Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

The Warrior Waka said:

You know whats funny? Is these players we say no to, Like Barnett (Because he was a bit of loose cannon before coming here) Fonua Blake etc.... Turned out pretty good once Webby got his hands on them.
Royce & Leniu have some fire in them. Aggressive & strong. Fast for big boys. Royce's cardio needs a major tune up. Discipline is an issue for Leniu. And although I am not keen on either. Would be interesting so see what our club culture, coaching & leaders at the club could turn them into.

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Five&Last said:

Jason Salalilo replaces Mitch Barnett in the top 30 and everyone shifts up 1 in the prop pecking order. More reponsibility and playing time for Vaimauga, TSS, EIT etc.

Sikuvea has been playing prop recently in cup and will be part of the prop depth chart, he will also get more lock opportunities if Gannon misses time. RTV needs a pathway as well and Page-Wilson could surprise with a massive preseason.

We don't need any prop signings imo.

Bishop Neal replaces Marata Niukore in the top 30.

The only question mark is around Capewell. Would be great if he took a 1 year extension but I think he will opt for something longer. In that case, I actually think we can get away with replacing him in the top 30 with Sikuvea given his versatility. I also need to see how Bowden progresses in cup this year, could be a smokey if he impresses in offseason as well. Everyone below Capewell in the depth chart shifts up one. Laban and Halasima become first choice second rowers and Bishop, EIT and Kayliss are receiving more regular opportunities.

Prop is a non-issue to me, but the second row depth could be tested if Capewell leaves and Gannon isn't a reliable option.

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Blain said:

A junior NSW Cup prop to replace an Australian rep forward, and a 18 year old to replace a NZ rep 10 year NRL player? There are a few steps in between I think. We will be seriously cashed up. There is a gap there to be filled.

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CWC said:

Hmm left? Our left centre do lack pace and acceleration

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SBW1 said:

Could Ngani sign with the Wahs?

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Makasene said:

I wasn't aware there was a fullback question.

Linnane being played at left centre in cup suggests he might be looked at in the line

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Five&Last said:

but the second row depth could be tested if Capewell leaves and Gannon isn't a reliable option.

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SBW1 said:

Could Ngani sign with the Wahs?

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The Undertaker said:

I expect two major signings to come. One at middle (if JFH goes down in 2027, who is our leader) and one at fullback/centre. No idea who.

Berry too fragile and he’s one injury away from not being extended next year, CNK is good but it seems Taine has overtaken him and he may want to go to super league - plus losing RTS means we need a good player there. Linnane is being groomed for 2027 for sure so we may already have it..

I expect Capewell to stay, TMM to stay for at least 2027. Primarily for leadership and culture. Capes hasn’t missed a beat and he’s too good to let go right now.

What are our marquee options for 2027 and beyond?

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Damo said:

His body is stuffed, would be a stupid signing. Can't see it happening

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Tookey 2.0 said:

Didn't realize Seyfarth has been told he's able to look elsewhere.

Given Gannons issues, and with Capewell likely looking for longer than a year, I wonder if he could be a an option for us for a few years.

Has over 100 games experience, has the height were looking for, has an offload and a bit of ball playing skills, and has played 13, edge, prop and off the bench. On the outter at Wests so would be relatively cheap too...should get a bit of change out of Capewell contract. We were interested last time he was off contract too

And best of all? His name first quite well. Alex SeyWah-th.

Get it Cappy!

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Tookey 2.0 said:

Didn't realize Seyfarth has been told he's able to look elsewhere.

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BabylonPink said:

Not hot enough for mine.
I like his enthusiasm but seriously mate? Red hair?

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Cces said:

Previous rumours in 2023/24 of us interested in him too. A wee bit of crossover with him & Webster at the Tigers

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sup42 said:

Named again at left center in cup of course for this week.

Whether that is to accommodate Metcalf or part of an emerging pattern where Linnane is now a center that can cover the halves?

I strongly suspect that the reasons Linnane will be our Center are pretty clear.

1. We lack in that position, we have one promising Center that has some concerning flaws (Ali is going great guns, all looking good, but his worst will take time to exorcise) and our other main stay Center is upgradeable. Berry and Roger, well Rogers gone and Berry may not stay on the park.

2. We have forever had a left edge that has failed to offer threat since the days of the Beast, yet now we have speed but no great ball player to set that up and or offer threat in of themselves.

3. Fullback is one position in a team, coverable mid game by dropping back Wingers, you need two Centers, the maths is straight forward, you need more Centers in a League teams depth chart than fullbacks.

5. Having a player of Taine's usefulness sitting in reserves so you can develop a shiny new fullback is not the best use of your resources when the rest of your backline is incomplete at Center.

6. If Linnane goes Center, you don't need to have a spare half taking up a spot on the bench, or you can still use a utility playmaker, but lean more on the hooker capable type (pretty dam handy having halves and hooking cover in more than just one man at 14.)

7. The most important point, so far Linnane is thriving at left center, especially on defence, I know it is early days, which is why it is pleasing to see the club try it on for a bit.

Last thoughts, well he looks left and right when he runs, so will drop a ball back on the inside, this of course gives that left edge the possibility of unlocking two of the teams best offensive players AKP and Halasima, I think the latter is where the club are scratching this itch hardest, they can see Halasima is boxed on attack because of NRL teams tip sheets with his name near the top.
There is no other player in our team that could bring all of that outside of shifting CHT to center (easily surpases Linnane in defence imo, and is a fair match for him ball playing wise - for now) but that ain't gonna happen.
Sometimes it is useful having a Center that can kick a nice grubber at the end of Sets, toe it through for a very fast winger - admittedly it is a nice to have, rather than critical....but then if you have issues with the kicking game of your Stand off, then it becomes more than a nice to have, it becomes a bit of a life line. But a Center who can kick like a half, because they are a half, well, that becomes more than a defensive end to a set, it is a threat.

So for those fretting about fullback and Linnane, just remember, unlocking AKP and Halasima with a link player is probably pretty high on this coaching groups planning.

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