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]

From a Herald premium article

The chances of Nelson Asofa-Solomona ending up at the Warriors next season are slim.
The Auckland club has been linked with the Kiwis enforcer, who is currently a free agent, after being released from the final two years of his Melbourne Storm contract last month.
There is definite interest... from the Warriors, who feel that the imposing middle forward could be a good fit within their current roster. They have one spot open for 2026 and there have been discussions with Asofa-Solomona’s representatives.
But it remains an unlikely scenario, mainly due to financial reasons.
The club believe the 29-year-old would be a good addition, while the presence of such a big body would alleviate the early season absence of Mitch Barnett and take the pressure off the co-captain with his comeback from the ACL injury sustained in round 14 last year.
Such a move might also work for Asofa-Solomona, who has lived in Australia for almost half his life. A proud Kiwi, he could reconnect with his roots and would likely become a cult hero among the Warriors fanbase.
But the Warriors simply won’t be able to match what he will be offered elsewhere, because of cap space.
Asofa-Solomona may be willing to take a lower salary than the reported A$850,000 ($978,000) he was on at the Storm, especially as he received a pay-out from the Victorian club for the final 24 months of his contract.
But other clubs have a lot more room to move, especially the cashed-up Eels, while at least two other Sydney teams are understood to be interested in Asofa-Solomona.
The Warriors already have a lot invested in their pack, particularly with James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan and Marata Niukore.
Leka Halasima signed a new deal last season, while Erin Clark is in line for an upgrade, off the back of his performances in 2025. Then there is Demetric Vaimauga and Jacob Laban, whose respective values will only increase.
So there isn’t much left over, which means Asofa-Solomona would have to be attracted for other reasons, like family, living in Auckland and being part of the Warriors project under Andrew Webster, as the club can’t pay him what he is worth on the open market.
Of course, it is still possible that Asofa-Solomona doesn’t play at all next year. The rumours about R360 continue – if that competition ever gets off the ground.
And, as he outlined to the Herald earlier this month, boxing appears to be a major passion, with the desire for a bout early next year.
Asofa-Solomona also admitted he could just take a year off, though a continuation of his NRL career appears the most likely outcome for 2026.
The club have also – again – been recently linked with Kalyn Ponga, after the Newcastle star was photographed chatting with Warrior’s recruitment manager Andrew McFadden at the club’s sport bar, Full Time, in Kingsland earlier this month. However, there is nothing to it.
Ponga was there to record a podcast with former Kiwi Sione Faumuina, while McFadden was watching the horse racing with some other Warriors staff and friends. A potential move to New Zealand just doesn’t stack up, even if Ponga seeks a release from his Knights contract, which runs until the end of 2027.
The club have invested in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over the next two seasons and also have great faith in Taine Tuaupiki.
But most importantly, there isn’t the money available, for Ponga, who is on a reported A$1.4 million ($1.61m) annually at the Knights. It would require a significant reshaping of their cap priorities – and the release of some important players – which the Warriors have shown no desire to do.

It’s weird the article makes it we are unlikely to take them because of the money (that we have)

If Storm can payout 2 big players and we can’t do some Hollywood accounting and chess moves with Lussick, Marata, Dallin etc?

 

[Worried2Death]

Can he play fullback lol

Let's face it we need Ponga, Ramien and Naufahu White to be real contenders, and maybe Jett to get better than Chanel.

 

[CWC]

Let's face it we need Ponga, Ramien and Naufahu White to be real contenders, and maybe Jett to get better than Chanel.

That’s still a lot of pieces lol we are fudged

 

[Worried2Death]

That’s still a lot of pieces lol we are fudged

Is it really too much to ask? We could afford it, if those guys would sign and weren't such selfish bastards.

 

[CWC]

Is it really too much to ask? We could afford it, if those guys would sign and weren't such selfish bastards.

 

[Five&Last]

Other interesting comment from that is we have one spot. someone must be going?

