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

 

[John Nick]

I'd welcome him back with open arms.

Especially at the moment

 

[ToiletDuck]

The SJ article is interesting.

Get the feeling he might be angling for a 2 year deal reading between the lines.

Think a 2 year deal is fine though

2 years would be fine, ideal really. Shaun is only 33, 34 at end of season. Similar age to Ben Hunt who is looking for a new deal, and Adam Reynolds who is 34 this year too - signed on until end of next year.

DCE will be 36 at the start of next season, and isn't talking retirement yet.

They're all still invaluable to their clubs, with no ready-made replacements waiting, such is the lack of true halves floating around in reserve grade.

The way Shaun plays now is far less reliant on footwork and speed, which helps as he gets older. He is still our most important player and the club should be looking at ways to extend his career as they look for an eventual replacement.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

I doubt very much that Albert Vete is the answer to anything.

He has been constantly injured, and loaned by the third worst team in the ESL to two 2nd division sides in the last few months.

 

[ToiletDuck]

I doubt very much that Albert Vete is the answer to anything.

He has been constantly injured, and loaned by the third worst team in the ESL to two 2nd division sides in the last few months.

Haha yeah.

He wasn't great when younger and less injury prone in the NRL, game was slower too. Would be completely ineffective by now, I imagine.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

Haha yeah.

He wasn't great when younger and less injury prone in the NRL, game was slower too. Would be completely ineffective by now, I imagine.

107 games in his 10 year career. He arrived on the scene with promise, but I never really thought he had his head in the game. He was a plodder even back in the day. And if Bellamy couldn't get anything out of him in 3 years...

From what I understand he had promising ability away from a footy field.

 

[jonesy101]

107 games in his 10 year career. He arrived on the scene with promise, but I never really thought he had his head in the game. He was a plodder even back in the day. And if Bellamy couldn't get anything out of him in 3 years...

From what I understand he had promising ability away from a footy field.

Didn't he get a podiatrist qualification?

 

[Ozwarrior]

Josh Schuster is officially a free agent after finalising his $1 million release from Manly on Tuesday morning.
Schuster has been training on his own since being given time away from the Sea Eagles from the Sea Eagles and while it is understood that a handful of clubs are monitoring his situation, the silky back rower and his management are in no rush to find a new home.

Schuster burst on the scene in 2020 and went on to play 50 games for the Sea Eagles but he has languished in NSW Cup this year after suffering a series of setbacks in the pre-season. He struggled to force his way back into calculations and Manly gave him permission to explore his options a fortnight ago even though he had three years remaining on a deal worth about $800,000 a season.

Josh Schuster has been languishing in the NSW Cup playing for the Blacktown Workers. Picture: NRL Imagery
It is understood the Sea Eagles spoke to the NRL salary cap department before finalising a release for Schuster and are confident that they will only have to carry his severance package in their cap moving forward.

More Coverage​

Schuster’s sad Manly exit ends with sizeable payout
Dale Finucane expected to call time on NRL career
This masthead understands that Schuster was paid a portion of his remaining salary for the rest of this year as well as an ongoing amount until the end of 2027.

All told, the figure is believed to be around $1 million. Schuster was due to earn more than double that over the next three years but the Sea Eagles believe they have secured a deal which works for both parties.

Schuster has some financial security while he works out his next move and Manly have taken more than $500,000 off their cap in each of the next three seasons by moving on a player who had struggled to regain his best form.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Josh Schuster is officially a free agent after finalising his $1 million release from Manly on Tuesday morning.
Schuster has been training on his own since being given time away from the Sea Eagles from the Sea Eagles and while it is understood that a handful of clubs are monitoring his situation, the silky back rower and his management are in no rush to find a new home.

Schuster burst on the scene in 2020 and went on to play 50 games for the Sea Eagles but he has languished in NSW Cup this year after suffering a series of setbacks in the pre-season. He struggled to force his way back into calculations and Manly gave him permission to explore his options a fortnight ago even though he had three years remaining on a deal worth about $800,000 a season.

Josh Schuster has been languishing in the NSW Cup playing for the Blacktown Workers. Picture: NRL Imagery
It is understood the Sea Eagles spoke to the NRL salary cap department before finalising a release for Schuster and are confident that they will only have to carry his severance package in their cap moving forward.

