Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
​

-​	Player​	2024​	2025​	2026​	2027​	2028​
1	Bunty Afoa	✔	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔
4	The Greatest of All-Time	✔	✔	✔
5	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔	✔
6	Wayde Egan	✔	✔
7	Addin Fonua-Blake	✔
8	Jackson Ford	✔	✔
9	Tohu Harris	✔	✔
10	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔	M
11	Shaun Johnson	✔
12	Edward Kosi	✔	✔
13	Jacob Laban	✔	✔	✔
14	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔
15	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔	✔
16	Zyon Maiu’u	✔	✔	✔
17	Te Maire Martin	✔	✔
18	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔	✔
19	Marcelo Montoya	✔	✔
20	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔
21	Marata Niukore	✔	✔	✔
22	Adam Pompey	✔	✔
23	Demitric Sifakula	✔	✔	T
24	Jazz Tevaga	✔
25	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
26	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔	✔
27	Dylan Walker	✔	✔
28	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔
D1	Ben Farr	D
D2	Etuane Fukofuka	D
D3	Leka Halasima	D	D	✔
D4	Patrick Moimoi	D
D5	Tanner Stowers-Smith	D
-	James Fisher-Harris	-	✔	✔	✔	✔

key: T = Team option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, D = Development contract

Confirmed Top 30 2024: 28/30
Confirmed Development 2024: 5/6

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 26/30
Confirmed Development 2025: 1/6

2025 Gains: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers)
2025 Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks)
2025 Off Contract: Shaun Johnson, Jazz Tevaga

 

[Ozwarrior]

NRL transfer hub: Faitala-Mariner joins Dragons after Bulldogs release​

Adrian ProszenkoJanuary 16, 2024 — 5.04pm

​

Updated January 29, 2024 — 5.10pm
Listen to this article
Canterbury has parted company with club captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner, who will join St George Illawarra immediately on a two-year deal.
Just a year after being appointed as the Belmore club’s skipper, Faitala-Mariner will be given a fresh start under St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan.
Relations between Faitala-Mariner and the Bulldogs were at breaking point by the end of last season. The forward was allegedly told not to turn up to the first day of off-season training, although he was soon back with his teammates.
This masthead first revealed he was on the outer in July, although the situation only came to a head in recent days.
Faitala-Mariner was appointed club captain last January, with Reed Mahoney and Matt Burton given the on-field co-captain roles.
However, the Bulldogs have decided to shake up their roster after a disastrous 15th-placed finish, in which they recorded the 12th-worst defensive record of the NRL era (765 points conceded, at 32 per game).
Several other contracted players are expected to be given permission to negotiate with rivals.
“Faitala-Mariner has been a positive contributor to the Bulldogs both on and off the field,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.
“He has run out for the club on 102 occasions and the Bulldogs would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment during his time at Belmore.
“The club wishes him, and his family, all the best for the future.”
Faitala-Mariner will add to some much-needed experience to Flanagan’s forward pack after a tough off-season in which they lost outside back signing Corey Allan to a season-ending ACL tear and didn’t register the contract of ex-Warriors half Ronald Volkman despite announcing his capture.
Faitala-Mariner is expected to be available for the Dragons’ pre-season challenge matches against the Rabbitohs in the Charity Shield and Tigers at Mudgee and will link with former Canterbury teammate Kyle Flanagan in the Red V.
The Dragons will start their season against Des Hasler’s Titans on the Gold Coast.
“Raymond is a veteran first-grader who will add some experience and grit to our forward pack,” Flanagan said.
“His ability to play both on an edge and in the middle, as well as the guidance he can provide our emerging forwards, will benefit our entire squad.”
In an interview with the Herald last December, Faitala-Mariner gave no indication his time at the Bulldogs would be cut short.
“I’ve got two more years here left on my contract, and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” he said. “As long as I’m wearing the blue and white colours then I’m going to put my best foot forward ... I want to play footy, and I do want to see this club successful.”

