Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

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Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​
-Player20252026202720282029
1Bunty Afoa✔
2Tom Ale✔
3Mitchell Barnett✔✔✔
4Rocco Berry✔✔
5Tanah Boyd✔✔
6Kurt Capewell✔✔
7Erin Clark✔✔✔
8Jett Cleary✔SS
9Wayde Egan✔✔✔
10James Fisher-Harris✔✔✔✔
11Jackson Ford✔✔✔
12Leka Halasima✔✔✔✔✔
13Morgan Harper✔
14Chanel Harris-Tavita✔✔
15Sam Healey✔✔✔
16Edward Kosi✔
17Jacob Laban✔✔✔✔✔
18Ali Leiataua✔✔✔
19Jye Linnane✔✔✔✔
20Freddy Lussick✔✔
21Te Maire Martin✔✔
22Luke Metcalf✔✔
23Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad✔✔✔
24Marata Niukore✔✔
25Adam Pompey✔✔✔
26Tanner Stowers-Smith✔✔✔
27Taine Tuaupiki✔✔
28Roger Tuivasa-Sheck✔✔
29Demitric Vaimauga✔✔✔✔
30Dallin Watene-Zelezniak✔✔✔
S1Kayliss FatialofaS✔✔
S2Kalani GoingS
S3Luke HansonS
S4Eddie Ieremia-ToeavaS✔✔
S5Sio KaliS
S6Patrick MoimoiS
-Kahu CapperTT
-Morgan Gannon-✔✔✔
-Haizyn Mellars-✔✔✔
-Braelan Marsh-???
-Motu PasikalaT??
C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Top 30 2026: 29/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Braelan Marsh (Redcliffe Dolphins), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper
Can negotiate with other clubs from Nov 1, 2025 (Entering final year) 🐻: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck


This thread is solely for Warriors recruitment and retention discussion. Any posts not related to the above will be deleted.

Repeat offenders will have their access to this page limited.

Please be mindful of what you are posting in this thread before clicking the reply button. Zero Tolerance for off-topic chat.
 
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Wrighty said:
Ash Taylor was a shiny toy as well. He was beaten up and dropped from his old team but we leaped at the fact he was on minimum wage with a high upside if we could resurrect his career. We thought we had a diamond in the rough.
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Strange events all round occurred during those weird covid years based at Central Coast Gold Coast ( briefly) and Redcliffe
We were a hollow team no back up grades just a shell
Nathan Brown and all those others that didn’t want to be in Nz after covid ‘stopped’ talk about no commitment.
We are still recovering from that era but making good progress
Cam George had a rough time through that silly Walsh having that cocaine rap and there was other controversies
Cam George looking back did well to hold it together

Now we have these gun nsw cup players coming through jersey flegg etc the future looks bright
 

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BangBro's (still banging) said:
Some more learnings for webby. I would take Curran All day over Niukore right now.
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Wonder how much Curran shot himself in the foot? Found that line about being at a review hungover and wondering what was going on interesting. Remember his off field incident of being at club punching a kid and breaking his phone, admittedly the kid shouldn’t have been there by the sounds. Interesting that this type of figure was let go and a figure like Capewell recruited. Think a big part of this is the type of figure they want bringing this next lot through. Something I’ve noticed a bit from Jazz this year about hitting the piss after a game or two after deciding to lay off the previous year
 
That article makes Curran look like an arrogant, self entitled immature flog.

Still hungover 2 days after mad Monday

Didn’t take coaches feedback professionally

Instead of getting better instantly pulled the “I’m out of here card” because he knew he had options.

Proceeds to talk shit about the coach even when Webby is extending the olive branch.

Didn’t fight for his position in the team just throw a tantrum when we recruited Marata.

I was a big fan of Curran but that article makes me think we made the right decision. What a fucking cancer. Imagine him around our younger guys. That’s before we talk about the drinking, his weight, fighting teenagers and doing cocaine.
 
CWC said:
"I remember he looked at me and asked what’s wrong. I said, 'You obviously don’t trust in me because if you did, I would have played a lot more minutes,'" Curran recalled."
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This is the key quote.

He was a very good player for us but it is more than that. This quote shows his petulance and quite frankly a real lack of professionalism.

Perhaps a better response is more along the lines of..

"Hey coach I'm getting a lot less minutes and it feels like I'm being pushed aside. What do you need from me to be a key part of the plans?"

To then chew the coach out for contacting him after he left, just classless.

I can't see any other scenrario than Curran tossed the toys and we said goodbye.
 
So we're getting an unknown hooker, a known rugby player, losing an unknown outside back to make room for that known rugby player, RTS made an instagram post, and Josh Curran was hungover at his end of year review.

Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives.
 
Let’s be clear here , MM has another year to run so the club said they’d honour it ( as they have to do) but he’d be playing limited first grade. They said he’d be best to take a long term contract if he could secure it .
It also helps that he is to be a father soon and will have family support in Sydney.
They both love NZ but know the way football contracts work.
 
