Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
​

-​	Player​	2024​	2025​	2026​	2027​	2028​
1	Bunty Afoa	✔	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔	✔	✔
4	The Greatest of All-Time	✔	✔	✔
5	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔	✔
6	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔	✔
7	Addin Fonua-Blake	✔
8	Jackson Ford	✔	✔
9	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔	✔
10	Tohu Harris	✔	✔
11	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔	M
12	Shaun Johnson	✔
13	Edward Kosi	✔	✔
14	Jacob Laban	✔	✔	✔
15	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔
16	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔	✔
17	Zyon Maiu’u	✔	✔	✔
18	Te Maire Martin	✔	✔
19	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔	✔
20	Marcelo Montoya	✔	✔
21	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔
22	Marata Niukore	✔	✔	✔
23	Adam Pompey	✔	✔
24	Demitric Sifakula	✔	✔	C
25	Jazz Tevaga	✔
26	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
27	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔	✔
28	Dylan Walker	✔	✔
29	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔
D1	Ben Farr	D
D2	Etuane Fukofuka	D
D3	Patrick Moimoi	D
D4	Tanner Stowers-Smith	D	D
-	Jett Cleary	-	D	D	D
-	James Fisher-Harris	-	✔	✔	✔	✔
-	Kalani Going	-	D
-	Motu Pasikala	-	✔	✔	✔

key: C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, D = Development contract

Confirmed Top 30 2024: 29/30
Confirmed Development 2024: 4/6

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 28/30
Confirmed Development 2025: 4/6

2025 Gains: James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers Pathways), Kahu Capper (Roosters Pathways)
2025 Losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Jazz Tevaga (Contract Expired), Shaun Johnson (Retirement)
2025 Off Contract: Nil

 

[SJ2k]

Should be aiming to get Pap and Utoikamanu from the tigs, dreams are free

 

[UpTheWahs]

Clubs will have to stump up a million dollars a season to land Fonua-Blake because under NRL rules he will be unable to take a pay cut to shift clubs whilst under contract.

Defence not sure why you deleted your post where you said I was probably wrong about the NRL not registering cheaper contracts and you'll check with someone in the know, but here you go mate.

 

[watcher]

My thinking is regsrding Tohu is thst due his being Captain, his conzistency of performance snd marketability he is resigned on the same money.

I think his resigning could solve an issue. If he is moved into Prop he will solve an issue the we are light on Props.

I would give Ale an extended run at 13 and ease Maiu into the 17 on the bench.

 

[MurrayTD]

Just finished watching a highlight package of RTS what a superb player, nearly cracked a chubby with immense pride for RTS himself, but more importantly that he is back to the Warriors in 2024!. If he plays close to 75% of his old ability, coupled with our current packs go forward he has the skill/determination/fitness/character to be the best signing of 2024! I would presume/hope he would be given a roaming role around dummy half in attack, with quick play the balls and a retreating defence RTS could be unplayable, coupled with no captaincy worries, less metres to cover from fullback, and another attacking threat in SJ you would hope he has more gas in the tank and possibly less defenders to inject himself more often in attacking plays and own our attack. Let's not forget his outstanding defence either.
Regardless of what pans out so excited and proud to have a true Warriors/NRL legend back. 2024 shaping up to be a big year, coach locked in, AFB playing, RTS back, confidence high, young talent coming, huge support at Mt Smart and depth across the field. Very exciting.

 

[kos]

Makes me wonder what we’ll get out of AFB next season before he leaves……will he step it up or just cruise with his mind set on his departure.

The thing with AFB even when he is just on cruise he is still ok.
He seems to play at less than max which I guess avoids injury

 

[Ozwarrior]

Has anyone got access to DT article on each clubs train and trials?

Every NRL club’s train and trial players heading in to the 2024 pre-season | Daily Telegraph​

Former Origin players, sons of current NRL coaches, the game’s best young players, a young Englishman and veterans hoping for one final shot in first grade.
These are the players who will slog it out for $1200 per week chasing their NRL dream on train and trial deals as clubs look to unearth the next Jahream Bula who was in their shoes this time last year before going on to become one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Some will last just weeks, others the whole NRL season.

Nathan Brown played in a grand final in 2022 but now he joins Manly on a cut-price deal as he looks to keep his career going.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur’s son Matt gets a taste of first grade. So too does Jed Stuart, the son of Ricky Stuart in Canberra.

