Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
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-​	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

 

[Noitall]

Dragons and Dogs in, Roosters out of Addin Fonua-Blake race amid new Warriors clause

The race for Warriors star Addin Fonua-Blake is about to intensify with The Sunday Telegraph revelation of a release clause that has wiped out almost half the competition.
The Warriors will apply hard and fast rules around who Addin Fonua-Blake can sign with in the wake of his request to be released from the final year of his contract.
And the signing restrictions augur well for Dragons and Bulldogs fans.
Fonua-Blake dropped a bombshell on the NRL two weeks ago when he informed the Warriors he wished to break from his contract on the basis of compassionate grounds.
One of the most damaging props in the game who could demand close to $1 million a season, Fonua-Blake wants to return to Sydney for personal family reasons.
The 28-year-old and Warriors management have since come to an agreement that he will remain in New Zealand for the 2024 season with the very likelihood of being let go to play for a rival club for the 2025 season.
The Tongan international is currently contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2026.
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that as part of the release terms, the Warriors have told Fonua-Blake that they will only consider releasing him to a Sydney club.
The strict parameters are similar to what the Warriors told Reece Walsh after he approached the club for a release halfway through the 2022 season.
Walsh wanted to move to Brisbane to be closer to family, prompting the Warriors to declare that the star fullback be permitted only to sign with the Broncos.
The Sydney-only move for Fonua-Blake rules out any possible recruitment pitch from seven of the 17 clubs based interstate or in regional centres including the Raiders, Knights, Storm, Broncos, Cowboys, Titans and Dolphins.
The list of Sydney club’s with close to a $1 million in salary cap space for 2025 and that are also willing to spend such a significant amount on a front-rower is far from lengthy.
Only the Dragons, Bulldogs and possibly the Rabbitohs, Sharks and Wests Tigers would be able to manoeuvre their salary cap and roster spots in their forward pack to accommodate Fonua-Blake.
Parramatta and Penrith both boast heavily-contracted forward packs, while The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Roosters have also ruled out making a play for Fonua-Blake.
The Bulldogs are in desperate need of an enforcer up front and GM of football Phil Gould has a relationship with Fonua-Blake that dates back to his short tenure as consultant to the Warriors in 2021.
Undoubtedly, the Dragons will view themselves as major contenders for Fonua-Blake’s signature having already declared their genuine interest in securing the front-rower.
They also have the salary cap space to entertain Fonua-Blake’s near $1 million asking price.
Fonua-Blake was a former co-captain of the Dragons 2014 SG Ball side before being let go to join Manly in 2015. He was formerly coached by current Dragons assistant coach, Dean Young.
Another factor in Fonua-Blake’s release will be the potential of a club offering a swap deal with the Warriors.
The Warriors will be aiming to replace the forward leader with a like-for-like replacement.

 

[Ozwarrior]

Seven clubs wiped out of Fonua-Blake race by strict get-out clause​

David RiccioExclusive
The Warriors will apply hard and fast rules around who Addin Fonua-Blake can sign with in the wake of his request to be released from the final year of his contract.
And the signing restrictions augur well for Dragons and Bulldogs fans.

Fonua-Blake dropped a bombshell on the NRL two weeks ago when he informed the Warriors he wished to break from his contract on the basis of compassionate grounds.

One of the most damaging props in the game who could demand close to $1 million a season, Fonua-Blake wants to return to Sydney for personal family reasons.

The 28-year-old and Warriors management have since come to an agreement that he will remain in New Zealand for the 2024 season with the very likelihood of being let go to play for a rival club for the 2025 season.

Addin Fonua-Blake wants to return to Sydney for personal family reasons. Picture: Getty Images
The Tongan international is currently contracted to the Warriors until the end of 2026.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal that as part of the release terms, the Warriors have told Fonua-Blake that they will only consider releasing him to a Sydney club.

The strict parameters are similar to what the Warriors told Reece Walsh after he approached the club for a release halfway through the 2022 season.

Walsh wanted to move to Brisbane to be closer to family, prompting the Warriors to declare that the star fullback be permitted only to sign with the Broncos.