Worried2Death said:
Tigers fans are pretty gullible, they believe everything they read on the internet
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Funny looking at their forum, it looks so similar to when he was signed here. Many underwhelmed, and some idiots taking that wikipedia shit literally even though people on there are posting articles of him and his wife. Even if he was I couldn’t give a shit. He’s been a great recruit to the Warriors and showed genuine love for the club. He’s passed on a good work ethic I would think and sets a great example for the younger guys to run with intent, he can an attacker or defender hard. He’ll provide that great example to that young tigers team
 
A fully fit Tohu is a top 3 lock in the game and still deserves his place in the squad I'm excited to see him alongside JFH and Barney next season

Like the Erin Clarke (Clark) signing adds to the staunch forward pack interested in how Webby does the forward rotations next season especially if Niukore switches to Prop just hope we have a spine/backline signing in the pipelines
 
Inruin said:
Is he the next Bunty Afoa?
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At the risk of igniting the very vocal non Bunty fans (which i get for the non existent yardage game) but i actually thought his strong defence couldve come in handy at times this season.........thought a lot of our defensive issues this year stemmed from not being able to control the ruck, Bunty's strength in the wrestle is a tad under valued and couldve helped in this regard.
 
Interesting watching Mitch Barnett on once a Warrior. Says he has big raps on Tom Ale, and goes on to say he doesn’t think Tom knows how good he can be. Great work ethic and everything. Says this is some of the best young talent he’s ever seen. Speaks highly of Sifakula and Halasima, and says Zyon is one of the scariest people he’s met
 
tajhay said:
34

Marata Niukore (Edit)

Warriors, 28, Second-row

$850,000

as per the NRL RIch List 2024. And it is far more accurate than the numbers banded around on forums or speculated by fans.
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Yeah this is probably as accurate as we'll get, he was signed for around $700k and has increased 20%+ with the cap. We signed him at our lowest, so clearly needed to over pay be a bit to get him. I think he had a shit year with the injury he had, then had to play second row when he had bulked for prop. He doesn't have the speed or endurance for the edge, needed to be spelled and didn't provide impact. But, if he can get his fitness back, I think he could be one of the best mids coming off the bench next season. Come on 20 mins in next to JFH, then fill JFH's shoes when he is spelled. He's a scary fucking guy, even him and Fish starting together would be pretty intimidating. Add nut case Barnett and a bit of skill in Harris and Capewell, it's a beasty looking pack. Walker and Clark off the bench to add the speed and energy, plenty for Webby to work with in 2025.

Niukore
Egan
JFH
Barnett
Capewell
Harris

Clark
Walker
Ale
Ford

Halasima, Laban, Afoa, Sifakula
 
Playdaball said:
A UK article states that Jackson Hastings does not want to return to the SL and wants to remain in the NRL.
I know there is talk that he can get off side with players but he could do a Jeff Robson ( perhaps not a great example) one year role, until the young guys come up to speed.
There will be injuries in the halves with Metcalf, TMM and CHT bound to get injured throughout the season , otherwise get SJ to mentor TT into the halves.
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Note this is my personal opinion.

Guy has had a history of being a dick even coming through the grades. Got into 2 fights with DCE and rumours of some post match fights with team mates in the SL. Fell out with the Roosters squad. Just seems like poison and the Knights are willing to pay freight so some else has to deal with his shit.
 
Christchurch_Warrior said:
"We'd be crazy not to chase Montoya from Warriors so I wouldn't be surprised if he is in discussions "
Quote from an Eels fan from that link. Funny how other fans view our players. Would think a fair few of us would be happy for him to be gone.
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I think Montoya is a much maligned player. Very reliable under the high ball and brings the ball back without fear. He's a good finisher too. Puts in the effort at training according to CNK. May be a little slow to turn around and chase but no worse than most wingers up in the line. I think he gives good value for money.
 
Stevenson a complete waste of time for mine if we're buying a winger.

Opposite of Warbrick in that Warbrick was much younger, likely cost nothing, and was low profile. So they could stash him in Q Cup for a year to learn the game and there was no pressure to put him in first grade before he was ready.

Stevenson will be too expensive for a winger, old as fuck for a rookie OB, and no matter how shit he goes pressure will be on to pick him every week.

All those flash highlights in union as a FB who gets to roam right across the field and pick his spots will dry up. His job on offence will be 80% yardage carries into set D lines and he'll barely touch the ball in the good ball zone.
 
Let’s be clear, he’s a different player to lussick. He’s more of a Harry grant/damien cook style player. When lussick comes on, he’s a defensive hooker. He’s fit as anything but lacks any creativity at the ruck. We’ve clearly identified this as a weakness. And realistically if Egan goes down long term, bringing in lussick has hampered our attacking upside. Hopefully this rectifies this.
 
MrFrankWhite said:
Wait have we poached a young player to give him a start? This is very exciting..
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Nothing to do with age. My assessment is that we should play through the middle more next year to take pressure off our halves, and we need a running/creative hooker to complement Egan in the 17 to do that. Healey is the only player at the club who can play that role, and he’s 22 and first grade ready (at least for a bench role)
 
SouthernWorrier said:
Agree, Rogers still got lots to add but he's bulked up from rugby which hasn't helped and he was mr fixit all over the shop which makes it hard to shine. Settle in a slot (Wing or ideally FB) and another offseason to tune him back for league 650K seems good value to me
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I think we’re going to see the best of RTS in the upcoming season. I reckon he’ll be hurting from this season and all the noise of him returning was to the detriment of the club. Hopefully getting into the Samoa camp if he’s selected, he can gain some confidence through that
 
Paid close attention to JFH last night. His attitude and effort on defence is something I don’t know that anyone in our team has.
No laying down, slowly getting up after a tackle being late back into the line leaving a hole. He sprints back into the line and this happens at the start of his stint and the end.

I love Tohu but it really pissed me off at times how often he would slowly get off the ground and slowly get back into the line. Tohu wasn’t the only one to do it but he really stood out for it.

