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

 

[CWC]

Poster on the knights forum reckons that it’s known that Ponga has been putting his feelers out for a while and that knights would be open to letting him go but neither wants to initiate it to lose leverage of the big money his salary is. Peter O Sullivan over there I’m sure wouldn’t do any favours for us after parting ways a bit messy. I really can’t see any club giving him $1.4 million per season unless there’s some sorts of third party thing happening? If he’s genuine about wanting a title, he might have to walk away from that deal? Unsure how nrl would view him going somewhere else for less because it’s not a scenario where knights want him gone and would contribute?

I see his current contract is at $1.25M and if we buy him out surely we pay the full price, now the question is do we even have that much in the cap lol, Marata+Lussick? Might have to move on TMM or CNK, which was also rumored earlier in the year.

 

[Noitall]

more than a chance with those 3 additions - tho i'm not sold on nas - ponga makes us a title shot on his own

Ponga’s the odd one out with no hyphenated name. He might have to change it to Kay Lynn Ponga if he wants to come over

 

[CWC]

Ponga’s the odd one out with no hyphenated name. He might have to change it to Kay Lynn Ponga if he wants to come over

Kalyn Prima-Ponga

 

[Noitall]

I see his current contract is at $1.25M and if we buy him out surely we pay the full price, now the question is do we even have that much in the cap lol, Marata+Lussick? Might have to move on TMM or CNK, which was also rumored earlier in the year.

I tend to agree that I think we’ve got a bit of money we’re sitting on, and I’m sure CG said as much in an interview that they had some cash and they often like to keep a space spare in case someone becomes available? Which makes me think we could see one or two released? $1.25 million is too much in my view, $1 million would be be as far as I would go before leaving negotiations

 

[Falcon]

Idk - i'd say that's more to do with the knights situation which was dire, and while he might have a nice lifestyle there and be on great coin he's a competitor and will want on field results - if he becomes available he's 100% the right pick for our team atm too - would turn us immediately into a top 2 squad

I think the last few seasons at the Knights and KP mirror those years at The Warriors for SJ - hes expected to win the game single handedly and carry the team on his shoulders.
This has been compounded by the value of his contract The scrutiny and burden will at some point must weigh on him negatively.
It’s whether he’s prepared to take a smaller contract- however if he was to leave in his current T contract T cycle a new team has to pay the current contract value.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

You say from that interview your thoughts are that NAS's head isn't in the right space.
You also say a good coach like Webby wouldn't be able to do anything with that.

If we do sign him, then I'm assuming NAS has had talks with several of our our recruitment team, including Webby, who has also probably had input from Stacey, JFH and the boys in the Kiwis camp.

I don't think there's any way that yours, mine, or any one else's assessment of the situation from a news piece is going to be better than all those people mentioned above.

So, I think we can all rest easy that if NAS does come over here he's convinced Webby and Co that he's bought into our way of doing things. Same goes with AKP, Gannon, and all other players we've picked up for nek year.

Hope that doesn't sound too rude, not having a go at you or anyone else doubting NAS, I just think the reality is that there's plenty of mahi that gets done prior to us signing someone. Webby's already declines NAS not long ago, so we're clearly not just jumping at any big bopper that moves

I don't think we are in complete misalignment here. I think we both agree that NAS signing would be a risk on some level. Maybe you think that the risk is lower than I do. The points I raise about the severity of that risk are based solely on the NZH article and his comments about wanting to take some time off Footy. Also how willing the Storm are to let him go screams alarm bells for me. Bellyache never loses a player that he wants to keep.

As you say, neither you or I are in the know. If Webby and Cappy believe there is a way to make this work than I support them 100%. I just have my concerns but also appreciate that if it pays off, NAS at his best can transform our entire pack. We'd go from a tough, sturdy one that holds its own against anyone to one of the meanest over night. I just err on the side of caution regarding this and would rather us spend our cap on bringing KP over.

