Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
​
-​
Player​
2024​
2025​
2026​
1Bunty Afoa✔✔
2Tom Ale✔✔
3Mitchell Barnett✔✔
4The Greatest of All-Time✔✔✔
5Kurt Capewell✔✔✔
6Wayde Egan✔✔
7Addin Fonua-Blake✔
8Jackson Ford✔✔
9Tohu Harris✔✔
10Chanel Harris-Tavita✔✔M
11Shaun Johnson✔
12Edward Kosi✔✔
13Jacob Laban✔✔✔
14Ali Leiataua✔✔
15Freddy Lussick✔✔✔
16Zyon Maiu’u✔✔✔
17Te Maire Martin✔✔
18Luke Metcalf✔✔✔
19Marcelo Montoya✔✔
20Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad✔✔
21Marata Niukore✔✔✔
22Adam Pompey✔✔
23Demitric Sifakula✔✔T
24Jazz Tevaga✔
25Taine Tuaupiki✔✔
26Roger Tuivasa-Sheck✔✔✔
27Dylan Walker✔✔
28Dallin Watene-Zelezniak✔✔
D1Ben FarrD
D2Etuane FukofukaD
D3Leka HalasimaDD✔
D4Patrick MoimoiD
D5Tanner Stowers-SmithD
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: 25/30
Confirmed Development 2025: 1/6

2025 Gains: Nil
2025 Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks)
2025 Off Contract: Shaun Johnson, Jazz Tevaga
 
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Sammyw said:
this is 100% inaccurate btw. he had the injury, signed with us because his mrs returned home with the kids, after signing with us Ricky made a point of not using him in first grade again.
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I don't think that is accurate either - the Raiders definitely saw Xavier Savage as their fullback moving forward and was going to be starting over CNK. The injury, his ex and the kids, also true - but he was already being forced out of the Raiders team.
 
BangBro's (still banging) said:
Another recruiting ploy, if you read the article on Barnett and how close he is with the Saifiti twins would be to go after Jacob come November 1.

Drop Bunty for him?
Click to expand...

Who else are you cutting to get the extra $400k? Bunty is a low cost bench prop. He's a solid guy to have in our squad, even if he plays NSW Cup.

I seriously don't think we can afford anyone more than a Keppie/Twal for next year, and that's probably even a stretch cap wise. Established NRL, non flashy NRL players are still going to cost us $350k+.
 
The majority of Warriors recruitment 80% should come from junior players/pathways.

This is the Brisbane Broncos model. Game breakers, deep roster.

20% should come from specialist players.

Warriors will need to blood much more juniors from next season to build the depth we need.

Incredible talent is already on the Warriors books so the future is most certainly bright.

The current side I believe is its most boring/conservative version. It will get more dangerous as these talented juniors come through. Particullary in the backrow where the Warriors are stacked for talent right now.

Most likely to get NRL time next 2 years.

