Recent discussion in the Warriors forum revolves around potential roster changes and recruitment strategies for the upcoming seasons. A significant development is the news that Josh Curran has been granted permission to negotiate with other clubs, sparking debate about the wisdom of this move. Several posters, including WahsaurusRex #256 and Tookey 2.0 #249, express disappointment at the prospect of losing Curran, highlighting his value to the team and connection with the fans, others like JaggedJ #250 suggest it could create opportunities for younger players and better allocation of resources. The potential departure of Curran has led to speculation about who might replace him and how it will impact the team's dynamics with Cces #262 noting that it means there will be new players coming in. Discussions about potential replacements and adjustments to the roster have been central to the conversation.
A key theme is whether to prioritize internal development or seek external recruits. Natural Born Warrior #67 advocates for a recruitment strategy focused primarily on junior players and pathways, mirroring the Brisbane Broncos model. Others, like Wizard of Tauranga #62, emphasize annually integrating a player or two from the junior ranks into the top team to foster long-term success. However, concerns are raised by John Nick #69 sballer7 #70, who caution against prematurely discarding experienced players in favor of unproven juniors, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach, in particular mentioning how Webster is doing this. In relation to the youth coming up, it's been speculated that Zyon Maiu'u is being developed to mimic James Fisher-Harris, highlighting a strategic approach to junior development as mentioned by Natural Born Warrior #95
The discussion also involves identifying specific player needs and potential targets. Previously, posters such as Falcon #99 were long advocating for Mo Fotuaika for 2025, though this is no longer an option. Noitall #114 reports on rumors of Daniel Saifiti being shopped around, possibly rekindling interest from the Warriors due to Barnett's connection with him. There's a general consensus, echoed by SJ2k #13 and others, about the need for a dominant prop to support AFB, especially considering the team's vulnerability when he is injured. Conversely, Blain #106 argues against signing Riki, suggesting he wouldn't offer much more than Curran and Ford. Moreover, there is back and forth about Metcalf and other available players to consider in future recruitment plans as referred to by Noitall #231.
The forum members are also actively evaluating current players and their roles within the team. The merits of Jackson Ford are debated, WahsaurusRex #86 pointing out that his stats are better than those of potential recruit Jordan Riki, while differing opinions emerge about moving Tohu Harris to prop. There is a lot of debate relating to this as discussed by JaggedJ #125, about positions in the props vs locks as opposed to just what is the correct middle. Some forum members defend Ale's contributions, noting his potential to develop into a starting prop, and are wary of letting him go, while the recent and confirmed departure of Sironen for overseas, as confirmed by Defence #197, is also noted regarding the players available in the squad.