The Sydney-only move for Fonua-Blake rules out any possible recruitment pitch from seven of the 17 clubs based interstate or in regional centres including the Raiders, Knights, Storm, Broncos, Cowboys, Titans and Dolphins.

The list of Sydney club’s with close to a $1 million in salary cap space for 2025 and that are also willing to spend such a significant amount on a front-rower is far from lengthy.

Only the Dragons, Bulldogs and possibly the Rabbitohs, Sharks and Wests Tigers would be able to manoeuvre their salary cap and roster spots in their forward pack to accommodate Fonua-Blake.

The Warriors only permitted Reece Walsh to sign with the Broncos when he was looking to get out of the club and return home to Brisbane. Picture: NRL Photos
Parramatta and Penrith both boast heavily-contracted forward packs, while The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Roosters have also ruled out making a play for Fonua-Blake.

The Bulldogs are in desperate need of an enforcer up front and GM of football Phil Gould has a relationship with Fonua-Blake that dates back to his short tenure as consultant to the Warriors in 2021.

Undoubtedly, the Dragons will view themselves as major contenders for Fonua-Blake’s signature having already declared their genuine interest in securing the front-rower.

They also have the salary cap space to entertain Fonua-Blake’s near $1 million asking price.

Fonua-Blake was a former co-captain of the Dragons 2014 SG Ball side before being let go to join Manly in 2015. He was formerly coached by current Dragons assistant coach, Dean Young.

Another factor in Fonua-Blake’s release will be the potential of a club offering a swap deal with the Warriors.

The Warriors will be aiming to replace the forward leader with a like-for-like replacement.

 

[MurrayTD]

OFF TOPIC ALERT! how do you open a new thread? would like to post an all time greatest Warriors XVII. Thanks in advance.

 

[Noitall]

Another factor in Fonua-Blake’s release will be the potential of a club offering a swap deal with the Warriors.

The Warriors will be aiming to replace the forward leader with a like-for-like replacement.

If this is still something the club are seeking, can they send him somewhere he doesn’t want to go? Presume all parties need to be happy with the outcome?

 

[j_p]

If this is still something the club are seeking, can they send him somewhere he doesn’t want to go? Presume all parties need to be happy with the outcome?

Can't send him somewhere he doesn't want to go but can refuse to let him go early which won't end up great for both sides. At that point would depend on how badly he wants to be closer to his family over there.
As someone posted earlier doesn't necessarily have to be a player from the club he goes to. Could just be a chain of events of players being signed and offloaded due to cap restraints where we end up with a decent replacement before we sign off on him leaving to his next club.

 

[j_p]

OFF TOPIC ALERT! how do you open a new thread? would like to post an all time greatest Warriors XVII. Thanks in advance.

If you're on mobile there should be a red button with post thread at top of page. From memory you might need a minimum number of posts before you can make new threads.
Also there was a thread on that topic but not sure if that's still around after the update.

 

[Noitall]

Can't send him somewhere he doesn't want to go but can refuse to let him go early which won't end up great for both sides. At that point would depend on how badly he wants to be closer to his family over there.
As someone posted earlier doesn't necessarily have to be a player from the club he goes to. Could just be a chain of events of players being signed and offloaded due to cap restraints where we end up with a decent replacement before we sign off on him leaving to his next club.

I guess with the mention of a factor in his release being the potential of a club offering a swap deal would be considered as to the player and team to both player and club if put on the table.

 

[Raygz13]

Seriously, how are the Bulldogs even a contender? They had a whole heap of recent signings and already have a few highly paid players already there. Their depth must be questionable if they were to sign Fonua-Blake.

 

[tajhay]

OFF TOPIC ALERT! how do you open a new thread? would like to post an all time greatest Warriors XVII. Thanks in advance.

https://nzwarriors.com/forums/-/create-thread

 

[snake77]

The club stating he can only go to a Sydney club is fair enough. When he asked for a release it was stated he wanted to return to Sydney.

Sure being in Australia it would be easier with interstate travel compared to international travel. He requested a release due to wanting to return to Sydney so it's fair enough to put that as a condition.

