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	✔​	✔​	✔​
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	✔​	✔​
Connor Bowden	U​	U​	✔​
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: 29/30
2026 Supplementary: 2/6

2027 Top 30: 20/30
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

 

[Tokyo Warrior]

I don’t get the TSS criticism. I thought he was great for a young FRer. Ran with purpose and often found his front when being tackled.

Edited to add that his stats weren’t garnished by making a lot of wider runs or taking hitups off kickoffs. I’d assume a low error rate as well. Cue Cces hammering me with his error stats.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

TSS is 21..

 

[Neo]

Ok I had a rough finish to the working year if that makes sense, so please be patient with me if I say something incorrect.

TSS stats wise has not done well. His tackle efficiency is 91% which sounds high but is very low as far as middle forwards go. Most top middle forwards are around 95% and the very best are around 97%. Only N00b middle forwards are around 90% or 91%. So TSSs Defence has been poor and I am looking forward to him having another pre-season so he can improve a couple of percentage points and be around 93 or even 94% this year. If he doesn't improve to those percentages this season then I would label him a defensive concern.
FInally his run metres which you said were 10M per run were about 8metres per run when I ran the numbers. 10M per run is only for the truly eite props like AFB. You are still a very very good prop if you can average 9metres per run. Metres per run is a key statistic I follow and track that tells you everything you need to know about a prop's hit ups. 8 metres is what Noob props or fringe props average and he is around there. Yes you are correct he has the fastest PTB in the team and the fastest PTB I have ever seen in my short time following league. So I give him that.

EIT I have not run the numbers on. So I can't respond with anything other than eye test comments and those are subjective. So I have nothing concrete to say other than at this stage he does not bend the line with his hit ups but is a good little tackler.

Yes Crosby - high light reel block busting runs on a consistent basis. Needs to be converted to an edge as he simply did not show he had the motor to even be a strong 40 minute prop. He was frequently out of gas and needs a position such as edge where he can catch his breath and also run amok against defenders. He has a huge projectory and has great personal values based on his interviews and personal values are very important to the priojectory of a player.

All good Wrighty. It would be a boring place if we couldn’t try and understand other people’s perspectives. I would just say that the motor required to be an 80 minute edge is massive. When you look at the unsung work the likes of Martin, Hudson Young, Capewell etc do off the ball you realise what it takes to be part of a successful team.

On that note the player I was most impressed with in the end of year tests was Isaiah Papalii . I know it will be a massively unpopular opinion but I thought he got through a mountain of tough work that allowed others to shine. I thought it was no coincidence that Brown could play that well when Ice was chopping down everything that moved and constantly going to the line with him to give him options.
I think that kind of work ethic is what is elevating the likes of EIT and TSS’s position within the squad

 

[sup42]

Nice to welcome DWZ to the forum

Busted.

PM me if you need product for that receding hairline.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

The fact that TSS was retained until the end of 2028 kind of says something. He made his debut & was putting out 30+ mins of decent work in the top grade, all whilst he was jersey flegg eligible.

Hes not a world beater but they were forced to fast track his development with the amount of injuries in our pack, and whilst he didn’t dominate, he certainly didn’t look out of place. Im just hopeful he’ll turn into a 50 min prop, getting 100 metres & making 30 tackles at a high %. He’s big, strong & mobile, and clearly has great work ethic.

You need players like him in the squad. Hes essentially a younger, fitter, more mobile bunty, on a cheaper contract with 10+ years left in first grade, to put things into perspective.

 

[Damo]

The fact that TSS was retained until the end of 2028 kind of says something. He made his debut & was putting out 30+ mins of decent work in the top grade, all whilst he was jersey flegg eligible.

Hes not a world beater but they were forced to fast track his development with the amount of injuries in our pack, and whilst he didn’t dominate, he certainly didn’t look out of place. Im just hopeful he’ll turn into a 50 min prop, getting 100 metres & making 30 tackles at a high %. He’s big, strong & mobile, and clearly has great work ethic.

You need players like him in the squad. Hes essentially a younger, fitter, more mobile bunty, on a cheaper contract with 10+ years left in first grade, to put things into perspective.