Bulldogs express interest in Panthers flyer Taylan May​

The Bulldogs have reached out to Taylan May’s management to express interest in the Penrith outside back if he wants to leave the reigning premiers.
The 22-year-old, who is coming off a season-ending ACL injury he suffered in the World Club Challenge against St Helens last February, is now a free agent and is off contract at the end of 2024.
The Bulldogs, who are also in negotiations with his older brother Terrell to try and lure him out of the Sydney Roosters next season, have expressed a desire to sit down with the young flyer if he wants to explore his options at rival clubs.
May’s manager George Mimis is scheduled to meet with the Panthers next week to gauge Penrith’s appetite in securing an extension for him.
The Panthers are aware of Canterbury’s interest but have been assured that Taylan will not meet with the Bulldogs until after they sit down with him to discuss his future.
Terrell May has an offer on the table from the Bulldogs and his incumbent club the Roosters but is waiting to see what his younger brother will do before committing his future.
The brothers have expressed a desire to play together in the future and hope that they can join their sibling Tyrone May (Super League) at an NRL club in the future.
The Bulldogs had an agreement with Tyrone to join the club in 2024 but the deal was scuppered after it made its way into the media mid-way through last year.
The Panthers have a bit of wiggle room in the salary cap to retain May after missing out on the retention of Jarome Luai. Sunia Turuva and Mitch Kenny are also free agents.

Warriors table monster three-year deal to Hamlin-Uele​

Cronulla face a major fight to keep prop Braden Hamlin-Uele after the Warriors offered him a three-year deal worth almost $2.2 million to join the club from 2025.
The 29-year-old has offers from the Warriors and the Sharks, with the New Zealand club’s deal of more than $700,000 a season the most lucrative of the two. Hamlin-Uele’s contract expires at the end of this season.
The Warriors have targeted Hamlin-Uele as the future leader of their forward pack following incumbent prop Addin Fonua-Blake’s decision to join the Sharks, on compassionate grounds, from next year until the end of 2028.
The Sharks have also signed fellow prop forward Toby Rudolf until the end of 2026, but the club believes there is room for all three middle forwards.
Cronulla made their offer to Hamlin-Uele weeks ago, well before they beat St George Illawarra in the race to sign Fonua-Blake.

Raiders reject Woolford’s request for release to join Dragons​

St George Illawarra’s recruitment drive hit another snag after the Canberra Raiders rejected a release request from hooker Zac Woolford to immediately move to the Dragons.
A Raiders official confirmed they had denied the switch to the Dragons, who want more options in their dummy-half ranks alongside Jacob Liddle.
Woolford, who has fallen behind Danny Levi and Tom Starling in the Raiders’ pecking order, was given permission by the club to explore his options in September.
The recent de-registration of five-eighth Junior Amone created the opening at the Dragons.
Kyle Flanagan was expected to share hooking duties but is now likely to partner Ben Hunt in the halves for the Red V.
The Raiders were made aware of the Dragons’ interest in the past fortnight but coach Ricky Stuart has decided to keep Woolford as a back-up option.
The Dragons are also set to add North Sydney playmaker Jesse Marschke to their top 30 squad as a replacement for Ronald Volkman, whose contract was not registered after failing a medical assessment due to a shoulder injury he picked up during his time at the Warriors.
The Dragons will also be without recruit Corey Allan, who suffered an ACL injury at training and is expected to miss the season. He is off contract at the end of 2024. The Dragons are exploring the possibility of luring Manly’s Christian Tuipulotu, but the Sea Eagles have no intention of releasing him.

Rabbitohs re-sign Damien Cook’s successor​

South Sydney have locked up the long-term successor to hooker Damien Cook, agreeing to terms with Peter Mamouzelos on a three-year extension.
The Rabbitohs are putting the finishing touches to a deal that will keep the Greek hooker at the Bunnies until the end of 2027.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

 

[Wrighty]