Some in the league community like to push the hardships the Sydney clubs face. Situations like these the number of clubs in Sydney is an advantage. If his family were in Canberra or Townsville it limits his options. At least in Sydney there are enough clubs for him to choose a good fit. Either financially, chances of success etc.

If a player needs to return to Auckland for family reasons its not a given the Warriors will sign him. It is more likely the player will confirm there is a place for him before they return. CNK is a good example.

The one that made me laugh years ago was Timana Tahu. His wife decided she wanted to move back to Newcastle. That severely limits her husbands employment options as there is only one club in the city. She could have waited for his career to wind up first. In the end it worked out as he was a big name and ended up signing with the Knights but it isn't a given as they may not have had cap space or a need for his position etc.

 

[Ozwarrior]

Sunday Sesh: All Blacks star Tyrone Thompson to follow twin brother Leo to NRL, Newcastle Knights | Daily Telegraph​

Star forward Leo Thompson’s twin brother Tyrone is on the verge of a cross-code switch to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
Tyrone Thompson, who is on the cusp of All Blacks squad selection, has had talks with the Knights about the prospect of joining the club once his deal with New Zealand rugby expires.

The Knights are expected to explore any potential salary cap dispensation which has been floated by the NRL in recent days. Having watched on as brother Leo has risen to international status, Tyrone is planning on trying to replicate that.

Tyrone, 23, toured with the All Blacks at the end of last year and featured in a match against the Barbarians. He was overlooked for the World Cup squad and now has his heart set on joining Leo in Newcastle by 2025. Tyrone plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Tyrone Thompson. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The brothers were teenage rugby standouts in New Zealand, making a host of junior representative teams and were earmarked as future stars.

However, Leo wanted to play rugby league and now his brother wants to do the same.

Few forwards have made an effective transition between the two codes. Leo, however, has been one of the game’s success stories. He signed with the Raiders before picking up a train and trial deal with the Knights in 2022.

He quickly impressed and was one of the bargain buys of the year. The Knights took little time to tie Leo down and have now locked him in until the end of 2025. He made his international debut for the Kiwis this year and played off the bench in their win against the Kangaroos earlier this month.

EDDIE: RUGBY MUST MAUL NRL​

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones says that rugby union needs to keep chasing elite NRL stars and has come up with a surprising target for Rugby Australia as the embattled code looks to bounce back from World Cup devastation.

Only days after RA chief executive Phil Waugh declared the code needed to be more fiscally responsible, Jones suggested rugby league stars should be the icing on the cake of any rugby union rebuild.

Speaking on The Bye Round with James Graham, Jones said rugby union needed to sell the code to young stars already playing the sport and top it off with the best of rugby league.

“I think that is a bit of icing on the cake,” Jones said.

“It is good for the stature of rugby to get one or two of those top players, and it captures headlines mate.”

Jones, who quit after the Wallabies’ woeful performance at the World Cup, had a left-field option for RA – Dolphins and Queensland forward Tom Gilbert.

Tom Gilbert of the Dolphins celebrates after scoring a try. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
“He is a bit like Peter Ryan — hard, tough,” Jones said.

“You just need another one of those because they change the way you train.”

Jones said the more immediate priority for RA and rugby union was to make itself more attractive to young players already in the code, pointing to the example of Max Jorgensen – the teenager who rejected the Sydney Roosters to commit to rugby union.

“You have to make it exciting for them,” he said.

“Max Jorgensen did the whole pre-season with the Roosters, was probably going to play with the first team.

“Australian rugby last year took an Australia A tour to Japan and he fell in love with rugby. Thought how good is this?

“Then he comes to the World Cup as an 18 yearly. Unfortunately gets injured at training and doesn’t play, but he is invested in rugby now because he can see what it can bring him.”

The full interview between James Graham and Eddie Jones drops on Sunday afternoon.

CHERRY’S HEART OF GOLD​

Kennedy Cherrington has a heart of gold. The Parramatta and Jillaroos star has been a source of support for young rugby league fan Ruby, 12, who is battling a rare heart condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH).

Recently Ruby had to undergo a double lung transplant in Melbourne, and Cherrington visited to brighten her spirits.

The pair struck up a friendship during an Eels visit to Westmead’s Ronald McDonald House earlier this year, and have stayed in contact almost daily since.