1​	Mitch Barnett
2​	James Fisher Harris
3​	Erin Clark
4​	Jackson Ford
5​	Demitric Vaimauga
6​	Morgan Gannon
7​	Tanner Stowers-Smith
8​	Kurt Capewell
9​	Marata Niukore
10​	Leka Halasima
11​	Jacob Laban
12​	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava
13​	Kayliss Fatilofa
14​	Wayde Egan
15​	Sam Healy
16​	Freddy Lussick
17​	Luke Metcalf
18​	Chanel Harris-Tavita
19​	Te Maire Martin
20​	Tanah Boyd
21​	Jye Linnaire
22​	Adam Pompey
23​	Rocco Berry
24​	Ali Leiataua
25​	Roger Tuivasa Sheck
26​	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
27​	Haizyn Mellars
28​	Alofiana Khan-Perira
29​	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
30​	Taine Tuaupiki

I just think it’s poor reporting. We clearly don’t have a spot in our top 30.

If someone was being released, I would’ve thought that was a bigger story to write about than that nothing burger about NAS

 

[Noitall]

From a Herald premium article

The chances of Nelson Asofa-Solomona ending up at the Warriors next season are slim.
The Auckland club has been linked with the Kiwis enforcer, who is currently a free agent, after being released from the final two years of his Melbourne Storm contract last month.
There is definite interest... from the Warriors, who feel that the imposing middle forward could be a good fit within their current roster. They have one spot open for 2026 and there have been discussions with Asofa-Solomona’s representatives.
But it remains an unlikely scenario, mainly due to financial reasons.
The club believe the 29-year-old would be a good addition, while the presence of such a big body would alleviate the early season absence of Mitch Barnett and take the pressure off the co-captain with his comeback from the ACL injury sustained in round 14 last year.
Such a move might also work for Asofa-Solomona, who has lived in Australia for almost half his life. A proud Kiwi, he could reconnect with his roots and would likely become a cult hero among the Warriors fanbase.
But the Warriors simply won’t be able to match what he will be offered elsewhere, because of cap space.
Asofa-Solomona may be willing to take a lower salary than the reported A$850,000 ($978,000) he was on at the Storm, especially as he received a pay-out from the Victorian club for the final 24 months of his contract.
But other clubs have a lot more room to move, especially the cashed-up Eels, while at least two other Sydney teams are understood to be interested in Asofa-Solomona.
The Warriors already have a lot invested in their pack, particularly with James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan and Marata Niukore.
Leka Halasima signed a new deal last season, while Erin Clark is in line for an upgrade, off the back of his performances in 2025. Then there is Demetric Vaimauga and Jacob Laban, whose respective values will only increase.
So there isn’t much left over, which means Asofa-Solomona would have to be attracted for other reasons, like family, living in Auckland and being part of the Warriors project under Andrew Webster, as the club can’t pay him what he is worth on the open market.
Of course, it is still possible that Asofa-Solomona doesn’t play at all next year. The rumours about R360 continue – if that competition ever gets off the ground.
And, as he outlined to the Herald earlier this month, boxing appears to be a major passion, with the desire for a bout early next year.
Asofa-Solomona also admitted he could just take a year off, though a continuation of his NRL career appears the most likely outcome for 2026.
The club have also – again – been recently linked with Kalyn Ponga, after the Newcastle star was photographed chatting with Warrior’s recruitment manager Andrew McFadden at the club’s sport bar, Full Time, in Kingsland earlier this month. However, there is nothing to it.
Ponga was there to record a podcast with former Kiwi Sione Faumuina, while McFadden was watching the horse racing with some other Warriors staff and friends. A potential move to New Zealand just doesn’t stack up, even if Ponga seeks a release from his Knights contract, which runs until the end of 2027.
The club have invested in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over the next two seasons and also have great faith in Taine Tuaupiki.
But most importantly, there isn’t the money available, for Ponga, who is on a reported A$1.4 million ($1.61m) annually at the Knights. It would require a significant reshaping of their cap priorities – and the release of some important players – which the Warriors have shown no desire to do.

