Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

🤖 Thread Summary

Recent developments dominate the discussion, starting with contract extensions for key players. Ali Leiataua #2094 secured a deal through 2027, praised for his attacking upside and defensive development, while Dallin Watene-Zelezniak #1914 signed a reduced two-year extension despite defensive criticism, retaining his role as a primary finisher. Jackson Ford #2059 also extended until 2027 in a move emphasizing his work rate and versatility, though concerns persist about errors and young edge forwards like Halasima potentially being blocked. Marcelo Montoya's departure to the Bulldogs was confirmed, attributed to family needs and limited first-grade prospects, opening a wing spot for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's anticipated shift.

Roster strategy remains contentious, particularly around positional deployment. The debate over Tuivasa-Sheck intensifies, with Noitall #2190 noting ongoing skepticism about his fit at centre or fullback versus wing, where his tackle-breaking ability might excel with reduced defensive responsibility. Forward recruitment focuses on supplementing James Fisher-Harris' arrival, with Josiah Pahulu Titans and Briton Nikora Sharks mentioned as targets, though Nikora’s potential signing sparks cap-allocation concerns. Halfback needs are urgent, with calls to pursue Trindall, Ben Hunt, or Pezet, while the re-signing of Chanel Harris-Tavita #2139 offers depth but not a starting solution.

Youth development trajectories shape long-term planning. Sam Healey's signing addresses hooking depth behind Egan, praised for attacking flair, while emerging talents like Tobias Crosby and Motu Pasikala prompt excitement. Concerns linger about pathways being blocked by veterans, especially if MrFrankWhite #123018 shifts Niukore permanently to prop and retains Capewell. Sentiment is mixed: optimism exists around extensions and JFH's leadership, but frustration surfaces over stalled halves recruitment and Stevenson union-conversion rumors, deemed risky by Teets #1699.

Sentiment Analysis: The overall tone is Mixed, leaning cautiously positive after recent re-signings. Early frustration over Montoya's exit and RTS' role has eased slightly, but skepticism persists about strategic priorities e.g., forward-heavy spending versus spine investment. High-engagement posts, like critiques of recruitment targets and contract valuations, reflect polarized views. Negative peaks occurred during the Curran-Niukore debates, while extensions for Leiataua and Taine Tuaupiki boosted positivity.

🏷️ Tags:

Player Recruitment, Contract Extensions, Team Strategy

📊 Data Source: Based on ALL posts in thread (total: 10000 posts) | ⏱️ Generation Time: 30s
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Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​
-Player20252026202720282029
1Bunty Afoa✔
2Tom Ale✔
3Mitchell Barnett✔✔✔
4Rocco Berry✔✔
5Tanah Boyd✔✔
6Kurt Capewell✔✔
7Erin Clark✔✔✔
8Jett Cleary✔SS
9Wayde Egan✔✔✔
10James Fisher-Harris✔✔✔✔
11Jackson Ford✔✔✔
12Leka Halasima✔✔✔✔✔
13Morgan Harper✔
14Chanel Harris-Tavita✔✔
15Sam Healey✔✔✔
16Edward Kosi✔
17Jacob Laban✔✔✔✔✔
18Ali Leiataua✔✔✔
19Jye Linnane✔✔✔✔
20Freddy Lussick✔✔
21Te Maire Martin✔✔
22Luke Metcalf✔✔
23Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad✔✔✔
24Marata Niukore✔✔
25Adam Pompey✔✔✔
26Tanner Stowers-Smith✔✔✔
27Taine Tuaupiki✔✔
28Roger Tuivasa-Sheck✔✔
29Demitric Vaimauga✔✔✔✔
30Dallin Watene-Zelezniak✔✔✔
S1Kayliss FatialofaS✔✔
S2Kalani GoingS
S3Luke HansonS
S4Eddie Ieremia-ToeavaS✔✔
S5Sio KaliS
S6Patrick MoimoiS
-Kahu CapperTT
-Morgan Gannon-✔✔✔
-Haizyn Mellars✔✔✔
-Motu PasikalaT??
C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Top 30 2026: 29/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper
Can negotiate with other clubs from Nov 1, 2025 (Entering final year) 🐻: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck


This thread is solely for Warriors recruitment and retention discussion. Any posts not related to the above will be deleted.

Repeat offenders will have their access to this page limited.

Please be mindful of what you are posting in this thread before clicking the reply button. Zero Tolerance for off-topic chat.
 
Last edited:
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Two-year extension for Ford​

Second rower Jackson Ford is the latest player to recommit to the One New Zealand Warriors after signing a two-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 NRL season.

The deal, stretching his stay to five seasons, follows Ali Leiataua, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all being secured on new terms recently.