Ethan Quai-Ward made a high profile mid-season switch to the Bulldogs and scored a try on debut. Just months later he is back at Brisbane on a training deal.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY CLUB’S FULL TRAIN AND TRIAL LIST

New signings Luke Brooks (c) and Nathan Brown (3L) at Manly pre-season training. Picture: Jeremy Piper
Brown is the most experienced of the players as he fronted up with his new club on Friday after a short-stint with the Roosters. The former NSW Origin player is expected to be given a top 30 deal but the Sea Eagles need to create some space in their roster before they do so.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold said getting the 30-year-old into the club was an easy decision.

“I was really keen to give him an opportunity,” Seibold said.

Train and Trial: How it works​

Train and trial players earn $1200 per week.
They will pocket $3000 per first grade game they play, however they’re ineligible to be picked until round 11 — unless they win NRL approval.
There is no cap on the amount of train and trial contracts clubs give. Some are just weeks long, others months and some a full season.
“He has played over 150 games, Origin and a grand final. He brings a lot of experience. What it does for us, is it provides more competition for spots and more depth in the middle forwards. We are looking as soon as we can to upgrade him from train and trial to a full-time contract. This is a good opportunity for him.”

Brown is not the only player with NRL experience looking to resurrect their career. Ex-Tiger Austin Dias gets another pre-season with Manly, Trai Fuller gets a crack at the Dolphins once again while Declan Casey, who played six games at the Bulldogs, has an opportunity at the Tigers.

English youngster Aiden Doolan trying to get a crack at South Sydney. Credit: Supplied
At South Sydney they have given Englishman Aiden Doolan a chance despite not playing Super League at Warrington. Doolan, a hooker, came to the club on the recommendation of former Super League veteran Tyrone McCarthy who now heads the club’s pathways. Doolan will play NSW Cup and potentially Jersey Flegg next year.

“He looks great,” said South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou. “He has been one of the fittest already. He has only been in the country for two weeks but has handled it really well. We want to get him into the system. We have Damien Cook and Peter Mamouzelos in our top 30 but we wanted to strengthen our depth in that position. He could potentially come into the top 30 next year. Brock Gray is another (train and trialist). He has come back in great shape and he was one of the form front-rowers in the NSW Cup. I’m looking forward to watching him development.”

Tom Rodwell playing for Sharks juniors. Credit: Facebook.
Other key contracts include:

– Tom Rodwell (son of former NSW centre Brett) and Sam Healey (son of Cronulla legend Mitch) given a chance at the Sharks.

– The Eels‘ top 30 is set so they’re using it as an opportunity to blood youngsters including Arthur (hooker), Dan Keir (backrow), Api Twidle (outside back), Richard Penisini (centre), Josh Lynn (half) and Arthur Miller-Stephens (outside back). Miller-Stephens made his NRL debut on the wing in 2023 while Penisini’s brother Will is entrenched in the top grade.

– Jensen Taumoepeau played 14 NSW Cup games for Newtown before his Sharks contract expired. Now at the Cowboys on a train-and-trial deal.

– South Sydney’s relationship with the Townsville Blackhawks has four players taking part in pre-season.

– The Storm are already tapping into their relationship with North Sydney by giving Bears players Jake Toby, Jesse Marshke and Regan Hughes a crack. Ex-Dragon lower grader Treigh Stewart is also in Melbourne.

– The Roosters are awaiting NRL approval before handing veteran Michael Jennings a training deal.

Former Patrician Brothers Blacktown player Matt Arthur has a train and trial deal at the same club his father coaches. Picture: Jonathan Ng
The players do not need to go too far to look for inspiration. Bula was on the same contract as them last season before going on to ink a multimillion-dollar contract extension on his way to claiming the Tigers player of the year award.

Bula was not alone. The likes of Luke Somerton, Dean Matterson, Junior Pauga, Josh Reynolds, Khaled Rajab, Ryan and Toby Couchman, Tristan Sailor and Ali Leiataua all played NRL after having training contracts.

New Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall said played down any talk of second-year syndrome for Bula.

“I think it is a myth,” Marshall said. “If you are good enough you get through it and play. I think what happens sometimes is kids feel the pressure of the second year to be as good as they were last year or better.

