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

 

[CWC]

Greig does not have a hyphenated name, pass

 

[Worried2Death]

Greig does not have a hyphenated name, pass

That narrows the options to Khan-Pereira and Marshall-King. I like both of those signings, maybe this recruitment formula does work. Am I missing anyone?

 

[Worried2Death]

At what point do we seriosuly talk about Egan?

His extension was more than warranted but for me (and many) he has been a major dissapointment this year.

From a welfare standpoint I just can't see how we can continue to allow him to get knocked out multiple times a season.

His regression this season is a huge concern.

He does look a bit punch-drunk and blank this season but maybe that's just his normal expression, can't remember if he's always been like that.

 

[Wahs Up TV]

Ash? Liked your show

Haha bro. Not Ash. The other guy

 

[Brightman]

At what point do we seriosuly talk about Egan?

It's funny how we have to carry a bench hooker because Egan is highly susceptible to head knocks, the HIA rule and administering of it should be enough to realise players this vulnerable are a liability..

 

[SJ2k]

Haha bro. Not Ash. The other guy

Love the analysis! Post more on the forum chur

 

[Warriorsfan92]

I think people are overselling the long kicking game. Its not so much a long kicking game its probably a high bomb and clinical 5th tackle kicking thats more important. We average the most metres per game in the comp and usually kick over half way on a yardage set. You probs want more hang time and placement of the kick is what you're probably implying which is a fair point.

I think the more important skill is processing information in really short amount of time. I feel SJ 2023 was processing info at a high clip and executing based off that info at probably a 80-85% completion rate per attempt. With probably close to 200 decisions a game (could be more or less just making up a number) he was making on average probably 150-175 correct decisions and executions per game.

My concern with these halves moving forward, are they good processors of information and can they make the right decisions in the short amount of time between tackle and play the ball? I feel TMM for as much as I've enjoyed him does struggle to make those decisions close to the end of a set (tackle 3-6) which usually you find alot of his options unorthodox, improvised and straight out awkward lol. Metcalfe probably if he had full reigns is a better processor of information but is an eyes up type player and likes to use his physical gifts to create something for himself (not all the time but does have a tendency to go on some solo runs). CHT i dont think could handle a 7 role but does manage well with limited decision making and a clear outlined plan.

What i think i am suggesting is that 200 decisions let say that SJ made a game as the main director and architect maybe that number is more evenly balanced amongst say TMM and Metcalfe next year and maybe that is the right balance we need as I don't think either fit the mold of a SJ as the brains behind the teams attack 2023. If this is the case we could see some really well balanced attack more than what TMM and CHT has been and could work, or it could backfire. Key thing is for Webby to adjust the gameplan accordingly,

I find this post interesting with some valid points. It is entirely dependent on game plan. The bulldogs & the raiders game plan relies on their long kickers in burton/fogarty. The leagues longest kickers are katoa, sj, burton, Fogarty when looking at averages, so clearly our current game plan involves relying on a big boot to kick to corners, defend well & hope for errors.

Capewell mentioned it on a SEN podcast this week, that their plan in the first 20 mins is to attack with defence, redline and hope for errors from the opposition. This works, when the second 20 is error free and execution from the warriors happens. This hasn’t been happening with multiple errors on early tackles, or failure to execute on the 5th with repeat sets or try scoring opportunities.

However, observing the current game plan I would argue a long kicker is essential, as we have significant drop off after 25 mins, which is causing irreparable damage later in the game.
We dominate in the stats, field territory, completions etc, but we lack correct decision making on the final, that I totally agree with.

However when the tide turns, and our starting pack begin to falter after redlining the first 25mins, we need a plan B for exiting our territory, and under Metcalf/tmm/cht, we don’t have that.

If we are not going to rely on a long kicker, we need a total revamp of our game plan imo. Sj was actually leading kick metres prior to his injury, which reflects the game plan that webby has deployed. Dominate territory, attack with defence early & hope for errors and create opportunities.