Initially signed on a two-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons last season, the 26-year-old Ford was then extended to the end of 2025 after his breakout 2023 campaign.

“Coming to the Warriors has been a great career move for Jackson,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“He immediately impressed with his work ethic and attitude, establishing himself as a first-choice back rower for us over the last two seasons.”

Ford missed just three of his first 46 games at the club until a knee injury sidelined him for the last five games of the 2024 campaign.

“Jackson has been terrific from the moment he arrived at the club,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

“He works so hard every minute he’s on the field and competes on everything. The longer and harder a game gets, the better Jacko gets.”

Ford made only 33 NRL appearances across four seasons with the Dragons, the majority of them from the bench, but earned selection as a starting second rower at the start of his first season and filled that role for 35 of his first 36 appearances. Later in the 2024 campaign he was switched to the front row.

Consistently playing the full 80 minutes, he has averaged 103 metres and 36 tackles in his 43 games for the Warriors.
 
WahsaurusRex said:

Two-year extension for Ford​

Second rower Jackson Ford is the latest player to recommit to the One New Zealand Warriors after signing a two-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 NRL season.

The deal, stretching his stay to five seasons, follows Ali Leiataua, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all being secured on new terms recently.

Initially signed on a two-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons last season, the 26-year-old Ford was then extended to the end of 2025 after his breakout 2023 campaign.

“Coming to the Warriors has been a great career move for Jackson,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“He immediately impressed with his work ethic and attitude, establishing himself as a first-choice back rower for us over the last two seasons.”

Ford missed just three of his first 46 games at the club until a knee injury sidelined him for the last five games of the 2024 campaign.

“Jackson has been terrific from the moment he arrived at the club,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

“He works so hard every minute he’s on the field and competes on everything. The longer and harder a game gets, the better Jacko gets.”

Ford made only 33 NRL appearances across four seasons with the Dragons, the majority of them from the bench, but earned selection as a starting second rower at the start of his first season and filled that role for 35 of his first 36 appearances. Later in the 2024 campaign he was switched to the front row.

Consistently playing the full 80 minutes, he has averaged 103 metres and 36 tackles in his 43 games for the Warriors.
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Ford is an excellent player to have in the squad with his big engine and strong work and training ethic. Has some work ons but overall a good resigning.
 
Like that it isn't a geriatric signing.. Good for the young forwards to look up to the work ethic of him, Clark, Fish, and Barnett for the next three years as well.

If he is going to keep being in the FG squad regularly, he has got to clean up the ruck penalties and drop balls, has to, has to, has to. A move to the middle (and not running him into the ground for 80 minutes) will hopefully help with that.

Pretty much kills any hopes (delusions? lol) of getting a Leo or Xavier you'd have to think, which is a bit guts
 
From a recruitment point of view it is good to have an Australian come here and improve and then extend their stay. We have had quite a few get homesick or need to go home due to family issues. They are more likely to get homesick if the team isn't winning, they aren't playing well, or the club doesn't seem like it is managed well.

From that point of view, it is good to have him extended. Like Barnett moving to the Warriors has helped his career.

The next thing is what position will he be playing?
2023 he was out wider playing big minutes. The main issue there is his hand when he is running through on-set plays. 2024 he got moved around a bit. In the middle he looked good. If we move both him and Niukore we look to be pretty heavy on middles.
 
snake77 said:
From a recruitment point of view it is good to have an Australian come here and improve and then extend their stay. We have had quite a few get homesick or need to go home due to family issues. They are more likely to get homesick if the team isn't winning, they aren't playing well, or the club doesn't seem like it is managed well.

From that point of view, it is good to have him extended. Like Barnett moving to the Warriors has helped his career.

The next thing is what position will he be playing?
2023 he was out wider playing big minutes. The main issue there is his hand when he is running through on-set plays. 2024 he got moved around a bit. In the middle he looked good. If we move both him and Niukore we look to be pretty heavy on middles.
Click to expand...
I think he’s probably the perfect bench cover, i honestly wouldnt mind him just being on the bench and covers whoever is needed, anywhere from 3rd defender in would be a solid point to put him in.

I like him as a second rower but I do agree we need the young second rowers to have a chance at starting (either Laban or Halasima) even he could swap with Capewell and Capewell to the bench since he is getting a bit older. Mold Ford into our 80 min workhorse second rower
 
Interesting.

Could be a case of not wanting to lose too much experience too quickly. If Walker and Harris both leave it will leave an experience gap but would still open the door for juniors, keeping in mind that Capewell will also be off contract one year earlier than Ford now.

Looks like Webby has a progression plan, we'll see if it works.

2025 - Bunty, Harris, Walker
2026 - Capewell, Niukore
2027 - Barnett, Clark, Ford

Up to the juniors now to step up or force us back to the market for replacements.
 
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