“That is my job – to take that pressure away and make them feel like they were better.”

NRL 2024 TRAIN AND TRIAL LIST​

SHARKS
Jack Gibbons (backrower), Tom Rodwell (outside back), Jordan Swann (centre/backrower), Riley Pollard (halfback), Sam Healey (hooker)
COWBOYS
Hiale Roycroft (prop), Josh Smith (centre), Sean Mullany (hooker), Rayden Burns (fullback), Rashaun Denny (centre), Ewan Moore (second row), Kyle Schneider (hooker), Jensen Taumoepeau (centre), John Radel (prop).
DRAGONS
Hayden Buchanan (centre/backrow), Loko Pasifiki Tonga (prop) ,Lyhkan King-Togia (half), Jett Liu (prop), Kade Reed (halfback), Finau Latu (backrow) Nick Tsougranis (backrow), Jacob Webster (prop)
MANLY
Zane Dunford (prop), Austin Dias (prop), Jacob Sykes (prop), Cameron Brown (outside back), Clayton Faulalo (outside back), Nathan Brown (prop)
EELS
Dan Keir (backrow), Api Twidle (outside back), Matt Arthur (hooker), Richard Penisini (centre), Josh Lynn (half), Arthur Miller-Stephens (outside back)
PANTHERS
Daeon Amituanai (winger), Trent Toelau (half), Billy Scott (hooker)
WARRIORS
Sio Kali (outside back), Setu Tu (outside back)
ROOSTERS
Ethan King (outside back), Corey Ross (backrow), Salesi Foketi (backrow), Tayson Fakaosi (prop), Phoenix Steinwede (backrow), Alan Holten (hooker), Hugo Savala (half), Michael Jennings (centre) TBC
KNIGHTS
Jaxon Rahme (backrow), Malachi Smith (hooker), Jayden Harris (outside back), Liam Sutton (half), Jye Linnane (half), Elijah Salesa Leaumoana (backrow), Jermaine McEwen (backrow), Jeremy Trappett (outside back), Laitia Moceidreke (outside back), Clay Webb (backrow), Kyle
McCarthy (outside back)
RABBITOHS
Terell Kalo Kalo (fullback), Brock Gray (backrow), Adam Christensen (backrow), Emmanuel DiBartolo (half), Nazareth Taua (prop), Aiden Doolan (hooker). Townsville Blackhawks affiliate: Richard Holani (prop), Cade Maloney (backrow), Harry Quinlan (outside back), Nichoals Halailo (backrow)
BRONCOS
Ethan Quai-Ward (centre), Matt Milson (fullback)
RAIDERS
Jed Stuart (second row) ,Prinston Esera (outside back), Mitchell Spencer (five-eighth), Shaun Packer (hooker)
DOLPHINS
Trai Fuller (fullback), Brenton Baira (fullback), Lewis Symonds (second row), Tevita Naufahu (utility back), Elija Rasmussen (prop), Jordan Lipp (centre), Jerome Burns (five-eighth)
TIGERS
Declan Casey, (second row) Luke Laulilii (back), Navren Willett (centre), Cayne Nicholas (hooker).
TITANS
Vaka Sikahele (hooker) Kaleb Ngamanu (outside back) Joseph Shannon (forward) Sam Stephenson (outside back)
STORM
Jake Toby (fullback), Jesse Marshke (halfback), Regan Hughes (lock) ,Tom Rafter (second row) ,Tristan Hope (hooker), Treigh Stewart (fullback), Caius Faatili (prop)
BULLDOGS
Harry Hayes (centre), Eli Clarke (centre), Jack Todd (prop), Lipoi Hopoi (backrow)

 

[Noitall]

https://silvertails.net/attachments/bali-jpg.25509/

AFB in Bali with Olakau’atu and Suli.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

https://silvertails.net/attachments/bali-jpg.25509/

AFB in Bali with Olakau’atu and Suli.

“Homesick”

 

[tyrael]

“Homesick”

Home is wherever he's gets the most thanks for carrying his team ...