Feels like the equation is a pretty simple one for NAS. He spoke about wanting something to trigger his passion for league again, well as a proud Kiwi he can either come here with the intention of chasing our first premiership or chase the money. He’s had a payout from storm according to this piece and I wouldn’t blame him to line his pockets because this is the window these guys have to earn the best money they can but I also think Andrew Webster could play a big part in getting him back to his best form. At the moment he’s viewed as a liability because of his ill discipline, but I believe Webster could turn that around, which I think will be our pitch. Come here for less and let us mould you to the player we know you can be, or chase the money somewhere else

 

[Fufu]

We are after speed in our backline, any move for Taulagi goes against that, hes no quicker or more agile than RTS or Dallin. If that article is correct and his manager was chasing $650-700k, not surprised the Cows have told him to walk

 

[Viking]

We are after speed in our backline, any move for Taulagi goes against that, hes no quicker or more agile than RTS or Dallin. If that article is correct and his manager was chasing $650-700k, not surprised the Cows have told him to walk

And he missed 9 regular season games and the Pacific Championship final with what looked like a significant injury. No thanks.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

From a Herald premium article

The chances of Nelson Asofa-Solomona ending up at the Warriors next season are slim.
The Auckland club has been linked with the Kiwis enforcer, who is currently a free agent, after being released from the final two years of his Melbourne Storm contract last month.
There is definite interest... from the Warriors, who feel that the imposing middle forward could be a good fit within their current roster. They have one spot open for 2026 and there have been discussions with Asofa-Solomona’s representatives.
But it remains an unlikely scenario, mainly due to financial reasons.
The club believe the 29-year-old would be a good addition, while the presence of such a big body would alleviate the early season absence of Mitch Barnett and take the pressure off the co-captain with his comeback from the ACL injury sustained in round 14 last year.
Such a move might also work for Asofa-Solomona, who has lived in Australia for almost half his life. A proud Kiwi, he could reconnect with his roots and would likely become a cult hero among the Warriors fanbase.
But the Warriors simply won’t be able to match what he will be offered elsewhere, because of cap space.
Asofa-Solomona may be willing to take a lower salary than the reported A$850,000 ($978,000) he was on at the Storm, especially as he received a pay-out from the Victorian club for the final 24 months of his contract.
But other clubs have a lot more room to move, especially the cashed-up Eels, while at least two other Sydney teams are understood to be interested in Asofa-Solomona.
The Warriors already have a lot invested in their pack, particularly with James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Barnett, Wayde Egan and Marata Niukore.
Leka Halasima signed a new deal last season, while Erin Clark is in line for an upgrade, off the back of his performances in 2025. Then there is Demetric Vaimauga and Jacob Laban, whose respective values will only increase.
So there isn’t much left over, which means Asofa-Solomona would have to be attracted for other reasons, like family, living in Auckland and being part of the Warriors project under Andrew Webster, as the club can’t pay him what he is worth on the open market.
Of course, it is still possible that Asofa-Solomona doesn’t play at all next year. The rumours about R360 continue – if that competition ever gets off the ground.
And, as he outlined to the Herald earlier this month, boxing appears to be a major passion, with the desire for a bout early next year.
Asofa-Solomona also admitted he could just take a year off, though a continuation of his NRL career appears the most likely outcome for 2026.
The club have also – again – been recently linked with Kalyn Ponga, after the Newcastle star was photographed chatting with Warrior’s recruitment manager Andrew McFadden at the club’s sport bar, Full Time, in Kingsland earlier this month. However, there is nothing to it.
Ponga was there to record a podcast with former Kiwi Sione Faumuina, while McFadden was watching the horse racing with some other Warriors staff and friends. A potential move to New Zealand just doesn’t stack up, even if Ponga seeks a release from his Knights contract, which runs until the end of 2027.
The club have invested in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad over the next two seasons and also have great faith in Taine Tuaupiki.
But most importantly, there isn’t the money available, for Ponga, who is on a reported A$1.4 million ($1.61m) annually at the Knights. It would require a significant reshaping of their cap priorities – and the release of some important players – which the Warriors have shown no desire to do.

bit late to the party on this story. But I guess this confirms that all of us on here thinking that we had a lot of cap space given our big departures last year are pretty much way off the mark.

