**[OVER THE TRY LINE]**
Alright mate, here’s a ripper rundown of my take on the 2025 pay for our warriors. Now, these numbers are super ballpark estimates in NZ dollars (in thousands per annum) – designed to stay within the NRL salary cap for 2025 while reflecting current form and potential. Fair warning: I’m in full subjective mode here, so take these with a pinch of salt.
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Main Squad:
1.
Bunty Afoa
•
Probably paid: ~$200K
•
Should be paid: ~$220K
*Reasoning:* Experienced and solid in the middle; a tad more for his leadership and hard yards wouldn’t go amiss.
2.
Tom Ale
•
Probably paid: ~$180K
•
Should be paid: ~$190K
*Quick note:* Versatile utility—slightly undervalued given his on-field contributions.
3.
Mitchell Barnett
•
Probably paid: ~$230K
•
Should be paid: ~$250K
*He’s been a consistent performer, so a bump would reward his reliability.*
4.
Rocco Berry
•
Probably paid: ~$180K
•
Should be paid: ~$200K
*Young and hungry – extra incentive could boost his game further.*
5.
Tanah Boyd
•
Probably paid: ~$175K
•
Should be paid: ~$190K
*Steady work upfront; worth a lift considering his defensive grind.*
6.
Kurt Capewell
•
Probably paid: ~$160K
•
Should be paid: ~$170K
*Dependable off the bench, though a slight raise recognizes his impact in tight games.*
7.
Erin Clark
•
Probably paid: ~$170K
•
Should be paid: ~$180K
*Hard at work in defense—rewarding consistency is key.*
8.
Wayde Egan
•
Probably paid: ~$190K
•
Should be paid: ~$205K
*Solid performances make him deserving of a modest bump.*
9.
James Fisher-Harris
•
Probably paid: ~$350K
•
Should be paid: ~$375K
*As one of our marquee forwards, his numbers should reflect his match-winning presence.*
10.
Jackson Ford
•
Probably paid: ~$320K
•
Should be paid: ~$340K
*Versatility in the forward pack – the extra cheddar would underline his value.*
11.
Leka Halasima
•
Probably paid: ~$300K
•
Should be paid: ~$320K
*An elite workhorse whose consistency merits a bump.*
12.
Chanel Harris-Tavita
•
Probably paid: ~$150K
•
Should be paid: ~$165K
*Smart utility play – a raise would deepen our squad options.*
13.
Sam Healey
•
Probably paid: ~$210K
•
Should be paid: ~$230K
*A rising star whose performances are worth extra investment.*
14.
Edward Kosi
•
Probably paid: ~$120K
•
Should be paid: ~$130K
*Young blood – a modest raise for potential upside.*
15.
Jacob Laban
•
Probably paid: ~$140K
•
Should be paid: ~$155K
*Reliable and steady; a bit more recognition never hurt.*
16.
Ali Leiataua
•
Probably paid: ~$160K
•
Should be paid: ~$175K
*Work rate and presence justify a slight premium.*
17.
Freddy Lussick
•
Probably paid: ~$180K
•
Should be paid: ~$190K
*Solid defender and team player; a small raise would reward his effort.*
18.
Te Maire Martin
•
Probably paid: ~$400K
•
Should be paid: ~$420K
*Our shining star – his attacking flair and try-scoring prowess merit top billing.*
19.
Luke Metcalf
•
Probably paid: ~$190K
•
Should be paid: ~$210K
*Veteran savvy on display; a raise would reflect his experience.*
20.
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
•
Probably paid: ~$350K
•
Should be paid: ~$360K
*Big impact in backline moves – his premium is well earned.*
21.
Marata Niukore
•
Probably paid: ~$180K
•
Should be paid: ~$195K
*Rugged and reliable; a bump can only help strengthen our forward packs.*
22.
Adam Pompey
•
Probably paid: ~$120K
•
Should be paid: ~$130K
*A role player whose opportunities could be rewarded with a slight increase.*
23.
Taine Tuaupiki
•
Probably paid: ~$170K
•
Should be paid: ~$185K
*Explosive on the wing – his pace and finishing skills deserve extra acknowledgement.*
24.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
•
Probably paid: ~$550K
•
Should be paid: ~$550K
*A veteran icon whose current package remains spot-on given his leadership and match-turning moments.*
25.
Demitric Vaimauga
•
Probably paid: ~$250K
•
Should be paid: ~$270K
*Talented contributor in the pack – a raise could fuel even better consistency.*
26.
Dylan Walker
•
Probably paid: ~$140K
•
Should be paid: ~$150K
*On the fringe but with potential; a little extra might nail his breakthrough.*
27.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
•
Probably paid: ~$300K
•
Should be paid: ~$320K
*Dynamic playmaker—ensuring he’s rewarded for his try-scoring energy is vital.*
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Supplementary & Train/Trial Players:
-
S1: Kayliss Faitialofa – Likely around ~$80K
-
S2: Kalani Going – ~ ~$80K
-
S3: Luke Hanson – ~ ~$75K
-
S4: Sio Kali – ~ ~$75K
-
S5: Patrick Moimoi – ~ ~$70K
-
S6: Tanner Stowers-Smith – ~ ~$70K
For the Train & Trial contracts:
-
Kahu Capper – ~ ~$50K
-
Jett Cleary – around ~$60K (if he conversions hold)
-
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava – ~ ~$50K
-
Motu Pasikala – ~ ~$50K
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Final Thoughts:
These figures are very approximate and stem from current form, potential, and historical precedent. In a Warriors squad that must abide by the cap – currently totalling roughly ~$6–7 million for the main group plus supplementary and trial deals – this spread keeps us within limits while still rewarding individual contributions. Stars like
Tuivasa-Sheck and
Te Maire Martin anchor our lineup, whereas the rest of the squad benefits from gradual increases based on performance and opportunity.
At the end of the day, it’s a balancing act between rewarding consistent performers and investing in upcoming talent – all while staying beneath the NRL cap ceiling. **#UpTheWahs**
Mauri ora,
*– Your mate giving a snapshot of Warriors wage talk, with a bit of Kiwi flavour.*