JFH is going to bring new standards
 
Obviously dollars & cents are the deciding factor on whether or not to sign Nikora but I don't get why people bag him. Barnett & AFB were our only regular offloaders in 2024 & with AFB leaving if Nikora could replicate this years 25 offloads & 10 tries it would be a godsend. The fact he always plays 80 mins on the right edge alone has me sold. Capewell on the left, with Halasima increasingly taking his minutes, & Niukore a specialist middle would undoubtedly strengthen our side.
 
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Cces said:
Obviously dollars & cents are the deciding factor on whether or not to sign Nikora but I don't get why people bag him. Barnett & AFB were our only regular offloaders in 2024 & with AFB leaving if Nikora could replicate this years 25 offloads & 10 tries it would be a godsend. .
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Just some stats from the season gone for our guys who mostly played 2nd row

Niukore - 2 tries/2 linebreaks/0 linebreak assists/3 offloads/92,5% tackle efficiency/77 ave metres

Capewell - 4 tries/6 linebreaks/0 linebreak assists/7 offloads/91.4% tackle efficiency/81 ave metres

Ford - 3 tries/4 linebreaks/0 linebreak assists/1 offload/93,5% tackle efficiency/103 ave metres

Nikora - 10 tries/11 linebreaks/12 linebreak assists/25 offloads/90.7 tackle efficiency/89 ave metres

Fully understand questioning the (potential) signing on the roster balance issue as of right now, by 2026 tho and players moving on i wouldnt have the same concern and i dont even think its blocking the pathway of Leka. And definitely on ability its a no brainer for me....an upgrade on any of our current backrowers.

I think what those stats do show is how little punch we had out on the edges this season (which i know the backline is copping the brunt of that criticism)...... but minimal linebreaks, zero linebreak assists from our backrowers, a negligible offloading game......absolutely no 2nd phase for our edges to work off. No wonder Halasima looked like a breath of fresh air in that Bulldogs game

Nikora apart from being the best edge hole runner in the game ive always liked cause he has speed and mobility. As fast as most centres, can defend laterally, something Niukore (and Barnett when we he was playing an edge) struggled with, and an engine to match (an 80 minute player) whatever we're paying Niukore or Capewell......would easily give us more value for money....imo.
 
This year 11 of our games were decided my 6 points or less. We lost 7 of those.

This year it sounds like we had off field drama, a terrible (the worst in the NRL) injury toll and a steep decline of our star half that no one would have seen coming.

Assuming we don't have those above issues, if we played the same way we did this year, but scored 4 more tries at the right time, we would, in theory make the 8.

But, imo we are going to improve significantly. No more off field dramas, and assuming we don't have the worst injury toll in the league, we have 5 months until our next game to come up with a plan on what we want our halves to look like.

I do feel Webby was not quick enough to respond/react when our luck started to change this year, however without SJ were forced to come in to next year with a new plan A, and I'm really hoping there's some serious thought in to a plan B as well. But, Webby has shown he's a capable coach when he has the resources and I do believe we'll be ready to go come Rd 1.

We improve our defence next year, and we have our main halves on the pitch for 18+ games I think we sit 4-6th on the table at the end of the year.
 
Noitall said:
Feel like it’s coming along though. David Tangata Toa was surely part of this process back at the panthers before he came over here and Andrew Auimatagi seems to be having success. We’re accumulating a good bunch
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yes, the pathways definitely seem to be improving. We have been on the back foot a fair bit after being based in Australia and the COVID years.

The tap has now been turned on, it will just take a little while to fill the pool.

I think that, as long as the club and fans are patient, we will be in a great position in 3-5 years. That's predominantly where the club has fallen down in the past, wanting immediate success and making rash changes when it doesn't happen, usually to the coaching staff.
 
~Navigator~ said:
Do you know what you just said????
He has been in the nrl and proven as a player, he would be cheap and could do the job.
Put your glasses on and have a proper read.
I'm not saying he will be the greatest ever buy but he can do the job
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- article states he wants 500k per season and multi year deal
- for a player not wanted by superleague clubs
- will be 33 in January
- we have decent forwards coming up. id rather have faith in zyon.
- squad salary cap is heavily skewed towards forwards already. IF we have 500k available, it could be better spent in the halves/backs.

Hes dreaming if he thinks he can get 500k per year and a multi year deal in the NRL after not being wanted in superleague at age 33.
 
Cces said:
Second Rower

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Just spoke to my mate from QLD about this guy and he knows of 2 other lads as well that we've signed for the Jersey Flegg side next year. Apparently all very talented boys who have all spent time in the Melbourne Storm system under the Sunshine Coast Falcons (feeder club).

Jackson Kite - tall, strong back rower with great offload and good first contact. Runs a great line. Can also play in the front row by the looks of his highlights.

James Marriott - halfback who organises a team really well and is also a great in-play kicker. Has a great passing game/passing selection and is also a really good goal kicker.

Saxon Day - big front rower who is smart but also runs hard. Gets through a heap of work and is not afraid of the tough stuff through the middle. Plays long minutes too.

Hopefully they can add a bit to our Flegg side in 2025 who didn't perform too well this year.
 
Montoya has been a solid player for the Warriors and I know that him and his wife have enjoyed NZ. It would not surprise me if they returned here at some stage. However when you have kids it is always great to have nearby.

To be clear, the reason they are leaving NZ is not all about the twins, it relates more to the fact that he was not offered a longer term contract by the Warriors.

As for Kosi, I have no idea why he is still in the 30 man squad, hopefully he plays NSW Cup only in 2025.
 