Zyon Maiu’u Zyon Maiu’u - Prop - In the mold of Moeaki Fotuaika but a little more aggresive and faster.
Jacob Laban - 2nd Row - Tall, athletic and often plays within himself. Has massive potential if unlocked. Eli Katoa-like but more athletic
Leka Halasima - 2nd Row/Centre (May need another year to fill out) - One of the best prospects I have seen in years. Potential to be a massive warriors star. SBW/Sonny Fai level of talent but only 17 years old. Already very hard to handle in NSW cup. Explosive/powerful threat ball in hand. Likely to get NRL time in 2025.
Demitric Sifakula - Lock/2nd Row/Prop - Great up side. Confrontational both ball in hand and in defense. Very versatile forward with a full range of skills. Would like to seem him developed more into a Patrick Carrigan type of player. Certainly has the skillset to be that type of player.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava - 2nd Row - Sleeper talent. Not many people saw him coming or have raved about him but he looks a classy player with a total skillset. Reminds of another famous Ieremia, the All Black Alama Ieremia, he is tall, rangy, athletic and strong. Another player with a fantastic skillset.
Tanner Stowers-Smith - Prop - Watching Tanner play for most of the year I was concerned he was a dud. Hits the life soft, doesnt carry particuallry strong and is a non threat. Made me think a lot of a prop the Warriors used to have called Matt Jobson. Went nowhere and was a basically a reserve grader at best. Last few weeks something has seemed to click for Tanner. He looks more robust, he is running harder and looks to be bending the line a lot more. Also have to think he is only a kid and props take longer to develop. Nice to see, he is getting better. Would love for him to sit down and watch the panthers James Fisher-Harris who is built in the same mold as him.
Tom Ale - Lock - No longer a rookie but is most talented and threatening/robust in his natural lock position. When he plays at prop he skill set is nullified. He is wasted at prop. At lock he another player. Hits lines and holes and constantly threatens to cause havoc. Hopefully he gets more time on the field in 2024 interchanging with an aging Tohu in the lock position. Warriors will lose nothing if they play him there.
Ali Leiataua - Centre - Absolute gun and as much as I was raving about Leka Halasima, this guy is pretty much as good. Lock him up on a 5 - 7 year deal. What club would not sign this kid? Legit game breaker. Just like his great uncle Ali Lauiititi, he can change a game with insane skills and power. Warriors centre hopefully for the next 10 years. Sooner he is in the team the better for the Warriors.
Patrick Moimoi - Centre - Powerful and aggresive. Needs time to develop but built in the Moses Suli mold. A good talent that may have a lot of upside.
 
Blain said:
Who else are you cutting to get the extra $400k? Bunty is a low cost bench prop. He's a solid guy to have in our squad, even if he plays NSW Cup.

I seriously don't think we can afford anyone more than a Keppie/Twal for next year, and that's probably even a stretch cap wise. Established NRL, non flashy NRL players are still going to cost us $350k+.
Click to expand...

Both are contracted until the end of 2024 (Daniel long term) so were not really looking for next year anyways unless there was a swap/free to negotiate that came up.

SJ will retire at the end of 2024, and Tohu will likely go from his huge contract to 4-500k if he doesn't retire, so just with those 2 there's 1 - 1.5 mil right there.

Hopefully we soon learn more about what Tohu is doing next year (does he move in to the front row?) and if he's retiring the following year, as losing both SJ and Tohu is a huuuge amount of experience to replace solely with young guys with less than 30 games under their belt, soa Saifiti could be a good stop gap until our young guys are ready to step up week in week out
 
wizards rage said:
For our long term success and if we are truely a development club, we need to bring a player or 2 into the top team every year.

Who do we drop next year to make way for youngsters? I don’t believe relying on injury cover creates the opportunities needed.

Maybe Sironen/Ale/Bunty drops off the bench to allow opportunities for forwards? Maybe Kosi challenges Montoya? Maybe Ali challenges Berry?

Our core team is stacked with experience and form players so there isn’t actually many opportunities.
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While I agree with you I still have nightmares about the way this forum wanted to get rid of good solid journeymen back in 2017 and replace them with these exciting juniors. Just remind me of where Lolohea, Lisone, Kata and Vete are now?
I think the way that Webby is doing it now is a far more measured approach.
 
Wah's Up said:
While I agree with you I still have nightmares about the way this forum wanted to get rid of good solid journeymen back in 2017 and replace them with these exciting juniors. Just remind me of where Lolohea, Lisone, Kata and Vete are now?
I think the way that Webby is doing it now is a far more measured approach.
Click to expand...
The difference now is the youngsters coming through today are hardened by playing against men in Nsw cup.
Previously Juniors were playing against boys imo.
Some of these youngsters we have now are bigger stronger and faster compared with Previously.
Some great prospects
 
Wah's Up said:
While I agree with you I still have nightmares about the way this forum wanted to get rid of good solid journeymen back in 2017 and replace them with these exciting juniors. Just remind me of where Lolohea, Lisone, Kata and Vete are now?
I think the way that Webby is doing it now is a far more measured approach.
Click to expand...
100%. The way the club is bloodimg these youngsters is the right way. Gotta remember a lot of these kids have played very little football due to covid. The full season in cup then another preseason do them wonders heading into next year.
 