NRL transfer hub: Faitala-Mariner joins Dragons after Bulldogs release​

Adrian ProszenkoJanuary 16, 2024 — 5.04pm

​

Updated January 29, 2024 — 5.10pm
Listen to this article
Canterbury has parted company with club captain Raymond Faitala-Mariner, who will join St George Illawarra immediately on a two-year deal.
Just a year after being appointed as the Belmore club’s skipper, Faitala-Mariner will be given a fresh start under St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan.
Relations between Faitala-Mariner and the Bulldogs were at breaking point by the end of last season. The forward was allegedly told not to turn up to the first day of off-season training, although he was soon back with his teammates.
This masthead first revealed he was on the outer in July, although the situation only came to a head in recent days.
Faitala-Mariner was appointed club captain last January, with Reed Mahoney and Matt Burton given the on-field co-captain roles.
However, the Bulldogs have decided to shake up their roster after a disastrous 15th-placed finish, in which they recorded the 12th-worst defensive record of the NRL era (765 points conceded, at 32 per game).
Several other contracted players are expected to be given permission to negotiate with rivals.
“Faitala-Mariner has been a positive contributor to the Bulldogs both on and off the field,” the Bulldogs said in a statement.
“He has run out for the club on 102 occasions and the Bulldogs would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment during his time at Belmore.
“The club wishes him, and his family, all the best for the future.”
Faitala-Mariner will add to some much-needed experience to Flanagan’s forward pack after a tough off-season in which they lost outside back signing Corey Allan to a season-ending ACL tear and didn’t register the contract of ex-Warriors half Ronald Volkman despite announcing his capture.
Faitala-Mariner is expected to be available for the Dragons’ pre-season challenge matches against the Rabbitohs in the Charity Shield and Tigers at Mudgee and will link with former Canterbury teammate Kyle Flanagan in the Red V.
The Dragons will start their season against Des Hasler’s Titans on the Gold Coast.
“Raymond is a veteran first-grader who will add some experience and grit to our forward pack,” Flanagan said.
“His ability to play both on an edge and in the middle, as well as the guidance he can provide our emerging forwards, will benefit our entire squad.”
In an interview with the Herald last December, Faitala-Mariner gave no indication his time at the Bulldogs would be cut short.
“I’ve got two more years here left on my contract, and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” he said. “As long as I’m wearing the blue and white colours then I’m going to put my best foot forward ... I want to play footy, and I do want to see this club successful.”

Bulldogs express interest in Panthers flyer Taylan May​

The Bulldogs have reached out to Taylan May’s management to express interest in the Penrith outside back if he wants to leave the reigning premiers.
The 22-year-old, who is coming off a season-ending ACL injury he suffered in the World Club Challenge against St Helens last February, is now a free agent and is off contract at the end of 2024.
The Bulldogs, who are also in negotiations with his older brother Terrell to try and lure him out of the Sydney Roosters next season, have expressed a desire to sit down with the young flyer if he wants to explore his options at rival clubs.
May’s manager George Mimis is scheduled to meet with the Panthers next week to gauge Penrith’s appetite in securing an extension for him.
The Panthers are aware of Canterbury’s interest but have been assured that Taylan will not meet with the Bulldogs until after they sit down with him to discuss his future.
Terrell May has an offer on the table from the Bulldogs and his incumbent club the Roosters but is waiting to see what his younger brother will do before committing his future.
The brothers have expressed a desire to play together in the future and hope that they can join their sibling Tyrone May (Super League) at an NRL club in the future.
The Bulldogs had an agreement with Tyrone to join the club in 2024 but the deal was scuppered after it made its way into the media mid-way through last year.
The Panthers have a bit of wiggle room in the salary cap to retain May after missing out on the retention of Jarome Luai. Sunia Turuva and Mitch Kenny are also free agents.

Warriors table monster three-year deal to Hamlin-Uele​

Cronulla face a major fight to keep prop Braden Hamlin-Uele after the Warriors offered him a three-year deal worth almost $2.2 million to join the club from 2025.
The 29-year-old has offers from the Warriors and the Sharks, with the New Zealand club’s deal of more than $700,000 a season the most lucrative of the two. Hamlin-Uele’s contract expires at the end of this season.
The Warriors have targeted Hamlin-Uele as the future leader of their forward pack following incumbent prop Addin Fonua-Blake’s decision to join the Sharks, on compassionate grounds, from next year until the end of 2028.
The Sharks have also signed fellow prop forward Toby Rudolf until the end of 2026, but the club believes there is room for all three middle forwards.
Cronulla made their offer to Hamlin-Uele weeks ago, well before they beat St George Illawarra in the race to sign Fonua-Blake.