 

[Blain]

Poster on the knights forum reckons that it’s known that Ponga has been putting his feelers out for a while and that knights would be open to letting him go but neither wants to initiate it to lose leverage of the big money his salary is. Peter O Sullivan over there I’m sure wouldn’t do any favours for us after parting ways a bit messy. I really can’t see any club giving him $1.4 million per season unless there’s some sorts of third party thing happening? If he’s genuine about wanting a title, he might have to walk away from that deal? Unsure how nrl would view him going somewhere else for less because it’s not a scenario where knights want him gone and would contribute?

Not surprised if this is true - But POS left on good/neutral terms. We let him go early to set up the Phins, and he gave credit to the club for letting him do that. I guess you're thinking of his son in law Lodge's exit, but we were to bloody good to him.

I see his current contract is at $1.25M and if we buy him out surely we pay the full price, now the question is do we even have that much in the cap lol, Marata+Lussick? Might have to move on TMM or CNK, which was also rumored earlier in the year.

Ponga is the highest paid player in the game and is thought to be on over $1.4m.

 

[The Undertaker]

Stacey playing CNK at centre is interesting for mine. This allowed Kini to come in - but also showed that CNK looks good in that position.

This creates space for TT or a Ponga at fullback and also solves an issue with Rocco and Ali being injury prone and in Ali’s case, also not putting in as much effort in on defense. A move to centre allows CNK to still have his big runs coming out of our own end but also allow a ball player the FB position to add more link and strike.

Ponga would have to be released and given permission to negotiate with us. Him coming in (if it happens) may spell the end for a few very good players in our side. We know RTS is off to R360, and TT likely off to bears. DWZ is already under pressure from AKP and Mellars, so him joining would be the final piece in an extraordinary puzzle.

Does it happen? Likelihood is low. But we are now into silly season and anything could happen. Knights won’t let him walk unless they need a total rebuild and the cash is needed.

Ponga wouldn’t be talking about his NZ heritage unless he was really feeling a pull to return to him roots. Part of that will be SOO eligibility changes - but let’s be honest, Walsh has over taken him at QLD and now his best bet for rep footie is the Kiwis.

Bloody fascinating to see how this develops. I note Sione Faumuina is pissed at the image - so that suggests there is smoke.

Watch this space.

 

[Noitall]

Bloody fascinating to see how this develops. I note Sione Faumuina is pissed at the image - so that suggests there is smoke.

Apparently Faumuina even put to him if he’s be interested in playing for the Warriors, to which he apparently laughed. What crazy timing for McFadden to turn up for a punt

 

[Defence]

Would love to know who did take that photo. That would tell us a lot.

 

[Teets]

Extensions don't effect the salary cap, upgrades do. Tohu, SJ and Walker were likely tying up $2.5m of cap together. I just dont see the upgraded players getting paid an extra $2.5m combined.

Isn't the Salary floor 97.5% of the cap?

Which means last years squad which already had SJ off the books would have still spent the minimum percentage. Probably not as much money lying around as we think.

 

[cock_o]

Isn't the Salary floor 97.5% of the cap?

Which means last years squad which already had SJ off the books would have still spent the minimum percentage. Probably not as much money lying around as we think.

If Ponga was to come you would think it wouldn't happen till 2027 once RTS, Capewell, Niukore are all off contract.

 

[Fizurg]

Isn't the Salary floor 97.5% of the cap?

Which means last years squad which already had SJ off the books would have still spent the minimum percentage. Probably not as much money lying around as we think.

Yeah, ive always wondered how that works. Especially since front loading contracts is pretty much all gone nowadays. Ive wondered if there's cap left at the end of the season if players are given bonuses or something similar?
Things like mid season transfers and medical retirements happen all the time. So its cant be that uncommon to have cap left at the end?
2025 would actually be a good example of this. Both Tohu and Walkers exits weren't planned and i dont remember any big name players replacing them. So what happens to the cap they have to spend?

