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.