Without SJ, this will not work any longer. Not saying we need a long kicker, but a change in game plan will be required if we opt for that route.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Just to confirm, I agree our biggest issue is last tackle options. I also agree we don’t have the current cattle to change this. What I am saying is that I believe we are in fact relying on a long kicking game, reflected by SJ leading the km prior to his injury.

I think we will need to adjust our game plan if we decide to not sign a long kicker, as our current crop just don’t have that in their kit. This isn’t an issue, as we tend to dominate territory through our run metres regardless, however I still think our game plan does rely on long kicking at this stage

 

[Inruin]

Just to confirm, I agree our biggest issue is last tackle options. I also agree we don’t have the current cattle to change this. What I am saying is that I believe we are in fact relying on a long kicking game, reflected by SJ leading the km prior to his injury.

I think we will need to adjust our game plan if we decide to not sign a long kicker, as our current crop just don’t have that in their kit. This isn’t an issue, as we tend to dominate territory through our run metres regardless, however I still think our game plan does rely on long kicking at this stage

When you look at the average kicking meters (total kicks divided by total meters) SJ is quite a way down the list. I'm not suggesting he doesn't have one, more that it hasn't needed to be used as much as some might think. While a long kicking game is great if your team is, for a large part, stuck in your own 40m for sustained periods of the game, ie Dogs versus us, then a long kicking game like Burton gets you out of trouble. Good teams find a way to overcome this regardless. Spreading the ball wide more quickly to stretch the defence, support runners versus one out hit ups, running on the last with wingers dropping back in defence and kicking on the move going forward. Interesting that the Storm and the Panthers have the lowest average kicking meters in the competition and are 1st and 2nd on the table though this is not necessarily an indicator of success. Game plan obviously varies by team and the players they have available to use.

In terms of last tackle options we have them. The accuracy of them leaves a lot to be desired though. Don't forget its taken SJ a number of years to get where he is and still is relatively inconsistent at times - and still hasn't delivered results this season with this 'superior' kicking game he has. TMM and Metcalfe don't have the experience yet. Metcalf has been playing 6 and I haven't seen him offer much that makes you think he will go well at 7. TMM is more experienced but predominantly played 1 or 6 with a 7 who lead the way. He got thrown in to 7 this year out of necessity.

So, I don't think the long kicking game comments are that much of a concern - though the loss of AFB might change that. Accuracy and finishing on last tackles is - which includes decision making. With TMM and Metcalf we do have halves who can provide heads up play versus what we see from SJ - shuffle on to a back rower and bomb to the corner. The top teams are more varied in their attack and last tackle plays than we are. This is what needs to change IMO and I'm interested to see if AW can identify this and move away from a very regimented structure that seems to lack freedom and spark.

Name	K	KM	Ave KM
1Bulldogs	424	12,606	30
9Sharks	380	11,042	29
3Broncos	406	11,741	29
5Sea Eagles	392	11,289	29
17Eels	331	9,438	29
2Knights	419	11,840	28
7Dolphins	398	11,116	28
11Raiders	393	10,899	28
6Titans	405	11,186	28
10Rabbitohs	396	10,924	28
14Dragons	382	10,533	28
15Tigers	379	10,335	27
8Roosters	418	11,104	27
16Cowboys	388	10,241	26
4Warriors	440	11,534	26
13Storm	410	10,561	26
12Panthers	425	10,773	25

 

[Warriorsfan92]

When you look at the average kicking meters (total kicks divided by total meters) SJ is quite a way down the list. I'm not suggesting he doesn't have one, more that it hasn't needed to be used as much as some might think. While a long kicking game is great if your team is, for a large part, stuck in your own 40m for sustained periods of the game, ie Dogs versus us, then a long kicking game like Burton gets you out of trouble. Good teams find a way to overcome this regardless. Spreading the ball wide more quickly to stretch the defence, support runners versus one out hit ups, running on the last with wingers dropping back in defence and kicking on the move going forward.