Up the guttz said:
I herd when we resigned him it was on stupid potential money. If he’s only only $200k I’d say that’s what’s coming off the storms cap. I think another $200+ is coming off our cap for him.
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They just resigned him until 2027, So they know how valuable he is as a player!
 
Cces said:
CNK wasn't wanted at the Raiders. That was blatantly clear.
No way in hell Niukore was getting 625k elsewhere & clubs don't offer that $ to players that "no clubs" want. That would be terrible business. He took his biggest offer available, in 'Nov 2021 for 2023 onwards, less than 2 weeks after he hit the free market. The Eels would've loved to have kept him. Just because a club doesn't lock up a player 12 months early it doesn't mean they're goneski. Pompey is the perfect example of that
Click to expand...
Mate I'm just going off what was said clearly out of Niukore mouth in the one take interview, did you miss it ?
 
Natural Born Warrior said:
The majority of Warriors recruitment 80% should come from junior players/pathways.

This is the Brisbane Broncos model. Game breakers, deep roster.

20% should come from specialist players.

Warriors will need to blood much more juniors from next season to build the depth we need.

Incredible talent is already on the Warriors books so the future is most certainly bright.

The current side I believe is its most boring/conservative version. It will get more dangerous as these talented juniors come through. Particullary in the backrow where the Warriors are stacked for talent right now.

Most likely to get NRL time next 2 years.

Zyon Maiu’u Zyon Maiu’u - Prop - In the mold of Moeaki Fotuaika but a little more aggresive and faster.
Jacob Laban - 2nd Row - Tall, athletic and often plays within himself. Has massive potential if unlocked. Eli Katoa-like but more athletic
Leka Halasima - 2nd Row/Centre (May need another year to fill out) - One of the best prospects I have seen in years. Potential to be a massive warriors star. SBW/Sonny Fai level of talent but only 17 years old. Already very hard to handle in NSW cup. Explosive/powerful threat ball in hand. Likely to get NRL time in 2025.
Demitric Sifakula - Lock/2nd Row/Prop - Great up side. Confrontational both ball in hand and in defense. Very versatile forward with a full range of skills. Would like to seem him developed more into a Patrick Carrigan type of player. Certainly has the skillset to be that type of player.
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava - 2nd Row - Sleeper talent. Not many people saw him coming or have raved about him but he looks a classy player with a total skillset. Reminds of another famous Ieremia, the All Black Alama Ieremia, he is tall, rangy, athletic and strong. Another player with a fantastic skillset.
Tanner Stowers-Smith - Prop - Watching Tanner play for most of the year I was concerned he was a dud. Hits the life soft, doesnt carry particuallry strong and is a non threat. Made me think a lot of a prop the Warriors used to have called Matt Jobson. Went nowhere and was a basically a reserve grader at best. Last few weeks something has seemed to click for Tanner. He looks more robust, he is running harder and looks to be bending the line a lot more. Also have to think he is only a kid and props take longer to develop. Nice to see, he is getting better. Would love for him to sit down and watch the panthers James Fisher-Harris who is built in the same mold as him.
Tom Ale - Lock - No longer a rookie but is most talented and threatening/robust in his natural lock position. When he plays at prop he skill set is nullified. He is wasted at prop. At lock he another player. Hits lines and holes and constantly threatens to cause havoc. Hopefully he gets more time on the field in 2024 interchanging with an aging Tohu in the lock position. Warriors will lose nothing if they play him there.
Ali Leiataua - Centre - Absolute gun and as much as I was raving about Leka Halasima, this guy is pretty much as good. Lock him up on a 5 - 7 year deal. What club would not sign this kid? Legit game breaker. Just like his great uncle Ali Lauiititi, he can change a game with insane skills and power. Warriors centre hopefully for the next 10 years. Sooner he is in the team the better for the Warriors.
Patrick Moimoi - Centre - Powerful and aggresive. Needs time to develop but built in the Moses Suli mold. A good talent that may have a lot of upside.
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Talented as this crop of youngsters are and as we've always had talented crop of youngsters coming through, reality is only maybe 2 (at best 3) of that list will kick on to become regular NRL 1st graders.......the odds arent great.....its just the reality.