 

[france]

And he missed 9 regular season games and the Pacific Championship final with what looked like a significant injury. No thanks.

never really rated Taulagi for some reason..js

 

[Old Sid]

bit late to the party on this story. But I guess this confirms that all of us on here thinking that we had a lot of cap space given our big departures last year are pretty much way off the mark.

Not necessarily the case SW. Perhaps some CG skullduggery going on here. Nothing to be gained by stating you are cashed up, especially prior to any negotiations.

 

[chrisnz]

never really rated Taulagi for some reason..js

I think the reason is injury he is similar to berry in the way that he hasn't had much continuity in his short career he's actually a very player and if he strings a few games together I think alot of people will be looking at him different

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Not necessarily the case SW. Perhaps some CG skullduggery going on here. Nothing to be gained by stating you are cashed up, especially prior to any negotiations.

After a few players freeing up a bit more money than planned this year in Tohu and Walker, I'm assuming the club put the rest of their contract (likely 4-700k) towards who we already had on our books, hopefully freeing up a bit more money for 2026 or 2027.

Chuck 15 players an extra $50k this year, so you don't have to pay them that next year so we can use for someone else. I know you can't massively front/back end contracts but thought you can do smaller amounts like that?

 

[CWC]

Not necessarily the case SW. Perhaps some CG skullduggery going on here. Nothing to be gained by stating you are cashed up, especially prior to any negotiations.

Like when you buy a car or furniture and you tell the salesman you don’t have the money, you never say we’re cashed up unless you wanna get ripped, DURING a negotiation

And you can always send 2-3 players totaling a million to super league

 

[Hitro]

Not necessarily the case SW. Perhaps some CG skullduggery going on here. Nothing to be gained by stating you are cashed up, especially prior to any negotiations.

Nothing better than a bit of CG skullduggery!

 

[sydneywarrior92]

I'm not that bummed about not getting NAS if the reporting is correct that we likely won't. I'm perfectly willing for Webby to put his faith in our rookie depth. Would we be a better pack with NAS? Of course. But in relative terms, our backline is where we have the greatest weakness. Put a quality center inside AKP alongside Mets coming back in has got to be the priority.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

I'm not that bummed about not getting NAS if the reporting is correct that we likely won't. I'm perfectly willing for Webby to put his faith in our rookie depth. Would we be a better pack with NAS? Of course. But in relative terms, our backline is where we have the greatest weakness. Put a quality center inside AKP alongside Mets coming back in has got to be the priority.

If we're looking at NAS I'm guessing he'd be 4-600k or so per year. What centres are available at the moment that we could get over her with that kinda coin, who is either off contract for 2026 or you think could angle for a release or 'compassionate' release

 

[Worried2Death]

If we're looking at NAS I'm guessing he'd be 4-600k or so per year. What centres are available at the moment that we could get over her with that kinda coin, who is either off contract for 2026 or you think could angle for a release or 'compassionate' release

Someone at Timoko's level would make an immediate difference to our attack despite his supposed defensive frailties, we're really being let down by Rocco's injuries and Ali apparently not ready for nrl. Sorry Raiders but it's about time Matthew got homesick for Penrose.

 

[CWC]

If we're looking at NAS I'm guessing he'd be 4-600k or so per year. What centres are available at the moment that we could get over her with that kinda coin, who is either off contract for 2026 or you think could angle for a release or 'compassionate' release

A compassionate release from wing to centre for ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK!!