 

[Ever Hopeful]

Wow, possible Michael Jennings comeback for the Roosters.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Every NRL club’s train and trial players heading in to the 2024 pre-season | Daily Telegraph​

Former Origin players, sons of current NRL coaches, the game’s best young players, a young Englishman and veterans hoping for one final shot in first grade.
These are the players who will slog it out for $1200 per week chasing their NRL dream on train and trial deals as clubs look to unearth the next Jahream Bula who was in their shoes this time last year before going on to become one of the game’s brightest young stars.

Some will last just weeks, others the whole NRL season.

Nathan Brown played in a grand final in 2022 but now he joins Manly on a cut-price deal as he looks to keep his career going.

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur’s son Matt gets a taste of first grade. So too does Jed Stuart, the son of Ricky Stuart in Canberra.

Ethan Quai-Ward made a high profile mid-season switch to the Bulldogs and scored a try on debut. Just months later he is back at Brisbane on a training deal.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY CLUB’S FULL TRAIN AND TRIAL LIST

New signings Luke Brooks (c) and Nathan Brown (3L) at Manly pre-season training. Picture: Jeremy Piper
Brown is the most experienced of the players as he fronted up with his new club on Friday after a short-stint with the Roosters. The former NSW Origin player is expected to be given a top 30 deal but the Sea Eagles need to create some space in their roster before they do so.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold said getting the 30-year-old into the club was an easy decision.

“I was really keen to give him an opportunity,” Seibold said.

Train and Trial: How it works​

Train and trial players earn $1200 per week.
They will pocket $3000 per first grade game they play, however they’re ineligible to be picked until round 11 — unless they win NRL approval.
There is no cap on the amount of train and trial contracts clubs give. Some are just weeks long, others months and some a full season.
“He has played over 150 games, Origin and a grand final. He brings a lot of experience. What it does for us, is it provides more competition for spots and more depth in the middle forwards. We are looking as soon as we can to upgrade him from train and trial to a full-time contract. This is a good opportunity for him.”

Brown is not the only player with NRL experience looking to resurrect their career. Ex-Tiger Austin Dias gets another pre-season with Manly, Trai Fuller gets a crack at the Dolphins once again while Declan Casey, who played six games at the Bulldogs, has an opportunity at the Tigers.

English youngster Aiden Doolan trying to get a crack at South Sydney. Credit: Supplied
At South Sydney they have given Englishman Aiden Doolan a chance despite not playing Super League at Warrington. Doolan, a hooker, came to the club on the recommendation of former Super League veteran Tyrone McCarthy who now heads the club’s pathways. Doolan will play NSW Cup and potentially Jersey Flegg next year.

“He looks great,” said South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou. “He has been one of the fittest already. He has only been in the country for two weeks but has handled it really well. We want to get him into the system. We have Damien Cook and Peter Mamouzelos in our top 30 but we wanted to strengthen our depth in that position. He could potentially come into the top 30 next year. Brock Gray is another (train and trialist). He has come back in great shape and he was one of the form front-rowers in the NSW Cup. I’m looking forward to watching him development.”

Tom Rodwell playing for Sharks juniors. Credit: Facebook.
Other key contracts include:

– Tom Rodwell (son of former NSW centre Brett) and Sam Healey (son of Cronulla legend Mitch) given a chance at the Sharks.

– The Eels‘ top 30 is set so they’re using it as an opportunity to blood youngsters including Arthur (hooker), Dan Keir (backrow), Api Twidle (outside back), Richard Penisini (centre), Josh Lynn (half) and Arthur Miller-Stephens (outside back). Miller-Stephens made his NRL debut on the wing in 2023 while Penisini’s brother Will is entrenched in the top grade.

– Jensen Taumoepeau played 14 NSW Cup games for Newtown before his Sharks contract expired. Now at the Cowboys on a train-and-trial deal.

– South Sydney’s relationship with the Townsville Blackhawks has four players taking part in pre-season.

– The Storm are already tapping into their relationship with North Sydney by giving Bears players Jake Toby, Jesse Marshke and Regan Hughes a crack. Ex-Dragon lower grader Treigh Stewart is also in Melbourne.

– The Roosters are awaiting NRL approval before handing veteran Michael Jennings a training deal.

Former Patrician Brothers Blacktown player Matt Arthur has a train and trial deal at the same club his father coaches. Picture: Jonathan Ng
The players do not need to go too far to look for inspiration. Bula was on the same contract as them last season before going on to ink a multimillion-dollar contract extension on his way to claiming the Tigers player of the year award.