I'll miss Montoya. I was pleasantly surprised at how well he played for us and while there were a few shockers and a brain snap or two, he gave a shit and tried his guts out.
I love those kinda guys - the ones who don't have the most talent in the world but who bust their arse for the team.
His last try in Warriors colours - the cut out pass from Metcalf to get us in front against the Sharks was an absolutely beauty.
Stoked for him that he's been able to pick up a longer contract somewhere else.

I guess that means the Bulldogs move up a notch in my books. That now puts them at notch one lol
 
Montoya when his signing was announced it didn't create a lot of excitement. Not all signings are going to be stars or big names. What is important is the attitude they have and their performances.

I enjoyed his early tackle hit ups. He did some good finishing as well. He was staved of the ball a lot as we worked our plays to the right hand side. I loved some of the big runs he'd make or big fends.

This year his performances may have slipped a little. Him being quiet could also have been the ball not getting to him.

He was one of the guys I'd see at the NSW Cup games when the first grade sides weren't playing. It is cool seeing the guys there supporting their team mates.

We have had a lot of signings that have come here and their performances haven't been what they were at their previous club. Montoya came with a good attitude. A shame seeing him go but the club has a cap to balance. If they can't offer him a long term contract let's hope their plans work out.
 
mrblonde said:
Jerome had Ropati as his surname. Didn't seem to turn him into a super-duper player, did it?
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Gee this forum has bloody high expectations of what constitutes a good career. Jerome Ropati won a World Cup playing for his country, and you're using him as an example of a dud!

Same with people acting like Stevenson is a dropkick because he only played for the ABs once.

Talk about a high bloody bar!
 
Leon Black said:
Yep I’d take him over Nikora… SBW vibes at times.
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What times?????
He was very average all year and struggled for an impact, which 3 line breaks and 2 line break assists in 22 games points to (I know stats aren’t everything but I had to look because I thought he had struggled). Also offloads at a far less rate than Nikora.
I understand recruiting a known quantity like Nikora, but if you are going on potential then you would have to back Halasima and Laban above this bloke at 600k
 
Five&Last said:
I think Charnze would be smart to test the market.

He's not in my starting 17 next year.

Which sucks because he's one the all time great effort players for this club.

But Taine is a better fullback now imo (offers speed and better playmaking) and then Pasikala is the long term fullback once he gets some first grade experience on the wing next year.

Then Ali and Berry are the long term center pairing. He's definitely not better at center than an injury free Berry and Ali should be given the opportunity to start from round 1 next year imo.
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Interesting. I’ve still got him as my starting fb personally. People have short memories. This guy is all effort, was the player of the match against Aussie 30 nil & is consistently in the top run metres in the game. His ball playing has developed over time & is just a hard worker, does all the shit stuff. I really like taine & think he suits the modern game but cnk has runs on the board & is a proven international fullback. Again, this is why this forum is great, different opinions but I think charnze just had a down year - along with 90% of the squad. I’m expecting a bounce back year in 25, but if not, taine is nipping at his heels for that starting spot
 
7news.com.au

Cleary drops NRL retirement bomb: ‘That’s good enough for me’

‘I want to be sitting back having a beer in the stand, mate.’
7news.com.au 7news.com.au

Ivan in a latest interview says he may not coach past his current contract, which expires in 3 years. Obviously not leaning towards signing that lifetime deal they offered him and Nathan. 3 years is Jett’s deal with us, would be a handy addition for Jett to know his old man was coming over as a director of coaching, or depending on where Webster has the team by then
 
DWZ two year extension. Really like this re-signing. Will be on a greatly reduced deal, (he was coming off 800k), still a fantastic finisher & has found a home in Auckland. Real mana man in our group, and his finishing is up there with the best in the comp.

We’re locking up a lot of off contract nov1 available guys. Off contract November 1:

Bunty
Ale
Ford
Tohu
Kosi
TMM
CNK
Pompey
Tuaupiki
Walker

IMG_6727.jpeg
 
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Mr. Brownstone said:
Remember when Fusitua switched sides with Maumalo, complete reversal in try scoring frequency, fairly sure at least one of them got most tries in the NRL.
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I don't think they ever switched sides - rather it was Hiku that switched from right to left centre from one year to the next. He played inside Fus in his big try scoring year and then inside Ken in his big year - said a lot about his ability to set up the outside man.
 
kos said:
Looks like the fans views differ from AW
Seems rumours on Bunty Adam Paul Roche suggest a push to get rid of local kiwis and bring in more import Aussies
Shame Aw

But - it’s only rumours
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I'd be damn sad to lose Pompey. His contract is value for money, and the guy is solid, no fuss.

I think we all know who the guy in our backline is that doesn't fit that value for money. You'd hate to see others move on in his expense.
 
WahsaurusRex said:

Two-year extension for Ford​

Second rower Jackson Ford is the latest player to recommit to the One New Zealand Warriors after signing a two-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 NRL season.

The deal, stretching his stay to five seasons, follows Ali Leiataua, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak all being secured on new terms recently.

Initially signed on a two-year deal from the St George Illawarra Dragons last season, the 26-year-old Ford was then extended to the end of 2025 after his breakout 2023 campaign.

“Coming to the Warriors has been a great career move for Jackson,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“He immediately impressed with his work ethic and attitude, establishing himself as a first-choice back rower for us over the last two seasons.”

Ford missed just three of his first 46 games at the club until a knee injury sidelined him for the last five games of the 2024 campaign.

“Jackson has been terrific from the moment he arrived at the club,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

“He works so hard every minute he’s on the field and competes on everything. The longer and harder a game gets, the better Jacko gets.”