In terms of last tackle options we have them. The accuracy of them leaves a lot to be desired though. Don't forget its taken SJ a number of years to get where he is and still is relatively inconsistent at times - and still hasn't delivered results this season with this 'superior' kicking game he has. TMM and Metcalfe don't have the experience yet. Metcalf has been playing 6 and I haven't seen him offer much that makes you think he will go well at 7. TMM is more experienced but predominantly played 1 or 6 with a 7 who lead the way. He got thrown in to 7 this year out of necessity.

So, I don't think the long kicking game comments are that much of a concern - though the loss of AFB might change that. Accuracy and finishing on last tackles is - which includes decision making. With TMM and Metcalf we do have halves who can provide heads up play versus what we see from SJ - shuffle on to a back rower and bomb to the corner. The top teams are more varied in their attack and last tackle plays than we are. This is what needs to change IMO and I'm interested to see if AW can identify this and move away from a very regimented structure that seems to lack freedom and spark.

Good points. Without SJ and the likely halves partnership of Metcalf & TMM, do you think this requires a change in game plan? With the importance of a game managing 7 in today’s game, can these two meet the demands? I’m just looking around at the other teams halves combos, and ours would be in the bottom 4, minimum.

There’s no point having signed one of the best front rowers in the comp, and having a strong pack, if our halves cannot deliver. Perhaps our cap has been spent incorrectly, regarding allocation per position.

 

[gambler03]

who are the game managing halvess available who are realistic

 

[Warriorsfan92]

who are the game managing halvess available who are realistic

Pezet & Boyd

 

[Inruin]

Good points. Without SJ and the likely halves partnership of Metcalf & TMM, do you think this requires a change in game plan? With the importance of a game managing 7 in today’s game, can these two meet the demands? I’m just looking around at the other teams halves combos, and ours would be in the bottom 4, minimum.

There’s no point having signed one of the best front rowers in the comp, and having a strong pack, if our halves cannot deliver. Perhaps our cap has been spent incorrectly, regarding allocation per position.

IMO the game plan is essential in all of this. It appeared to me that the plan was simplified and while there was still a very clear structure to it, it seemed more heads up and varied during the Panthers - Cowboys run of games. After that it seemed like AW felt we had someone who could play 7 other than SJ but tried to force him in to playing more structured and regimented like him. Could have that wrong but that's my perception anyway. If you look at the really good coaches they adapt the plan to suit the players and their strengths. This may have been quite difficult for us with the injuries and having to change mid season so it will be interesting to see who gets the spots and how the plan changes to incorporate them next season. Take the Storm for example, they aren't playing the same way they did when they had Cronk, Smith, Slater. There are similarities to the play but clearly adapted to who they have now. Hughes is much more an off the cuff, heads up style of player versus what Cronk was. The Dolphins don't play the way the Rabbitohs or Knights or Dragons played for Bennett.

In answer to your question - With the importance of a game managing 7 in today’s game, can these two meet the demands? Yes, I think they can but it will very much depend on the game-plan, the support they get from AW and the rest of the team, as well as the balance of the make up of the team. TMM delivered 5 wins from 7 games at halfback. There are arguments you can make for and against the reasons for this, but that's the reality. Is there any reason why a pairing of Metcalf and TMM cant win half our games or more next season? Providing we have the above things plus a better run injury wise would help. Its going to be a big step change I think for AW and a his development as a head coach. No its not all on him, but he is going to need to set the foundations. (I think a long hard look at our assistant coaches may be in order too)

 

[Neo]