Sadly, Ruby has had to give up playing rugby league, like Cherrington, who was also diagnosed with a congenital heart condition as a kid.

SOUTH AFRICA ON LEAGUE MAP​

South Africa has emerged as a surprise destination to host a future Rugby League World Cup as the international body explores taking the event away from the traditional Australia, New Zealand or England markets.

South Africa is not alone with the likes of Japan and USA also being considered as the International Rugby League (IRL) federation prepares to open up its tendering process for future events.

“We have to spread the wings to see where the interest is,” said outgoing IRL chairman Troy Grant.

Could South Africa host a future Rugby League World Cup?
“A World Cup traditionally is over a six week period. To hold the interest of crowds is a challenge but having said that we have to get out of the cycle of England/Australia.

“That’s what is attractive about South Africa. It is a rugby league playing nation who knows rugby union well. It’s a good destination for rugby league fans to travel to.

“North America is a target at the right time.”

The next World Cup in 2026 will be in the southern hemisphere after France pulled out of hosting. America was also expected to be the destination for the now shelved 2025 tournament.

But there is nothing locked in for 2030 as yet.

Grant said the re-introduction of a World Nines at some stage might be a prime opportunity to introduce the game into a new market.

“When you take a six week tournament to a new venue there is risk in it because how do you hold the interest and hold the crowd for six weeks,” Grant said. “You have to do it in a measured, sensible way. It has to be a short and snappy major event. Like a nine’s format, a carnival-type situation.

“That’s the challenge the game has.”

TSZYU EYES ALI IN VEGAS​

Fledgling plans to have Nikita Tszyu fight Muhammad Ali’s grandson as part of the NRL’s Australia-week extravaganza in Las Vegas go on the line next week in Newcastle.

The unbeaten Tszyu faces the biggest challenge of his professional career when he takes on Dylan Biggs, a fellow undefeated fighter.

The bookies have Tszyu as a slight favourite and there is plenty at stake for the younger brother of Tim Tszyu.

There has been talk that he could feature on a card with brother Tim on the eve of the NRL season-opening double header in Las Vegas in early-March.

Nico Ali Walsh has been flagged as a potential opponent. The grandson of Muhammad Ali has won eight of his nine fights, the vast majority by knockout.

Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh
First of all Nikita has to find a way past Biggs in what shapes as the biggest test of his career.

“This is a real 50-50 fight and the whole of Australia should tune in to see how good Nikita really is because this is the chance he’s got to prove himself,” former world champion Jeff Fenech.

“They may have bitten off more than they can chew. Anything can happen so tune in and watch Australia’s best fights for along, long time.”

American Shawn Porter, who has flown out to be part of Main Event’s telecast of the fight, added: “I truly think it’s a 50-50 fight. I think Dylan’s a little more fundamentally sound and he can really whack. He believes wholeheartedly in his power.

“So the questions you may have about Nikita will all be answered in this fight.”

EX-DOG’S BITE​

Manly recruit Corey Waddell has spoken in support of former Bulldogs club captain Ray Faitala-Mariner as his ex-teammate finds himself on the outer at the club.

Faitala-Mariner has been told he is free to leave the Bulldogs, having been frozen out of training last week.

He is now back in the fold but appears to have no future at Belmore as the club continues an overhaul of a playing roster that won only seven games last season.

“They made him club captain over there at the start of this year,” Waddell said.

“I don’t really know what is going on over there at the moment. I forgot about it as much as I could, but for Ray, I wish him all the best whichever way that goes for him over there.

“I think he probably needs to do what is best for his career. I hope that he works it all out.”

Matt White.

MEDIA BUZZ​

Name: Matt White

Age: 53

Job title: SEN Mornings With Matt White – Host

First job?

Patrolling parcel pick-up at Woolworths at Warringah Mall, Brookvale. First job in the media was a Copy Boy at The Manly Daily Newspaper.

Your sporting heroes?

Graham Eadie, Viv Richards, Joe Montana

What NRL team do you follow?

Manly. Sliding down the back of the hill at Brookie Oval on a bit of cardboard is a rite of passage for any kid growing up following the Sea Eagles.

What sports did you play?