The post 2011 season should always stand as a reminder a strong squad is built on a balance of experienced/journeymen/ and promising players.......

The club lost that balance being fooled by all that early Toyota Cup success. After that successful 2011 season we let go of something like 600 games worth of first grade experience with the mistaken belief that crop of youngsters would immediately kick on and fill the gap......something that's probably taken a decade to recover from.
 
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Boats n Hoes said:
Talented as this crop of youngsters are and as we've always had talented crop of youngsters coming through, reality is only maybe 2 (at best 3) of that list will kick on to become regular NRL 1st graders.......the odds arent great.....its just the reality.

The post 2011 season should always stand as a reminder a strong squad is built on a balance of experienced/journeymen/ and promising players.......

The club lost that balance being fooled by all that early Toyota Cup success. After that successful 2011 season we let go of something like 600 games worth of first grade experience with the mistaken belief that crop of youngsters would immediately kick on and fill the gap......something that's probably taken a decade to recover from.
Click to expand...
Slight differences with this current crop though….
We have a better coaching set up now,
The youngsters are playing in cup against men,
They are being slowing worked in one at a time.

I agree with you about the past, but I’m more hopeful that with our current set up more will succeed
 
Boats n Hoes said:
Talented as this crop of youngsters are and as we've always had talented crop of youngsters coming through, reality is only maybe 2 (at best 3) of that list will kick on to become regular NRL 1st graders.......the odds arent great.....its just the reality.

The post 2011 season should always stand as a reminder a strong squad is built on a balance of experienced/journeymen/ and promising players.......

The club lost that balance being fooled by all that early Toyota Cup success. After that successful 2011 season we let go of something like 600 games worth of first grade experience with the mistaken belief that crop of youngsters would immediately kick on and fill the gap......something that's probably taken a decade to recover from.
Click to expand...
Halasima is as close to a sure thing you will find. Not if but when. Arguably best forward prospect in both NZ/Aus

I’d say Sifakula would be very sure but his ACL injury complicates things.

Ali looks decent so far and his last game shows the rate of improvement he’s had this year.

But you’re right, the rest are definitely not absolute locks to become first grade regulars.
 
Five&Last said:
Halasima is as close to a sure thing you will find. Not if but when. Arguably best forward prospect in both NZ/Aus

I’d say Sifakula would be very sure but his ACL injury complicates things.

Ali looks decent so far and his last game shows the rate of improvement he’s had this year.

But you’re right, the rest are definitely not absolute locks to become first grade regulars.
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Don't disagree but why isn't he playing NSW cup atm, is he hurt?
 
Noitall said:
Tristan Sailor in talks to two super league clubs apparently. Thought he was excellent against us when we played the broncos. Thought he’d find an nrl club no problem.
Click to expand...
He would be the starting Dragons FB if he didn't get the sack. Could be a spot back there if Flanno could sell him the dream. Or Bulldogs need a FB.

Warriors in coming seasons might be attractive to sharp Aussies. But it kinda goes against being a development club.
Ref said:
I’d be buying Shawn Bloore if I was buying a Tiger.
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This would add a very potent string to our pack. But we are heavy on the back row forwards front. He was dangerous against us in Hamilton. Almost rescued that game for them.
 
Boats n Hoes said:
Talented as this crop of youngsters are and as we've always had talented crop of youngsters coming through, reality is only maybe 2 (at best 3) of that list will kick on to become regular NRL 1st graders.......the odds arent great.....its just the reality.
Click to expand...
I think it’s better than that.

In any typical year you would only expect a couple to break into first grade but that list has players aged from 17 to 25 and due to covid there’s probably 3 rounds of juniors backed up in NSW cup.
 
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