IMO the game plan is essential in all of this. It appeared to me that the plan was simplified and while there was still a very clear structure to it, it seemed more heads up and varied during the Panthers - Cowboys run of games. After that it seemed like AW felt we had someone who could play 7 other than SJ but tried to force him in to playing more structured and regimented like him. Could have that wrong but that's my perception anyway. If you look at the really good coaches they adapt the plan to suit the players and their strengths. This may have been quite difficult for us with the injuries and having to change mid season so it will be interesting to see who gets the spots and how the plan changes to incorporate them next season. Take the Storm for example, they aren't playing the same way they did when they had Cronk, Smith, Slater. There are similarities to the play but clearly adapted to who they have now. Hughes is much more an off the cuff, heads up style of player versus what Cronk was. The Dolphins don't play the way the Rabbitohs or Knights or Dragons played for Bennett.

In answer to your question - With the importance of a game managing 7 in today’s game, can these two meet the demands? Yes, I think they can but it will very much depend on the game-plan, the support they get from AW and the rest of the team, as well as the balance of the make up of the team. TMM delivered 5 wins from 7 games at halfback. There are arguments you can make for and against the reasons for this, but that's the reality. Is there any reason why a pairing of Metcalf and TMM cant win half our games or more next season? Providing we have the above things plus a better run injury wise would help. Its going to be a big step change I think for AW and a his development as a head coach. No its not all on him, but he is going to need to set the foundations. (I think a long hard look at our assistant coaches may be in order too)

Yeah I agree. I know it’s a long time ago but I think back to our 08 team who had Rovelli and Witt as the halves. I think in articles they were ranked the worst combo in the comp but we made it work. We had a strong pack, attacking second rowers, massive impact off the bench with Lauaki etc and the Ropati / Manu combo in full flight

 

[defensivebomb]

I have a feeling we have our recruitment / squad fairly wrong right now:

• we have three specialist fullbacks (I am including RTS here)
• once Walker goes, our utilities are either too small (CHT, Lussick) or too slow (Capewell - keep at second row)
• our remaining halves are second-tier and haven't gelled
• aside from Berry (just), our centres aren't FG ready
  • happy for RTS and Berry to continue to lock down centre however
• we need more speed
• we need more kicking variation
• as Brightman mentioned, we carry an extra man on the bench to cover Egan

I'm keen for the club to desparately get the squad FG ready for next year, which will resolve a number of those points but some of those other elements can only be fixed by having a bit of reflection on our squad balance

 

[PullingTeets]

who are the game managing halvess available who are realistic

Fogarty

 

[Christchurch_Warrior]

I have a feeling we have our recruitment / squad fairly wrong right now:

• we have three specialist fullbacks (I am including RTS here)
• once Walker goes, our utilities are either too small (CHT, Lussick) or too slow (Capewell - keep at second row)
• our remaining halves are second-tier and haven't gelled
• aside from Berry (just), our centres aren't FG ready
  • happy for RTS and Berry to continue to lock down centre however
• we need more speed
• we need more kicking variation
• as Brightman mentioned, we carry an extra man on the bench to cover Egan

I'm keen for the club to desparately get the squad FG ready for next year, which will resolve a number of those points but some of those other elements can only be fixed by having a bit of reflection on our squad balance

I agree with most of this but a majority of FG teams carry a 9 cover on the bench. The position touches the ball the most and one of your top tacklers. We didn't really carry one last year but we had a guy like Sironen who was a serviceable 9.

 

[Leon Black]

If TMM and Metcalfe are the halves, Taine has to play number 1, possesses a decent kicking game and is a very good goal kicker.

Love CNK but it’s time we moved him from the no.1 . Webster dug himself a hole after RTS signed and it has backfired IMO.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Fogarty

Available, is the key word. Raiders have locked this guy up.

 

[PullingTeets]

Available, is the key word. Raiders have locked this guy up.

Ahh yes, was reading an article that only had him signed till the end of this season., so fuck it, Ethan Strange it is then. I'm sure the NRL wouldn't stand in the way of a young Maori pulling the homesick card and wanting to come to a country he has never lived in