Ford made only 33 NRL appearances across four seasons with the Dragons, the majority of them from the bench, but earned selection as a starting second rower at the start of his first season and filled that role for 35 of his first 36 appearances. Later in the 2024 campaign he was switched to the front row.

Consistently playing the full 80 minutes, he has averaged 103 metres and 36 tackles in his 43 games for the Warriors.
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Ford is an excellent player to have in the squad with his big engine and strong work and training ethic. Has some work ons but overall a good resigning.
 
Leon Black said:
Some peeps have blinkers on, some of RTS’ games at fullback last year were phenomenal stats wise. He is not a centre, proved it in Rugby, confirmed it in league. He will do well on the wing or at fullback.
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Agree with this - but also think this is the reason RTS would be better suited to the wing in our current squad, he is a stats player... and, ultimately, always has been.

When he arrived at our club, we needed an elite fullback, he had speed and was electric. He has never had a strong passing / ballplaying game, but back then it didn't matter as the game didn't require it and we had other players in the squad that could perform that role. (Although watching a lot less Yawnion than I used to, I feel that his lack of a passing game played a big part in him not reaching the heights he so wanted in the other code.) Roger has always been a stats machine, but that is not what we need now.

In 2024/2025, the game has evolved and the model AW plays requires a fullback that can ball play - CNK can do what Roger can stats-wise and offers more ball-playing ability. What we all hope is that Taine can trump both Roger and CNK by adding a bit of flair / pace / elusiveness that the other two no longer have. If nothing else but a straight-swap for Montoya, there is little down-side to having Roger on the wing in his place (other than perhaps missing some hype / eno).

So why is Roger suited to the winger? Well, to start with, he has won a Dally M positional award and a premiership there. "Yes, but that was 11 years ago!" Sure, but this is not a new position for him - and it is certainly a more familiar position than testing him in centre. (I was an advocate for trying him in centre - stats weren't terrible and he was moved around a lot, but will somewhat fairly be called a failed experiment.) Roger can offer what we want/need from a winger... prop-wing carries out of yardage, solid defence (playing to a system, whether that is rushing in (with the centre) or otherwise), safe enough hands under the high ball and an ability to finish. He has lost some pace over the years - he'd be the first to admit it - but he's still got a step, is strong as an ox and will no doubt continue to be a challenge for opposition defensive lines to put down in 2025!

Can't wait to see some left-side cut-out balls from Metcalf, or some silky hands from CNK/Pompey on the left edge, before RTS dots down in the corner under the bright lights of Vegas and beyond!
 
Feels like we're pissed off because we want a flashy, try-scoring, highlights reel centre - and we don't think Berry is it?

From a performance perspective, did we have a bad year with Berry and his edge in 2023? (ignoring DWZ's defensive brain explosions).
Berry was all effort, silky hands and made everyone else look better.

Pompey also quietly goes about his business doing a solid job in pretty much the same manner.

But fuck those guys, they're boring. I want a highlight reel I can jerk off to.
 
I swear some people on this forum need to get their brains checked because there's some serious issues with memories that extend back beyond about 3 months ago.

Berry was a cornerstone of our 2023 success with his defence and kick chases. He scored an elite solo try against the Knights in the playoffs. He's 23, and has demonstrated growth in his abilities year on year.

All of the above, and some clowns reckon he's never amounted to much and never will. Heeeeeeyyyzus.... Stick to watching Kata and Konnie highlights.
 
Zaggo said:
I swear some people on this forum need to get their brains checked because there's some serious issues with memories that extend back beyond about 3 months ago.

Berry was a cornerstone of our 2023 success with his defence and kick chases. He scored an elite solo try against the Knights in the playoffs. He's 23, and has demonstrated growth in his abilities year on year.

All of the above, and some clowns reckon he's never amounted to much and never will. Heeeeeeyyyzus.... Stick to watching Kata and Konnie highlights.
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I agree, i reckon if Berry played this season we would have won more games,
He had a great 2023👌
 
I’ve been more vocal than most on RTS and I think a lot of it comes from frustration not just with him but also the players around him. I agree with the post yesterday that made the point that he was just fed the ball & expected to do the rest, & I think that expectation was symptomatic of a bigger issue that was a key reason of why 2024 was a failure for the club.

As I’ve said many times (too many), I believe RTS is one of the most overrated players ever in the NRL. Now that doesn’t mean he isn’t NRL standard, he’s always been easily that, and at one point in his career he was possibly the best winger in the comp, and top tier at fullback. It’s also no fault of RTS that people hold him in such high regard - he comes across as a humble guy who always puts in max effort. However the players do seem to put him on a pedestal on the basis of performances that are well & truly in the rear view mirror. My theory is that his signing, along with our success in 2023, led to the club being complacent in the offseason. Too many were thinking that he was the missing piece in the puzzle that would now take the Warriors to premiership glory. Then a combination of that complacency & injuries to key player derailed our season.

I’m hopeful everyone has learnt from last seasons mistakes. I’m also happy to see RTS given his chance to excel on the wing, but definitely not at centre or fullback, I think that would be a big mistake. Anyway I’m getting behind him from this point forward & hope he smashes it in 2025.
 
Marata's second row days are gone, we saw that this year. Doesn't have the minutes in him and loses the punch he brings with bigger minutes. Not quick enough on his feet in defence. 40 minutes up front, go hard. Barnett will be the prop next too JFH. Ford is looking like the 4th prop for me, then you have Clark. Sifakula and Maiuú, I can't see us getting another prop.
 