Bula was not alone. The likes of Luke Somerton, Dean Matterson, Junior Pauga, Josh Reynolds, Khaled Rajab, Ryan and Toby Couchman, Tristan Sailor and Ali Leiataua all played NRL after having training contracts.

New Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall said played down any talk of second-year syndrome for Bula.

“I think it is a myth,” Marshall said. “If you are good enough you get through it and play. I think what happens sometimes is kids feel the pressure of the second year to be as good as they were last year or better.

“That is my job – to take that pressure away and make them feel like they were better.”

NRL 2024 TRAIN AND TRIAL LIST​

SHARKS
Jack Gibbons (backrower), Tom Rodwell (outside back), Jordan Swann (centre/backrower), Riley Pollard (halfback), Sam Healey (hooker)
COWBOYS
Hiale Roycroft (prop), Josh Smith (centre), Sean Mullany (hooker), Rayden Burns (fullback), Rashaun Denny (centre), Ewan Moore (second row), Kyle Schneider (hooker), Jensen Taumoepeau (centre), John Radel (prop).
DRAGONS
Hayden Buchanan (centre/backrow), Loko Pasifiki Tonga (prop) ,Lyhkan King-Togia (half), Jett Liu (prop), Kade Reed (halfback), Finau Latu (backrow) Nick Tsougranis (backrow), Jacob Webster (prop)
MANLY
Zane Dunford (prop), Austin Dias (prop), Jacob Sykes (prop), Cameron Brown (outside back), Clayton Faulalo (outside back), Nathan Brown (prop)
EELS
Dan Keir (backrow), Api Twidle (outside back), Matt Arthur (hooker), Richard Penisini (centre), Josh Lynn (half), Arthur Miller-Stephens (outside back)
PANTHERS
Daeon Amituanai (winger), Trent Toelau (half), Billy Scott (hooker)
WARRIORS
Sio Kali (outside back), Setu Tu (outside back)
ROOSTERS
Ethan King (outside back), Corey Ross (backrow), Salesi Foketi (backrow), Tayson Fakaosi (prop), Phoenix Steinwede (backrow), Alan Holten (hooker), Hugo Savala (half), Michael Jennings (centre) TBC
KNIGHTS
Jaxon Rahme (backrow), Malachi Smith (hooker), Jayden Harris (outside back), Liam Sutton (half), Jye Linnane (half), Elijah Salesa Leaumoana (backrow), Jermaine McEwen (backrow), Jeremy Trappett (outside back), Laitia Moceidreke (outside back), Clay Webb (backrow), Kyle
McCarthy (outside back)
RABBITOHS
Terell Kalo Kalo (fullback), Brock Gray (backrow), Adam Christensen (backrow), Emmanuel DiBartolo (half), Nazareth Taua (prop), Aiden Doolan (hooker). Townsville Blackhawks affiliate: Richard Holani (prop), Cade Maloney (backrow), Harry Quinlan (outside back), Nichoals Halailo (backrow)
BRONCOS
Ethan Quai-Ward (centre), Matt Milson (fullback)
RAIDERS
Jed Stuart (second row) ,Prinston Esera (outside back), Mitchell Spencer (five-eighth), Shaun Packer (hooker)
DOLPHINS
Trai Fuller (fullback), Brenton Baira (fullback), Lewis Symonds (second row), Tevita Naufahu (utility back), Elija Rasmussen (prop), Jordan Lipp (centre), Jerome Burns (five-eighth)
TIGERS
Declan Casey, (second row) Luke Laulilii (back), Navren Willett (centre), Cayne Nicholas (hooker).
TITANS
Vaka Sikahele (hooker) Kaleb Ngamanu (outside back) Joseph Shannon (forward) Sam Stephenson (outside back)
STORM
Jake Toby (fullback), Jesse Marshke (halfback), Regan Hughes (lock) ,Tom Rafter (second row) ,Tristan Hope (hooker), Treigh Stewart (fullback), Caius Faatili (prop)
BULLDOGS
Harry Hayes (centre), Eli Clarke (centre), Jack Todd (prop), Lipoi Hopoi (backrow)

Does anyone think Sio Kali makes it here?

