Recruitment Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention

🤖 Thread Summary

Recent discussion in the Warriors forum revolves around potential roster changes and recruitment strategies for the upcoming seasons. A significant development is the news that Josh Curran has been granted permission to negotiate with other clubs, sparking debate about the wisdom of this move. Several posters, including WahsaurusRex #256 and Tookey 2.0 #249, express disappointment at the prospect of losing Curran, highlighting his value to the team and connection with the fans, others like JaggedJ #250 suggest it could create opportunities for younger players and better allocation of resources. The potential departure of Curran has led to speculation about who might replace him and how it will impact the team's dynamics with Cces #262 noting that it means there will be new players coming in. Discussions about potential replacements and adjustments to the roster have been central to the conversation.

A key theme is whether to prioritize internal development or seek external recruits. Natural Born Warrior #67 advocates for a recruitment strategy focused primarily on junior players and pathways, mirroring the Brisbane Broncos model. Others, like Wizard of Tauranga #62, emphasize annually integrating a player or two from the junior ranks into the top team to foster long-term success. However, concerns are raised by John Nick #69 sballer7 #70, who caution against prematurely discarding experienced players in favor of unproven juniors, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach, in particular mentioning how Webster is doing this. In relation to the youth coming up, it's been speculated that Zyon Maiu'u is being developed to mimic James Fisher-Harris, highlighting a strategic approach to junior development as mentioned by Natural Born Warrior #95

The discussion also involves identifying specific player needs and potential targets. Previously, posters such as Falcon #99 were long advocating for Mo Fotuaika for 2025, though this is no longer an option. Noitall #114 reports on rumors of Daniel Saifiti being shopped around, possibly rekindling interest from the Warriors due to Barnett's connection with him. There's a general consensus, echoed by SJ2k #13 and others, about the need for a dominant prop to support AFB, especially considering the team's vulnerability when he is injured. Conversely, Blain #106 argues against signing Riki, suggesting he wouldn't offer much more than Curran and Ford. Moreover, there is back and forth about Metcalf and other available players to consider in future recruitment plans as referred to by Noitall #231.

The forum members are also actively evaluating current players and their roles within the team. The merits of Jackson Ford are debated, WahsaurusRex #86 pointing out that his stats are better than those of potential recruit Jordan Riki, while differing opinions emerge about moving Tohu Harris to prop. There is a lot of debate relating to this as discussed by JaggedJ #125, about positions in the props vs locks as opposed to just what is the correct middle. Some forum members defend Ale's contributions, noting his potential to develop into a starting prop, and are wary of letting him go, while the recent and confirmed departure of Sironen for overseas, as confirmed by Defence #197, is also noted regarding the players available in the squad.

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Warriors 2024/2025 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
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Player​
2024​
2025​
2026​
2027​
2028​
1Bunty Afoa
2Tom Ale
3Mitchell Barnett
4The Greatest of All-Time
5Kurt Capewell
6Wayde Egan
7Addin Fonua-Blake
8Jackson Ford
9Leka Halasima
10Tohu Harris
11Chanel Harris-TavitaM
12Shaun Johnson
13Edward Kosi
14Jacob Laban
15Ali Leiataua
16Freddy Lussick
17Zyon Maiu'u
18Te Maire Martin
19Luke Metcalf
20Marcelo Montoya
21Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
22Marata Niukore
23Adam Pompey
24Demitric SifakulaC
25Jazz Tevaga
26Taine Tuaupiki
27Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
28Dylan Walker
29Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
D1Ben FarrD
D2Etuane FukofukaD
D3Patrick MoimoiD
D4Tanner Stowers-SmithDD
-Jett Cleary-DDD
-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
 
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NZWarriors.com

We won't be releasing Barnett this year anyway similar to AFB.

Next year I wouldn't be too worried if he was with us or not tbh due to age/salary and the fact that he seems to miss a chunk of the season through suspension or injury. Those things don't usually improve with age.
Totally agree, not bothered either way. A few rumours previously about him maybe being homesick so if he wants to go, let him.
 
Totally agree, not bothered either way. A few rumours previously about him maybe being homesick so if he wants to go, let him.
Could be a completely new front row combination for 2025 if the Warriors were to release him citing wanting to return to aussie? Feel like there’s a strong likelihood we end up with BHU, with the remainder of that money that was AFB’s we could get another prop for that using Barnett’s money? We could also get a top tier prop with Jazz’s money added too? Problem is no one of note coming off contract when we need, we’d perhaps need to use Barnett to free up someone? Likely Niukore shifts to front row full time perhaps? Even then, as good as Barnett is, he’s not going to free up a million dollar forward un less it’s on compassionate grounds. Still could need money for if SJ doesn’t play in 2025 too?
 
If Barney did want out of his last year, I'd be telling him the Warriors wont be paying a cent of his 2025 contract. I'd like him to stay his contract term, but would hope by 2026 we'd have someone internally to replace him.

But do we believe a random dude on a Bunnies forum? Shit no.

Aussies think they are extremely able travelers, but I think we can say 90% are home boys who just want to stay close to mum.
 
Barnett was a Brown signing while we were based in Aussie. I fully expected him to jump ship rather than come here under a new coach last year.

Just great he stayed committed and has honoured his contract.
But don't discount being coached by webby and a chance to win a premiership, isn't that why you play? Surely he can see where this place is headed.
 
[IMG alt="Rabbits21"]https://prideoftheleague.com/data/avatars/m/0/30.jpg?1695258786[/IMG]

Rabbits21

Grand Master​

Interesting from Spud off the Warren who is often very reliable with his info. Again this is a rumours thread so thought I’d post it here


I’ve returned from NZ!!! I caught up with my people.

1- Tom approached the club, was told to prove himself. Told them what do you think I’ve done over the past 200 games. Body is feeling good and wants to achieve 250 games. See what happens.

2- Caleb - 2025. I’ll leave that as that for now.

3- Certain players at the club were placed on diets to lose weight. All have either achieved the set goal or are close.

4- Interesting one - The club 4 weeks ago was talking with Mitch Barnett. He’s a bit home sick!!! Nothing has eventuated but I found it odd.

5- JD has a set time to achieve a KPI. Wasn’t told details of the KPI or the time but I replied that I’m guessing it’s first half of the season and I got a few smiles.

6- The club is still in constant contact with Sammy.

As always, love yas and Kia Ora.
This Spud c#nt's pretty controversial on the bunnies sites, they're worried he might sue them now. Could be a good source ...it's not you is it mate?
 
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