Kind of one of those signings that isn't overly exciting but needed. He is probably as good as we could have done considering who is on the market currently in the halves. Provides much needed depth and competition for spots. Can play 6 or 7. Is only 24 and come through the Aussie system. All in all, you would have to say a solid signing?
 
Love it. When you look at the out and out 7s available, and would realistically come to NZ, he’s right up there. We needed a half with SJ leaving, we needed a goal kicker, we needed an organising half & we’ve got one. He’s not a world beater but neither was Maloney when he came over. Nathan Fien wasn’t a star.

Whilst we’d love a superstar 7, so does every other club & we just can’t compete, being over the ditch. This is a calculated gamble on a player with nrl experience, will hardly break the bank & carrys little to no downside, as there’s no one in the pipeline that he’s blocking.

We needed to temper our expectations, there’s very few quality 7s even available on the market. I think our recruitment have nailed this one.
 
Not going to lie I hated the Tanah news at first glance but as long as we didn't pay big bucks I'm happy with it and it may end up being a complete master stroke. we have done well in recent times with players that are struggling especially from clubs that are also struggling coming through the grades he was highly touted for good reason. I think his running game was slowly coached out of him and ultimately just down on confidence however he's one of us now hate it or love it all the best to the kid hope hopefully he hits the ground running literally 👍
 
Wrighty said:
Captain obvious comment but depending on how much we use both SJs the Warriors could be one of the best clubs to play for from a development perspective as a half. Being coached by Stacy Jones, Great. Being Coached by Stacey Jones and Shaun Johnson. Who can beat that as a club? Cowboys have Thurston as a coach. But we are the only club I know of with two coaches with halves experience. Maybe a factor of Tanah coming here and maybe enough to get Dylan Brown for 2026??? Time will tell. I still say we have to make a play at Brown after November 1st. Who cares if he says no. You can't get the girl to dance with you at the school dance if you don't have the guts to walk over to her. Just make it happen. Make an offer.
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Im not at all convinced about Staceys coaching credentials
 
@kos asked me on here a couple of months back what I thought of Tannah- don’t know if he knew something… :unsure:
My response was along the lines of- he should try hooker or super league :ROFLMAO:.
I must admit though since then, the more I looked at what we would be looking for and who was a realistic target, I had a feeling that we might well land on him so I’m not surprised by this signing and for some reason that I can’t really put into words I just have a gut feeling that he could turn out to be a good fit.
Super league would’ve been the easy option so for him to opt to move to nz and keep chasing them dream- I respect that.
He’s gonna be a man on a mission and there is an opportunity here if he can seize it.
At worst he’s experienced back up, at best he reaches his potential here (he was a highly touted junior) and establishes himself.
welcome aboard Tanwah.
 
Be interesting to see what being coached by Andrew Webster does for Tannah Boyd
I saw huge leaps for a number of players in their form in 2023

AFB daily M Prop
DWZ
SJ
Barnett made origin and Aussie team as a Warrior under AW
Egan in 2023 people were raving he was in the top three hookers in the game.
Rocco Berry improved
Montoya improved
Cnk refound form
Ford was a regular starter first time in his career

Lets give Tannah a chance and support him. Who knows AW could turn him into Deaden 2.0.

As a Warriors fan I'm glad Australians are happy to come here in the prime of their life rather than at the backend of their career.

Lastly isn't it great there is an actual post in the recruitment thread where someone actually got recruited for the Warriors.
 
Tohu’s_Knees said:
I think the Australia game showed us the plan for JFH at the Warriors. 60 plus minutes games week in week out. JFH and Barnett are playing deep into the year. Which also pushes back there preseason.

I predict a burnout for both. If Webster doesn’t change his rotations policy.
With AFB no longer here, it may force his hand.
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Demetric and Zyon are hopefully more in the picture next year.

It looked like Demetric cemented himself really at the end of the season. An impressive return from ACL from him, imagine what he might produce after a full off season.
 
My unpopular opinion about Taine is that he's a 'nearly man'.

He looks good in a lesser competition in the Cup team, but in his limited NRL experiences he's looked dangerous and has made a load of half breaks, but he doesn't seem to have the outright pace off the mark to cruise through a gap. I don't think Taine would have scored the try he did against a tiring Tonga pack.
Will this improve the more NRL he is exposed to? Potentially? A lot of those quick, nippy blokes like Keano, Campbell, RW, Talagi, Paps are all explosive and from day one, were able to showcase this. I don't think we've seen that from Taine unfortunately
 
Tragic said:
He is already holding up physically attack wise isn't he? He is a hitup merchant.
Defensively I think he would be OK, his tackling is good, his decision making on an edge is the only iffy part of his defence and he wouldn't be on an edge
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Locks are usually a combination of distributor and big body. CNK isn’t really known as either. Also being a hit up merchant is probably a lot easier when you arent having to make any tackles.
 
Noitall said:
Bit of talk on the knights forum that Adam Blair is trying to get Jack Thompson back there, who came over and won a Harold Matts title with us. It was Blair who was mentioned some time back on there too regarding interest in TMM. Did the club have a falling out with Adam Blair?
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Very happy that Adam is gone. Supposedly he is an incredibly bad coach and many parents of the team he coached weren’t happy. Why he got the boot
 
Five&Last said:
Looks like:

1. Kalani Going (confirmed)
2. Tanner Stowers Smith (confirmed)
3. Luke Hanson (reported)
4. Eddie Ieremia (nothing reported but almost a sure thing given his NSW cup appearances last year)
5. Sio Kali (nothing reported but too talented to not include, made of glass but if we don't offer him it someone else might?? Plus we need to start our wing succession planning)

The last spot hopefully they leave open and let pre-season decide. My guess it goes to one of the hookers Tafua or Auloa.