 

[Worried2Death]

A spot in the 30 for someone without a future. RFM just isn’t even close to a player we need. He isn’t even a has been, he is a never was

Some games this year he's looked like the best player on the field, granted maybe that's not saying much when it's the Dogs and another shit team. Wouldn't be opposed to him filling an experience gap for us while we wait for the rookies to come through. Especially if he's effectively free. Right now our power props are AFB and... who?

 

[Wahs Up TV]

View attachment 4360

Doggies sound like they are done with Ray. Could get an absolute cheap steal here for a wealth of knowledge for our youth squad.

Is RFM an upgrade on Bunty? Thats all I want to know

 

[Worried2Death]

Is RFM an upgrade on Bunty? Thats all I want to know

Good question, and is he an upgrade on Jazz at prop

 

[Wahs Up TV]

Good question, and is he an upgrade on Jazz at prop

If the answer is yes, then sign him up.

 

[Noitall]

Is RFM an upgrade on Bunty? Thats all I want to know

Good question, and is he an upgrade on Jazz at prop

Interesting that article mentioning his offers from super league but he’s declined saying he thinks he has more to offer in nrl. I reckon he’s had interest but clubs are waiting to see what the bulldogs decide to pay. Might be like lodge and they pay him to leave?

 

[Dannevegas]

Rewatched the Trial game against the Tigers, Ale and Afoa were really good especially Ale. They just aren’t utilised enough as we have Fonua-Blake and Harris playing big Minutes.
Both were ball playing a lot, More so Afoa and Ale ran for 190 metres. Zyon Maiu’u was damaging both sides of the ball.
I don’t think we’re too desperate in the prop position we just need to utilise them better.
We could still do with another prop thou lol

 

[Defence]

Defence not sure why you deleted your post where you said I was probably wrong about the NRL not registering cheaper contracts and you'll check with someone in the know, but here you go mate.

To shift clubs…
I’m looking into it…

 

[El Chuckie]

“Homesick”

Mum and dad just out of shot? Or maybe when he says 'family', it's more in the toks sense.

 

[Ozwarrior]

Secret clause could spark NRL feeding frenzy in 2023​

Fox League
Titans star David Fifita has quietly made a move that has the potential to cause mayhem in the NRL recruitment market.
Titans star David Fifita reportedly became a free agent on November 1, despite signing a three-year contract extension in August.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the gun back rower’s deal included player options for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Therefore, he is free to negotiate with rivals clubs and his current contract sees him take home almost $1 million per-season.

Watch every match of Pacific Championships LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

The secret clause in Fifita’s contract was reportedly included to allow him to build a relationship with incoming coach Des Hasler.

The Origin representative reportedly was close to leaving the Titans after the shock axing of coach Justin Holbrook.

David Fifita of the Titans could be departing the club. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
However, after a number of meeting with Hasler and fellow teammate Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the pair were convinced to remain at the club.

Fa’asuamaleaui meanwhile signed until the end of 2033, but he also has a get out clause at the end of the 2026 season.

Fifita reportedly has until Round 10 to make up his mind and take up his player option for 2025 or will depart the club.

ROOSTERS’ HUGE RUGBY RECRUITMENT DRIVE

The Sydney Roosters are set to make a shock play for Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase to join the 13-man game from rugby union as the code war rolls on.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Roosters boss Trent Robinson will meet with Nawaqanitawase next week in a potential revenge mission for Joseph Suaalii defecting to rugby.

Mark Nawaqanitawase is set to meet with the Roosters next week.
Nawaqanitawase was one of the Wallabies’ best and brightest stars over the last two seasons and was a starter in their failed 2023 World Cup campaign.

The Roosters are well stocked with outside backs in 2024 with former Knights star Dom Young joining the club.

The Roosters already have Daniel Tupou and Junior Pauga on their books for 2024, but the former is tipped to move on, while Suaalii will switch to rugby after next season.

Nawaqanitawase, 23, has scored 27 tries in 45 games for the Waratahs and five tries in 11 Tests for Australia since making his debut in 2022.

Nawaqanitawase’s potential defection would be a massive blow for rugby union who are trying to bounce back from a horror season under now departed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Nawaqanitawase would likely play wing while he learns the sport, but could be an option at fullback down the line when James Tedesco hangs up the boots.

The 23

Originally published as Secret clause could spark NRL feeding frenzy in 2023