Still three to four years away from the age front rowers typically peak statistically so I'm pretty happy he's getting first grade reps at such a young age.

 

[Noitall]

Still three to four years away from the age front rowers typically peak statistically so I'm pretty happy he's getting first grade reps at such a young age.

Looks like he’ll follow in the JFH mould of a muscular front rower with a hard edge

 

[Lance155]

I don’t get the TSS criticism. I thought he was great for a young FRer. Ran with purpose and often found his front when being tackled.

Edited to add that his stats weren’t garnished by making a lot of wider runs or taking hitups off kickoffs. I’d assume a low error rate as well. Cue Cces hammering me with his error stats.

Yea I quite like him. Each to their own I guess.

I don't get the Eddie hype yet. He came in and was solid, but imo I didn't see anything in particular to get super pumped about. Very early of course.

 

[Mrgrumps]

Looks like he’ll follow in the JFH mould of a muscular front rower with a hard edge

I went to the warriors Canberra nsw cup game at the start of the year. All the talk was around Boyd and if he could be the starting 7. I walked away from the game only thinking about how hard TSS played, running the ball with intent and effort in defense. He really put his hand up from the start of the year. I agree they will mould him into the hard nosed front rower/leader. Give him 2 more years and he could be a pretty intimidating player

I reckon EIT will get the Jackson Ford, capable of 80 in the middle big motor forward mould, Webby loves that shit

 

[Noitall]

I went to the warriors Canberra nsw cup game at the start of the year. All the talk was around Boyd and if he could be the starting 7. I walked away from the game only thinking about how hard TSS played, running the ball with intent and effort in defense. He really put his hand up from the start of the year. I agree they will mould him into the hard nosed front rower/leader. Give him 2 more years and he could be a pretty intimidating player

I reckon EIT will get the Jackson Ford, capable of 80 in the middle big motor forward mould, Webby loves that shit

EIT and Kayliss Fatialofa’s stats in nsw cup are almost identical but Fatialofa seems to really know his was to the try line, going to be interesting where everyone fits. Salalilo obviously impressed to earn a top 30 spot in 2027 and Tuipolotu Vea looks like he’s impressed them too? I like your projection for TSS and agree

 

[Brightman]

going to be interesting where everyone fits

Well contrary to peoples hopes they can't all make the NRL team each week but there are a number of spots in the NSW that need to be filled after senior players (Bunty, Ale, Going, Crosby(lol)) left.
The vets like Nuikore, Capewell, CNK, TMM and even Ford will get the first shake of the dice, fitness permitting. Guys like Healy, Gannon and Fatialofa are destined to start the season in the NSW cup team, joining others like EIT and possibly both or one of TSS and Laban. These guys will be expected to raise the standards even higher and shoot for back to back titles, with experience they have garnered in the top side this will be another boon in their development and they will no doubt get opportunities in the NRL side as injury cover.
By the end of the season at least one of these young bloods are going to be consistently named in the NRL side (Laban/Gannon) and in 27, contracts and age will likely see some senior players coming down the mountain while younger performers heading up to add more rejuvenation of the NRL side..

 

[Noitall]

Well contrary to peoples hopes they can't all make the NRL team each week but there are a number of spots in the NSW that need to be filled after senior players (Bunty, Ale, Going, Crosby(lol)) left.
The vets like Nuikore, Capewell, CNK, TMM and even Ford will get the first shake of the dice, fitness permitting. Guys like Healy, Gannon and Fatialofa are destined to start the season in the NSW cup team, joining others like EIT and possibly both or one of TSS and Laban. These guys will be expected to raise the standards even higher and shoot for back to back titles, with experience they have garnered in the top side this will be another boon in their development and they will no doubt get opportunities in the NRL side as injury cover.
By the end of the season at least one of these young bloods are going to be consistently named in the NRL side (Laban/Gannon) and in 27, contracts and age will likely see some senior players coming down the mountain while younger performers heading up to add more rejuvenation of the NRL side..

