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]

With TMM at 7 we scored enough points to win the majority of games. It was our defence that let us down. Whether that is the change in assistant coaches, perhaps a bit of attitude with AFB leaving or RTS taking a potentially unearned spot or a combination of all of that. Whatever it was it didn't look like the team had bought in to it the same way they had in 2023. I did enjoy the combined onfield leadership of TMM, Walker, Barney when they were together and seemed to have the playing group with them. Add in JFH and that's a good combination of players to follow on and off field.

I’d throw in SJ as another unearned for a lot of the season unfortunately. It surely didn’t sit right with players when they get over top 4 teams in their best run of the season and SJ is selected when apparently fit again. Which he wasn’t. That game against titans where we got smoked seemed like an unhappy team, which the whole second half of the season seemed to me

 

[Ever Hopeful]

TMM has done a job this year.

It would be nice to have a half that guides us around the park over a sustained season, and can win us games in golden point etc. We're only going to get the best of Metcalf if we have another half that controls the game (though I'm sure Metcalf would like to that guy).

I see TMM as a depth luxury.

 

[Noitall]

A decent winger who can defend well should be high on our list of needs and I'm really struggling to fit RTS anywhere now in the team. Probably left wing instead of Montoya? RTS has made some rookie errors this year and is a very individualistic player with ball in hand. If TMM and LM are our halves then I'd go with Ali and Berry (is there any update on him) as our centres. Both run good lines, hit the holes. Which is what a player like TMM needs to utilize his short passing game. RTS doesn't fit that.

Interesting that Pompey has switched sides in the last fortnight playing inside DWZ. I wonder if this is for defensive purposes?

 

[Inruin]

I’d throw in SJ as another unearned for a lot of the season unfortunately. It surely didn’t sit right with players when they get over top 4 teams in their best run of the season and SJ is selected when apparently fit again. Which he wasn’t. That game against titans where we got smoked seemed like an unhappy team, which the whole second half of the season seemed to me

Definitely felt like there was disharmony in the team for sure. Hard to pin it down and could be a number of contributing factors adding up. AW has some work to do this off season.

 

[Noitall]

I see TMM as a depth luxury.

Surely we’re looking at recruiting a halve?

 

[Inruin]

TMM has done a job this year.

It would be nice to have a half that guides us around the park over a sustained season, and can win us games in golden point etc. We're only going to get the best of Metcalf if we have another half that controls the game (though I'm sure Metcalf would like to that guy).

I see TMM as a depth luxury.

Pretty handy depth luxury and arguably out played our 'elite' half that many kept preferring to have in the team despite the record this season. I think TMM can lead the team around ok, he has shown he can, but he has to be given the support and confidence to do so. Small sample size this year with him at 7, but if he can replicate that form next year for a sustained period then we will be in a good position. LM is going to be a good 6 I think (though I think he should have been a wing or fullback but that's a whole other hypothetical debate) and can be utilised effectively particularly on set plays like mid field scrums. I haven't seen anything to suggest he is the answer at 7 and lead the team though. That might develop over time.

The thing for me is that everyone seems to want an elite half to play for us. The problem is there is only a very small number of them around and they are on decent money and in good teams. We definitely need one or two halves signings but what are the chances of getting anyone that will provide more than what we currently have with TMM and LM?

 

[Ever Hopeful]

Pretty handy depth luxury and arguably out played our 'elite' half that many kept preferring to have in the team despite the record this season. I think TMM can lead the team around ok, he has shown he can, but he has to be given the support and confidence to do so. Small sample size this year with him at 7, but if he can replicate that form next year for a sustained period then we will be in a good position. LM is going to be a good 6 I think (though I think he should have been a wing or fullback but that's a whole other hypothetical debate) and can be utilised effectively particularly on set plays like mid field scrums. I haven't seen anything to suggest he is the answer at 7 and lead the team though. That might develop over time.

The thing for me is that everyone seems to want an elite half to play for us. The problem is there is only a very small number of them around and they are on decent money and in good teams. We definitely need one or two halves signings but what are the chances of getting anyone that will provide more than what we currently have with TMM and LM?

I think if TMM and LM are to be the halfs they will need some serious threat outside them. There will need to be a big investment made to bring our squads quality in line with other finals contenders. For me no7 is where you sink big money as option A, and if that is not viable then you look at options B (outside back quality), C (a game-breaking second rower) & D (prop/hooker).