More Coverage​

Schuster’s sad Manly exit ends with sizeable payout
Dale Finucane expected to call time on NRL career
This masthead understands that Schuster was paid a portion of his remaining salary for the rest of this year as well as an ongoing amount until the end of 2027.

All told, the figure is believed to be around $1 million. Schuster was due to earn more than double that over the next three years but the Sea Eagles believe they have secured a deal which works for both parties.

Schuster has some financial security while he works out his next move and Manly have taken more than $500,000 off their cap in each of the next three seasons by moving on a player who had struggled to regain his best form.

Is he the answer to our 2nd rower issues, or is he just too lazy?

 

[Ever Hopeful]

Didn't he get a podiatrist qualification?

I'm not sure. I seem to remember that he was an academic high flier at St Kents (which I was why I was hopeful of his arrival at a time of not a lot of smarts in the FG side). I know he was studying a degree.

One thing I have just remembered is he was part of the prescription drugs and energy drink group.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Josh Schuster is officially a free agent after finalising his $1 million release from Manly on Tuesday morning.
Schuster has been training on his own since being given time away from the Sea Eagles from the Sea Eagles and while it is understood that a handful of clubs are monitoring his situation, the silky back rower and his management are in no rush to find a new home.

Schuster burst on the scene in 2020 and went on to play 50 games for the Sea Eagles but he has languished in NSW Cup this year after suffering a series of setbacks in the pre-season. He struggled to force his way back into calculations and Manly gave him permission to explore his options a fortnight ago even though he had three years remaining on a deal worth about $800,000 a season.

Josh Schuster has been languishing in the NSW Cup playing for the Blacktown Workers. Picture: NRL Imagery
It is understood the Sea Eagles spoke to the NRL salary cap department before finalising a release for Schuster and are confident that they will only have to carry his severance package in their cap moving forward.

More Coverage​

Schuster’s sad Manly exit ends with sizeable payout
Dale Finucane expected to call time on NRL career
This masthead understands that Schuster was paid a portion of his remaining salary for the rest of this year as well as an ongoing amount until the end of 2027.

All told, the figure is believed to be around $1 million. Schuster was due to earn more than double that over the next three years but the Sea Eagles believe they have secured a deal which works for both parties.

Schuster has some financial security while he works out his next move and Manly have taken more than $500,000 off their cap in each of the next three seasons by moving on a player who had struggled to regain his best form.

If we got him on the cheap, and Webby told him straight that he's not a half he's a lock forward, could webby do something with him?

If he's struggling internally with his personal life then is a big change what he needs?

I know there is huge risk and he may never come right, but if he did, he could be a weapon in the 13 jumper in a few years, has has to be honest with himself though.

He could be the replacement for jazz, he has the guidance of Tohu and Walker. I would almost ask walker if he's worth saving?

 

[Inruin]

If we got him on the cheap, and Webby told him straight that he's not a half he's a lock forward, could webby do something with him?

If he's struggling internally with his personal life then is a big change what he needs?

I know there is huge risk and he may never come right, but if he did, he could be a weapon in the 13 jumper in a few years, has has to be honest with himself though.

He could be the replacement for jazz, he has the guidance of Tohu and Walker. I would almost ask walker if he's worth saving?

I love a good 13 who can chip kick on the 2nd tackle in our own 30 metre zone. Get him in a Warriors jersey now.

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Is he the answer to our 2nd rower issues, or is he just too lazy?

I reckon he had attitude problems from memory and then it was reported that when his mate died during training and he recently spoke at the inquest that in my opinion he may be suffering grief stuff.

Not sure he solves our issues but we would likely need to solve his.

Pompey to second row might be more readily available.

 

[run_it_str8_again]

I'm not sure. I seem to remember that he was an academic high flier at St Kents (which I was why I was hopeful of his arrival at a time of not a lot of smarts in the FG side). I know he was studying a degree.

One thing I have just remembered is he was part of the prescription drugs and energy drink group.

Degree in chemistry?