There's a lot of guys at pre-season who could compete for it though, Moimoi, Durbin, Tuipulotu-Vea all look good.
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I really really want us to hold onto Toby Crosby. He looks impressive
 
For all those creaming on Crosby, I think need to temper their expectations. He’s played 1 game off the bench for NSW cup, he’s 21 & has played league for what, two years? He’s likely 2-3 years away if he even makes it, and will need to be consistent in cup for this two years, starting & dominating. Looking at his physical attributes, he’s too small for an NRL prop, probably more a 2nd rower, similar to a Liam Martin, powerful, fast, mobile.

Just think people need a dose of reality. He’s an exciting prospect but needs to grind like he is for another two years, continue improving in cup & wait for an opportunity. No way does he deserve a top 30 contract, he’s not even a good cup player.
 
All the talk of Crosby reminds me of all the things that were said about Ale. He looks to have a good head on his shoulders judging by how he handles himself. Wishing him all the best in his development but yeah seems a fair bit away which is understandable.
 
Tobias has speed - can run 100metres in 11.6 seconds.
Has power - probably would have near the best bench press kgs at the warriors
He has agility and can side step opponents to score length of the field tries
He was an unknown coming to the Warriors trial day along with 1200 other hopefuls on open day. He was one of 20-25 who made it into the system. He turned heads in his open day trial by scoring three tries.
Havn't ever seen him ball play
In his NSW Cup game, even though he only played one match, he did two great hit ups and then it was unstructured after that and all the second rowers wanted to do one out hit ups and neither he of the other prop got the pill, with Toby then only really running decoy lines on each play for like I said other hunguses who were screaming for the ball.
Early last year they said he could only break tackles if guys went high on him. Since that criticism he has learned a lower arm bumper to brush off grass cutters. He is now a multt dimensional metre gainer.
There is no one who trains harder than him. And for that alone he should be given a shot at regular NSW cup play this year.
 
WA Warrior said:
No doubt it can be done, just comparing to the Panties, that team is unbelievably stacked across the park.
I agree fitness is number 1, just think you need someone to bend the line and find their fronts 9/10 times.
I got withdrawals systems with AFB I think, I know JFH will do well but he’s a totally different player.
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The proof will be in the pudding but my hope is that JFH pushes the standards. For as good as AFB is, he doesn’t have a title yet and didn’t get us to one. We’ve now got Webster at the helm who has got there and JFH arriving who has 4. I know that doesn’t necessarily translate into us having the same fortune automatically, but when I look at people like Capewell too and what he’s achieved at the clubs he’s played at I’m more optimistic than pessimistic for where we’re heading
 
Noitall said:
What I like best is these guys are defending at a similar level when they get their opportunity in first grade. Really quite impressive from both
Laban nsw cup
92% tackle efficiency
107 metres on average
15 appearances, 8 tries, 6 line breaks
Laban first grade
92% tackle efficiency
36 metres on average over 7 appearances
Halasima nsw cup
93% tackle efficiency
141 metres on average
12 appearances, 3 tries, 7 line breaks
Halasima first grade
84% tackle efficiency (though as someone pointed out it dropped because of needing to play centre in a game)
58 metres on average, 1 line break over 4 appearances
I’ve got these 2 as my future second row with Eddie Ieremia Toeava off the bench showing this year that he can handle second row, centre, prop
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One thing is for sure, junior pathways and development is being managed much better..
 
The thing that stood out to me is Cappy saying that he is not looking at Australia much. Only if there is a gap to fill that there is no answer to in our Kiwi-based development.

They won't fill the 30th spot unless something falls into their lap, but are looking to give it to a local guy coming through.

It might be a bit tough next year, but that patience is probably what the club needs in a longer term plan.

Thanks @Fonzie
 
Ever Hopeful said:
The thing that stood out to me is Cappy saying that he is not looking at Australia much. Only if there is a gap to fill that there is no answer to in our Kiwi-based development.

They won't fill the 30th spot unless something falls into their lap, but are looking to give it to a local guy coming through.

It might be a bit tough next year, but that patience is probably what the club needs in a longer term plan.

Thanks @Fonzie
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This is a key observation and there are a few posters on here who don't fully seem to have grasped what it means to be a development club. I don't mind @Tookey 2.0 idea to go hard for Pezet but that would still fall into the second point below.

Other posts decrying "wHy HaVEn't wE SignEd AnYOne yeT?!!?" - that's not going to be our game.

1. We will fill majority of our positions internally.
2. When recruiting externally we will always be looking for players we think can improve.

Look at Penrith, virtually no external recruiting until now where their exits of top players has reached a tipping point.
 
If you look at the most successful teams the last decade, storm, Penrith, their teams have been built on two things:
- their ability to develop players
- their pathways program

Both teams are quite different yet have both had a lot of success. Panthers were cellar dwellers until their pathways have turned them into the best team in the modern era (luai, Cleary, Burton, kikau, Edwards, yeo, Martin etc all internationals.

The storm don’t have strong pathways because they’re based in AFL country. However, their ability to turn fringe first graders into nrl stars is incomparable. Katoa, blore, king, warbrick, Hughes, Meaney, papenheyzun etc. the difference is, they’ve recruited & paid 70% of their cap on the spine, which has allowed the development of the fringe players to turn into stars.