TMM can play the role adequately, LM needs to show he can play a whole season. It is unlikely they are a combination to take us into the top 4, and that is where recruitment decisions need to focus.

 

[Noitall]

Gone quiet on Dylan Brown with so many linked to an exit from the eels. Interesting I’ve seen it said that Ryles is letting those go that were supporters of Brad Arthur. Brown certainly was outspoken in defending Arthur

 

[Worried2Death]

Gone quiet on Dylan Brown with so many linked to an exit from the eels. Interesting I’ve seen it said that Ryles is letting those go that were supporters of Brad Arthur. Brown certainly was outspoken in defending Arthur

6. Brown 7. TMM, Metcalf to fullback?

 

[Noitall]

6. Brown 7. TMM, Metcalf to fullback?

TMM might have too much of a limited kicking game? Guess whether it’s Metcalf or whoever at 6, we need to consider TMM’s lack of a kicking game?

 

[Worried2Death]

TMM might have too much of a limited kicking game? Guess whether it’s Metcalf or whoever at 6, we need to consider TMM’s lack of a kicking game?

What would it take to get Sam Walker here, aren't his uncles the Walker Brothers? Don't we need some new attack coaches? Are you thinking what I'm thinking...

 

[Noitall]

What would it take to get Sam Walker here, aren't his uncles the Walker Brothers? Don't we need some new attack coaches? Are you thinking what I'm thinking...

That thought has certainly crossed my mind. Interesting I was having a look over the tigers forum and a poster mentioned a rumour that Sam Walker is very interested in a return to Brisbane for 2026 when he comes off contract. There’s also a thought that the roosters will go in hard for Lachlan Galvin from the tigers. With all these aging halves, there’s going to be heaps of movement over the next few seasons in these positions. With our season over, we might start to see some movement with other teams that’s season is over

 

[Wellington Warrior]

Not really sure we need more small forwards… Erin Clarke would be an odd signing. We. may as well have just kept Jazz! If we were stealing a Titans player would prefer one of their speedy wingers!

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[Christchurch_Warrior]

Not really sure we need more small forwards… Erin Clarke would be an odd signing. We. may as well have just kept Jazz! If we were stealing a Titans player would prefer one of their speedy wingers!

Stuff

www.stuff.co.nz

He has played well this year. Do not mind Erin Clarke as a signing.

 

[Blain]

Clarke is a funny one, basically a younger version of Jazz. Has more upside and has really stepped up this season, not sure on his ball playing at lock compared to Jazz, but I think that's Jazz weakness. Jazz's injuries have possibly caught up with a bit.

He's a good signing IMO, very versatile, won't break the bank and can cover Tohu/Walker which could be important next year.

 

[Wellington Warrior]

Makes me think that there is truth to the Walker leaving early rumour

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Clarke is a younger, better version of jazz imo. Runs for more metres, makes less errors/missed tackles and actually grew up as a hooker so can cover hooker/lock very well. His ball playing is better than jazz too, I’ve been a fan of Clarke for a while. He would’ve got the ‘come home’ paycheck too. A great signing imo & a very good 14, impact forward.

 

[SouthernWorrier]

TMM might have too much of a limited kicking game? Guess whether it’s Metcalf or whoever at 6, we need to consider TMM’s lack of a kicking game?

dunno... what i enjoyed watching TMM this year was his variation, particularly kick options at the end of sets. He seemed to go through the line with grubbers far more effectively and keep the defence guessing whereas 90%of SJs last options were bombs to the corner... predictable without any particular aerial strength to make this a serious try scoring threat.

yes SJ is a better clutch player but every time he played I wondered if this was a coaching directive (and if so why TMM didn't do likewise) or if his last play options off the boot were just that limited

 

[PullingTeets]

If Bunty was leaving the club then surely Webster would play him in the last home game with nothing on the line.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Clark is a decent signing. And he’s only just about to turn 27 in September. Theoretically coming into his best years.

I don’t think he moves the needle a lot though. He’s a good signing, but just that.
It reads that he’s seen as a replacement for Tohu. He’s no Tohu, at all.

Walker must be on his way out also IMO.