Everything and anything: footy, cricket, baseball, water polo. When I realised that I wasn’t going to make it in any of them, I thought reporting on them would be just as much fun.

How do you spend a day off?

Coaching cricket, chasing cattle or keeping active.

Career highlight?

Commentating Greg Murphy’s “Lap Of The Gods” at Bathurst 2003 alongside the best in the motorsport business, Neil Crompton.

 

[Defence]

Fark no- those Thompson boys should be warriors- could build our forward pack around them.
I’d have no problem releasing afb to Newcastle if they released Leo to us then use the new rugby money to sign his bro and u still got half a million left over.
Is this union concession actually a thing? Haven’t seen anything official but if it’s a goer we should be at the forefront.

 

[SBW1]

Really like the idea of taking the League World Cup to South Africa, one of the Head hunchos of the NRL is South African, so he could pull some strings there.

 

[Completion Rate]

Really like the idea of taking the League World Cup to South Africa, one of the Head hunchos of the NRL is South African, so he could pull some strings there.

It's still illegal there such is the hold RU has over sport played in SA. Same old colonial privilege bs. Not likely to happen despite it probably being great for the game.

 

[Playdaball]

It's still illegal there such is the hold RU has over sport played in SA. Same old colonial privilege bs. Not likely to happen despite it probably being great for the game.

It's still illegal there such is the hold RU has over sport played in SA. Same old colonial privilege bs. Not likely to happen despite it probably being great for the game.

Illegal? I’ve heard that rumour - they have a comp running

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063782460330

 

[Brightman]

Illegal? I’ve heard that rumour - they have a comp running

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063782460330

People have been jailed for their participation in RL administration in SA. They get no government funding because it is an outlawed sport..

 

[Makasene]

Illegal? I’ve heard that rumour - they have a comp running

https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063782460330

Illegal is a strong word that I've used but perhaps a better interpretation is "unrecognised"

In other countries like USA or Canada rugby is rugby - union or league don't matter lol

I tried to explain the differences to a Canadian once and he genuinely could not see the difference

 

[snake77]

When I used to read more of the main news sites Steve Mascord used to be good to read about rugby league around the world.

Things like officials getting arrested or offices closed down.

I think the South Africa position was around not having a World Cup. That doesn't fly now unless they put conditions on it like the number of teams at the World Cup. I recall seeing taking a World Cup to South Africa or doing something else there has come up before. Bringing in a competition would help their economy which likely overrule any traditional issues against rugby league.

 

[snake77]

I love how all of this compensation for signing union players is coming out after we signed one. Yes he is a former league player but he still came from union.

Do we get compensation under the cap for RTS?
We can't answer this as he signed with us. But would there have been compensation if he signed with a high profile club that has the ear of NRL management?

I don't think we will see a flood of players come across from union or other codes. Maybe 1 or 2. It's come up in the past and no one signed. The money in union now would mean most players will stick with what they now seeing as they can move to more competitions and in a lot of instances earn more. Maybe the state of union in Australia may mean they could snag a few seeing as the sport isn't going well currently and the broadcast deals don't match the NRL.

For a Warriors point of view we'd need to look at the levels under the All Blacks like Super Rugby or NPC. Someone with potential we can develop. Probably have the NRL come back saying it's for high profile players not the centre from Hawkes bay or the winger from Taranaki.

 

[Noitall]

EX-DOG’S BITE​

Manly recruit Corey Waddell has spoken in support of former Bulldogs club captain Ray Faitala-Mariner as his ex-teammate finds himself on the outer at the club.

Faitala-Mariner has been told he is free to leave the Bulldogs, having been frozen out of training last week.

He is now back in the fold but appears to have no future at Belmore as the club continues an overhaul of a playing roster that won only seven games last season.

“They made him club captain over there at the start of this year,” Waddell said.

“I don’t really know what is going on over there at the moment. I forgot about it as much as I could, but for Ray, I wish him all the best whichever way that goes for him over there.

“I think he probably needs to do what is best for his career. I hope that he works it all out

Hearing that an article comes out tomorrow from Jackson Topine’s side of the story. Apparently doesn’t paint the bulldogs in a good light at all.