Raiders reject Woolford’s request for release to join Dragons​

St George Illawarra’s recruitment drive hit another snag after the Canberra Raiders rejected a release request from hooker Zac Woolford to immediately move to the Dragons.
A Raiders official confirmed they had denied the switch to the Dragons, who want more options in their dummy-half ranks alongside Jacob Liddle.
Woolford, who has fallen behind Danny Levi and Tom Starling in the Raiders’ pecking order, was given permission by the club to explore his options in September.
The recent de-registration of five-eighth Junior Amone created the opening at the Dragons.
Kyle Flanagan was expected to share hooking duties but is now likely to partner Ben Hunt in the halves for the Red V.
The Raiders were made aware of the Dragons’ interest in the past fortnight but coach Ricky Stuart has decided to keep Woolford as a back-up option.
The Dragons are also set to add North Sydney playmaker Jesse Marschke to their top 30 squad as a replacement for Ronald Volkman, whose contract was not registered after failing a medical assessment due to a shoulder injury he picked up during his time at the Warriors.
The Dragons will also be without recruit Corey Allan, who suffered an ACL injury at training and is expected to miss the season. He is off contract at the end of 2024. The Dragons are exploring the possibility of luring Manly’s Christian Tuipulotu, but the Sea Eagles have no intention of releasing him.

Rabbitohs re-sign Damien Cook’s successor​

South Sydney have locked up the long-term successor to hooker Damien Cook, agreeing to terms with Peter Mamouzelos on a three-year extension.
The Rabbitohs are putting the finishing touches to a deal that will keep the Greek hooker at the Bunnies until the end of 2027.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.

Why do the bulldogs want Taylan may
They have a gazillion backs on their books already

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Putting myself n armchair psychologist mode I speculate that his complete shit house mediocre performances in the playoffs are colouring peoples view of him
He started off the season as a real weapon but looked completely useless when he came back at the end of the season

I’ve written this in earlier pages, with the benefit of hindsight.
IMO, we would’ve been more competitive with Bunty or Ale against Penrith and Brisbane. Sironen added a point of difference with his ability to actually cover 9.
Of Walker, Curran, Sironen and Jazz it’s clear to me that Jazz is the one who would make way.
Not suggesting we would have blasted them, but I think we stay in the grind better. With a larger individual on the bench in those matches.

 

[Billyspleen75]

Why do the bulldogs want Taylan may
They have a gazillion backs on their books already

Tyrone + Terrell May are a (potentially) better Wing/Prop combo than anything they currently have

 

[Noitall]

Why do the bulldogs want Taylan may
They have a gazillion backs on their books already

I’ve seen somewhere that Xerri is a bit rustier than thought with his time out of the game, potentially that and to get his brother Terrell. Likely to be speculation of them putting an offer to Tyrone soon.

 

[Wrighty]

I’ve seen somewhere that Xerri is a bit rustier than thought with his time out of the game, potentially that and to get his brother Terrell. Likely to be speculation of them putting an offer to Tyrone soon.

OK it is a chess move. I understand now and thanks also Billyspleen75

 

[Defence]

Putting myself n armchair psychologist mode I speculate that his complete shit house mediocre performances in the playoffs are colouring peoples view of him
He started off the season as a real weapon but looked completely useless when he came back at the end of the season

Nah been watching him play for 10 years.
Thing is u can’t just replace afb with bhu- we’re gonna have to level up somewhere in the middle forwards and he just happens to be the only one off contract…

 

[Wrighty]

Nah been watching him play for 10 years.
Thing is u can’t just replace afb with bhu- we’re gonna have to level up somewhere in the middle forwards and he just happens to be the only one off contract…

Yeah sorry for the over simplification and negging your post.

He really looked the business in the first 7-8 rounds this year. So I guess for me it is what Jazz turns up in 2024 and I think the club is waiting for more data points as well before deciding.

And to give you value for money from my response. The new CBA gives all clubs the chance for more data points before making offers. Only very experienced players can be approached on November 1, which I am sure you know but pointing it out as going somewhere with this, and less experienced players are only appprachable into March and April in some cases. So there has been a general push by management to see as many data points as possible from all candidates before making offers.

Sorry if this was a rambly mess of a reply. It sounded better in my head than when wrote it out the screen LOL

 

[Defence]

Yeah sorry for the over simplification and negging your post.

He really looked the business in the first 7-8 rounds this year. So I guess for me it is what Jazz turns up in 2024 and I think the club is waiting for more data points as well before deciding.

And to give you value for money from my response. The new CBA gives all clubs the chance for more data points before making offers. Only very experienced players can be approached on November 1, which I am sure you know but pointing it out as going somewhere with this, and less experienced players are only appprachable into March and April in some cases. So there has been a general push by management to see as many data points as possible from all candidates before making offers.