 

[CWC]

Stacey playing CNK at centre is interesting for mine. This allowed Kini to come in - but also showed that CNK looks good in that position.

This creates space for TT or a Ponga at fullback and also solves an issue with Rocco and Ali being injury prone and in Ali’s case, also not putting in as much effort in on defense. A move to centre allows CNK to still have his big runs coming out of our own end but also allow a ball player the FB position to add more link and strike.

Ponga would have to be released and given permission to negotiate with us. Him coming in (if it happens) may spell the end for a few very good players in our side. We know RTS is off to R360, and TT likely off to bears. DWZ is already under pressure from AKP and Mellars, so him joining would be the final piece in an extraordinary puzzle.

Does it happen? Likelihood is low. But we are now into silly season and anything could happen. Knights won’t let him walk unless they need a total rebuild and the cash is needed.

Ponga wouldn’t be talking about his NZ heritage unless he was really feeling a pull to return to him roots. Part of that will be SOO eligibility changes - but let’s be honest, Walsh has over taken him at QLD and now his best bet for rep footie is the Kiwis.

Bloody fascinating to see how this develops. I note Sione Faumuina is pissed at the image - so that suggests there is smoke.

Watch this space.

I almost jumped off my seat when I saw CNK taking a hit up as a centre from our own half, proof he can do the same thing from centre and not exclusive to FB lol, wonder if Webby is stubborn or flexible when he sees other coaches playing his players in different positions, 1 of them his own assistant lol

 

[tajhay]

Would love to know who did take that photo. That would tell us a lot.

Sione said he knows from the angle and isnt happy.

 

[Billyspleen75]

CG got asked about Nelson on the radio.
"We're always looking for people who can add value. But at this stage, no, its not even across our desk"

 

[Riz]

CG got asked about Nelson on the radio.
"We're always looking for people who can add value. But at this stage, no, its not even across our desk"

Expect him to be signed shortly then.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

We've deffo got money from the end of 2026 onwards.

Marata, Roger, Lussick, Capewell and TMM almost certainly gone imo. I'm guessing those 5 probably cost us about 2.5mil.

Plus, depending on what's available and if we need to release a few players we have DWZ, Rocco, Boyd and even CHT if we could rejig our line up (Linnane to 6, CNK to centre etc). These guys probably make up about 1.3-1.5 mil I'm guessing.

I know weve upgraded a few like Leka, Vaimauga, and Metcalf who probably cost about a mill to upgrade, but outside of them I think we would have enough for Ponga and a few others.

Not sure if we could get them here before the start of 2026....maybe NAS or someone

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Gonna be an awkward first training session between NAS and Egan. "Hey umm, sorry about breaking your teeth that one time"

 

[SJ2k]

I know they had to spend it, but you'd hope we did it in some clever way because we must have ended up with a huge chunk of change coming into 25. We lost SJ/Tohu/Walker/Monty/AFB and gained Fish/Clarke and what? AFB was our highest paid player, Tohu probably right up there, SJ/Walker both top 10 and Monty lower end but not nsw cup money. You could say Fish/Clarke cancel out Tohu/SJ, which would leave the combined salary of Walker/Monty/AFB which would be close to $2m py right?

I'd take Ponga on $1.4. Not if I was an aussie club, but for us we need to grab marquees when we can and he fills a position of massive need. Our advantage now is a strong junior pipeline that will allow us to fill out the squad with young cheaper players. around marquees. Currently we have the cheaper players but not the marquees. We have an insanely budget spine, that I suppose is less budget now that we've upgraded LM, but even then probably still near the bottom in the league.

Look at the finalists. Absolutely stacked with marquees, somehow under the cap. Either we're playing a different set of rules, or we could make a single million dollar+ player work easy enough.

Would be great for Ponga too. Way less pressure and visibility. Unless we do well of course, then you get the spotlight. Don't see much about under performing warriors players on NRL360 and the gossip mongers. But LM showed you can be an absolute darling of the comp even over here.