few points in that game. He's had half a season to gel and give him fit/speedy centres/wings and an attacking FB (we have them in the team), it might be interesting to see how much improvement we have to start the season. His defense was very solid in the playoff too

In saying that though I'm nervous about not having Luke for 5-10 rounds, we know what we get with him and I'm HOPING Boyd with proper players around him can elevate the side

I believe he has already elevated the team with some astute ball distribution and general kicking, not forgetting his high goal-kicking stats. His defense may be suspect but that may come down to his inside forward support. I agree that he should be given a full pre-season under his belt.

 

[Naynay]

I have full confidence in our other halves to master the "kick to Leka" play.

Even with Metcalf our attack was vanilla at best, his speed just added some sprinkles to mask it. CHT would only be the perfect foil if we had a very different fullback.

We don't, so we need more out of our 6 in regards to creating space and manipulating defences.

The real question is what more can he put out, the original post was talking about his try involvements. He was up there for that stat for 6s. Out side of tackle breaks his stats are very comparable and close to Ethan strange who got the dally m 5/8 of the year but you would be silly to say you need more out of strange.