And who starts the season may not necessarily be there for the remainder? Last year Tuaupiki was forced to the wing to cover the injury to DWZ, but Leiataua started at right centre too. I can’t recall if that was injury enforced with Berry injured? Outside backs for me is going to be really interesting? Does CNK stay at the back? Possibility at centre? Recruiting AKP for pace but also seemingly having the wings locked in with RTS and DWZ? Rocco Berry in the final year of his contract and the centres we go with? Good thing with Webster is he isn’t afraid to make a bold call, not many saw Halasima lining up in the centres against panthers in a final and Metcalf wasn’t many people’s choice at halfback

 

[Five&Last]

Yea I quite like him. Each to their own I guess.

I don't get the Eddie hype yet. He came in and was solid, but imo I didn't see anything in particular to get super pumped about. Very early of course.

He will always have higher potential than TSS because he is more athletic and taller. Two things you cannot teach or develop.

I think if both reach their best case outcomes EIT is a far superior player.

Earlier comment on Isaiah Papalii is an interesting one. TSS should try to emulate his early career. TSS not as explosive as Ice but similar backgrounds as nuggety rugby union flankers.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

Earlier comment on Isaiah Papalii is an interesting one. TSS should try to emulate his early career. TSS not as explosive as Ice but similar backgrounds as nuggety rugby union flankers.

Papalii came from a weight lifting background and had raw power.

If EIT has unmatchable height and athleticism, Palaliii’s superpower was his power to weight.

 

[Wrighty]

It was predicted on this forum that Ice, during his initial year or years, was on the path to be the future captain of the Warriors. Never say never, he could find his way back here one day, And if he did he is a strong enough player they would consider him for a leadership role.

 

[Noitall]

The ten best value signings for NRL 2026

Who will perform above their contract value in 2026 for new clubs?

www.zerotackle.com

AKP viewed as one of the top 10 best value signings for 2026

 

[SouthernWorrier]

It was predicted on this forum that Ice, during his initial year or years, was on the path to be the future captain of the Warriors. Never say never, he could find his way back here one day, And if he did he is a strong enough player they would consider him for a leadership role.

maybe. A bit av. when comfortable, hot when he's not. Coming back here would be a 'comfort' move. I'd stick with bringing Demi through.

Whoever it is, I'd invest in some 'Cameron Smith' coaching on managing the ref, our lads suck and get no favours

 

[Noitall]

maybe. A bit av. when comfortable, hot when he's not. Coming back here would be a 'comfort' move. I'd stick with bringing Demi through.

Whoever it is, I'd invest in some 'Cameron Smith' coaching on managing the ref, our lads suck and get no favours

There was some speculation a couple of seasons that Papali’i was keen to head back, I think it was when he and his partner were living apart? I think she since went over and he went to the panthers. Didn’t initially look a good fit but is really starting to play well more consistently I thought and was good for Kiwis. I agree regarding the reffing and thought earlier in the season we were getting far greater calls being called our way than later in the season and wonder if it coincided with Barnett’s injury with him captain and a strong personality?

 

[Wah's Up]

maybe. A bit av. when comfortable, hot when he's not. Coming back here would be a 'comfort' move. I'd stick with bringing Demi through.

Whoever it is, I'd invest in some 'Cameron Smith' coaching on managing the ref, our lads suck and get no favours

100% agree, NLP training and the Refs don't even realise they have had thoughts put in their head without aggression. Cameron and Sean Fitzpatrick were masters at it.

 

[Naynay]

I don’t get the TSS criticism. I thought he was great for a young FRer. Ran with purpose and often found his front when being tackled.

Edited to add that his stats weren’t garnished by making a lot of wider runs or taking hitups off kickoffs. I’d assume a low error rate as well. Cue Cces hammering me with his error stats.

I think we are thinking about him the wrong way, think hes gonna be a more Jazz style player, come on in the front about 30 minutes in and lift the speed through the middle, quick PTB speed and reliable hands to just let the halves have some more room.

Honestly kinda like Barnett in origin last year (24), and as such im not overly concerned with the metres made or defensive stats (as long as the defence is up to nrl standard).