Sorry if this was a rambly mess of a reply. It sounded better in my head than when wrote it out the screen LOL

It would be a sad day if he did leave.
The Andrews have some tough calls to make.

 

[Wrighty]

It would be a sad day if he did leave.
The Andrews have some tough calls to make.

There are externalities on other players if he leaves not of his choice. Not that that should carry the day. But it will be a factor.

 

[Noitall]

Nah been watching him play for 10 years.
Thing is u can’t just replace afb with bhu- we’re gonna have to level up somewhere in the middle forwards and he just happens to be the only one off contract…

If there was some smoke around Barnett wanting to head home for 2025, do you re sign Jazz or go for a top prop to agitate for a release with both of their money?

 

[watcher]

I actually think Jazz is quite safe ATM. He is a talisman for the young guys in training and attitude. Plus on the field he is that junk yard dog type that is all effort and niggles opposition players off their game. I know his performances were not what he would have wanted. But he was coming back from injury. He will always be flawed but has now got his temper under control.

I think he will be replaced by someone from the pathways like Halasima. There are very few players from outside the club who can replicate what Jazz brings.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

We can't afford to lose his experience after losing AFB, we have been down this road so many times before, getting hyped on juniors coming through.

Jazz can't all be judged in games played per season, his output last season wasn't bad when he was on.

His experience will be crucial in 2025, until somebody shows us they are ready.

 

[The Warriorholic]

I can't imagine him staying on beyond this season, just a guess though. He would be handy to keep until the club can unearth Fukofuka.

Surly securing SJ, Jazz, and Metcalf are top priority.

When you have a top line guy like Egan, you really should be developing underneath. I actually think lussick is good enough to get a contract at a struggling club, or backing up where a club has injuries.

Yeah I’m a bit fan of Fukofuka, that’s why I was wondering about Lussick. I’d guess Lussick will go. You see almost no posts of him and any of the boys on Insta. Seems like his heart is back in Aussie, but who knows??

 

[The Warriorholic]

That implies that the club is holding all the cards. All three are probably holding off to see what materialises, with all having compelling reasons to be across the ditch.

I'd say all parties are pretty relaxed about how the future turns out for all three. Metcalf has a lot of upside, but he still has it all to prove. Jazz is better than handy, but energy and commitment alone doesn't move the needle that much. I'm looking forward to seeing what an injury-free Jazz brings to the table this year. Lussick is a passable back-up hooker who is admirably tough for his size.

I’d say Jazz and Metcalf have to prove their durability in the first half of the season. Those soft tissues can keep coming back.

What do we do if Lussick does go? Big gap between Egan and Fukofuka. Do we look to recruit a back up vet for a season or two as we develop Fukofuka? Or try to turn CHT into the back up? App he’s been training at Halves, Hooker and Middle so I guess they consider him an option there?

 

[Defence]

If there was some smoke around Barnett wanting to head home for 2025, do you re sign Jazz or go for a top prop to agitate for a release with both of their money?

Yeah idk man- if we lose afb and Barney at the same time we’re up shit creek really- would probably make re-signing jazz more important.

 

[The Warriorholic]

Yeah idk man- if we lose afb and Barney at the same time we’re up shit creek really- would probably make re-signing jazz more important.

Yeah idk man- if we lose afb and Barney at the same time we’re up shit creek really- would probably make re-signing jazz more important.

Jazz hasn’t been offered anything yet, he said he has to prove he can stay on the field first.

Man that would be a huge huge lose if Barnett wants out..

 

[CWC]

Surely we made our jersey look like Newcastle to appease Barney

 

[Horriors2013]

I actually think Jazz is quite safe ATM. He is a talisman for the young guys in training and attitude. Plus on the field he is that junk yard dog type that is all effort and niggles opposition players off their game. I know his performances were not what he would have wanted. But he was coming back from injury. He will always be flawed but has now got his temper under control.

I think he will be replaced by someone from the pathways like Halasima. There are very few players from outside the club who can replicate what Jazz brings.

I think he'll be on a season by season contract after this one. He's not able to give his best when injured a lot.

 

[regenerated borg]

Losing AFB for 2025 is 1 thing but losing other top players like Barney etc the same year ..... means our premiership window will close for a couple more years..
It's either this year or probably 27 onwards depending on who we replace them with...