 

[MrFrankWhite]

I reckon he had attitude problems from memory and then it was reported that when his mate died during training and he recently spoke at the inquest that in my opinion he may be suffering grief stuff.

Not sure he solves our issues but we would likely need to solve his.

Pompey to second row might be more readily available.

Reckon he needs time on TMMs boat...

 

[mrblonde]

I'm not sure. I seem to remember that he was an academic high flier at St Kents (which I was why I was hopeful of his arrival at a time of not a lot of smarts in the FG side). I know he was studying a degree.

One thing I have just remembered is he was part of the prescription drugs and energy drink group.

I seem to recall Albert and Sam/Bam were two players a lot of people had hopes for but due one thing and another, neither really ever shone. Both part of the PD/ED Group.
Nope, wouldn't have either back.

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

I doubt very much that Albert Vete is the answer to anything.

He has been constantly injured, and loaned by the third worst team in the ESL to two 2nd division sides in the last few months.

For sure, would rather we sign Matua Parkinson instead of Vete.

 

[Wrighty]

I have a proposal that am serious about but will appear on the surface ludicrous. But hear me out.

Martin Tapau from the Broncos released to the Warriors effective immediately for the 2024 season with club option for 2025
He is 34 years old. He is well down the pecking order of props at the Broncos behind Te Kura both of whom are not playing in their best 17. We need a bench prop.
He would be ranked in our team beneath Ale, Jazz and Bunty but I am sure end up getting 8 to 10 first grade games for us.
I reckon if we just asked for him and leveraged the fact they owe us for Reece Walsh they will straight give him to us.
As a Kiwi I am sure Martin would be happy to come home.
Former team mate of Addin would give him an instant friend for this year,
He would not come with great fan fare or be a big signing but would be a tactical addition.

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

I have a proposal that am serious about but will appear on the surface ludicrous. But hear me out.

Martin Tapau from the Broncos released to the Warriors effective immediately for the 2024 season with club option for 2025
He is 34 years old. He is well down the pecking order of props at the Broncos behind Te Kura both of whom are not playing in their best 17. We need a bench prop.
He would be ranked in our team beneath Ale, Jazz and Bunty but I am sure end up getting 8 to 10 first grade games for us.
I reckon if we just asked for him and leveraged the fact they owe us for Reece Walsh they will straight give him to us.
As a Kiwi I am sure Martin would be happy to come home.
Former team mate of Addin would give him an instant friend for this year,
He would not come with great fan fare or be a big signing but would be a tactical addition.

See comment above re Matua Parkinson.

 

[Makasene]

He would be ranked in our team beneath Ale, Jazz and Bunty

I think you answered your own question Wrighty

 

[Noitall]

Josh Schuster is officially a free agent after finalising his $1 million release from Manly on Tuesday morning.
Schuster has been training on his own since being given time away from the Sea Eagles from the Sea Eagles and while it is understood that a handful of clubs are monitoring his situation, the silky back rower and his management are in no rush to find a new home.

Schuster burst on the scene in 2020 and went on to play 50 games for the Sea Eagles but he has languished in NSW Cup this year after suffering a series of setbacks in the pre-season. He struggled to force his way back into calculations and Manly gave him permission to explore his options a fortnight ago even though he had three years remaining on a deal worth about $800,000 a season.

Josh Schuster has been languishing in the NSW Cup playing for the Blacktown Workers. Picture: NRL Imagery
It is understood the Sea Eagles spoke to the NRL salary cap department before finalising a release for Schuster and are confident that they will only have to carry his severance package in their cap moving forward.

More Coverage​

Schuster’s sad Manly exit ends with sizeable payout
Dale Finucane expected to call time on NRL career
This masthead understands that Schuster was paid a portion of his remaining salary for the rest of this year as well as an ongoing amount until the end of 2027.

All told, the figure is believed to be around $1 million. Schuster was due to earn more than double that over the next three years but the Sea Eagles believe they have secured a deal which works for both parties.

Schuster has some financial security while he works out his next move and Manly have taken more than $500,000 off their cap in each of the next three seasons by moving on a player who had struggled to regain his best form.

For so long I thought he’d be the ideal replacement for Tohu. Similar skill set in a big body, such a shame he lacks in attitude