IMO we are heading down the panthers system, this is obvious. What happens is, when there is an abundance of talent coming through, this allows you to sign these players on smaller salaries to be apart of the dynasty & to play with the best of the best. It also means that you can allocate your cap to your top players & sprinkle the young talent around these superstars. It also means you don’t need to overpay players, knowing there’s depth coming through (aka turuva released, McLean brothers coming through).

We’re starting to see the youth coming through now, Ali, Sifakula, laben, halasima, although I still think these kids are 18 months away from nailing their spots. I feel Ali will be pushing for starting, Sifakula bench in 2025. It does seem like there’s some talented 6s, hookers & outside backs coming through, but our glaring hole is 7. Weve identified this, and recruited a bunch of Aussie kids for our pathways program, hoping that one of these comes through as the future 7 of the warriors.

We’re progressing well, we’ve got the right staff in place, we’ve got funding and resource allocation in the right places. Now all we need to wait. IMO, 24-36 months & we will start to see the fruits. I get how this is frustrating but for the first time ever, I can see their vision. Fisher Harris is the first domino to fall, turning the warriors into the destination club for kiwis. Again, this is the only way we will be able to recruit these elite players, with the draw card of ‘coming home’.
 
Warriorsfan92 said:
We’re progressing well, we’ve got the right staff in place, we’ve got funding and resource allocation in the right places. Now all we need to wait. IMO, 24-36 months & we will start to see the fruits.
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Cappy talked about the patience required, hopefully we've matured as a club and fanbase to have it. And the fans aren't trying to ship out guys like Leka and Demetric when they go through the inevitable rough patches the Katoas and Papaliis went through in their early days.
 
Leon Black said:
Halasima gives away too many penalties and has poor discipline. He gave away heaps in NSW Cup, Laban tired toward back end of the season but he has Katoa vibes for mine and we must persist. Most 1st grade ready of the trio.

Demetric and Halasima reach their full potential, we can only hope. Seen way too many highlight reel potential guns come and go. Big Konnie, Kata, Locke, Lisone and co. I remember getting excited watching big Toa Sipley. Those twins we had we are they now?
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Completely disagree with that. Halasima has one game where he got carried away (i think straight after returning from injury) made some immature plays which gives him that rep on this forum. We've seen Laban do the same shit in NSW cup (get in players faces and try to start shit).. Overall Halasima has better discipline than Laban on defense and is way quicker to react on defensive reads.

At the end of the day, Halasima creates plays for others and is always more likely to break the line. But most importantly (and for me the most likely indicator of how well they'll do at the next level) is his work rate is way higher (both on attack and defense). You'll never go a long period without Halasima involved in the game in some way.
 
Five&Last said:
We've seen Laban do the same shit in NSW cup (get in players faces and try to start shit).. Overall Halasima has better discipline than Laban
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What? I'm pretty sure you've got them mixed up lol. Yes, Halasima has more upside , Talented kid with so much potential. For a while there he was a cocky shit that would show boat a lot & liked a bit of push & shove.
Laban is more the work horse that I also see plenty of potential in. I've seen him stick up for team mates but not instigate shit lol.

Anyway, I can see Laban turning into either, a big wide running player like Eli Katoa, Or a Mannering type depending on where the club thinks his potential lies.

Halasima is a smaller & just as poweful, but faster Ali Lauitiiti !

Demetric reminds me of Moses Leota. Compact and powerful. Insane leg drive and good footwork with good speed.
I still think he has the most potential out of all the young bucks.

I just hope we can keep them all. They all offer something different & all three have incredible potential.
 
Teets said:
Didn't Konnie, Kata, Lisone pretty much all go straight from Under 20s to first grade?

Fuck knows why but I don't think any of them played much Cup before the NRL to their detriment.

I think these next gen guys are being brought through in a much smarter way with a lot of Cup footy against men and a taste of first grade here and there.

Also think Halasima has a workrate to fall back on when the highlight plays arent there that Konnie and Lisone didn't have.
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Andrew McFadden pointed out that too many kids are late bloomers and it’s hard to get a good read on them in the 15’s and 17’s but get a better idea at 19’s & 21’s,.
I think we all forget too just how young the Reserve grade side were last year - most were 19-21 years only, a few also had played a season in age group.
To his credit he did say if you are good enough you are also old enough but there is a need to manage the load and expectations on these guys.
 
The Warrior Waka said:
What? I'm pretty sure you've got them mixed up lol. Yes, Halasima has more upside , Talented kid with so much potential. For a while there he was a cocky shit that would show boat a lot & liked a bit of push & shove.
Laban is more the work horse that I also see plenty of potential in. I've seen him stick up for team mates but not instigate shit lol.

Anyway, I can see Laban turning into either, a big wide running player like Eli Katoa, Or a Mannering type depending on where the club thinks his potential lies.

Halasima is a smaller & just as poweful, but faster Ali Lauitiiti !

Demetric reminds me of Moses Leota. Compact and powerful. Insane leg drive and good footwork with good speed.
I still think he has the most potential out of all the young bucks.

I just hope we can keep them all. They all offer something different & all three have incredible potential.
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I agree with most of this although Demitric has played more as a Lock or as an edge. Be interesting if the club see him playing there or as a prop. Halasima reminds me of Nanai although that could be my usual wishful thinking. Both of these players seem to be naturally aggressive players so I can see them pushing boundaries at time as they should.
Laban has a body shape we lack at the Warriors as he looks to be our second tallest player after Harris. He started FG really well but then seemed to fade. He is likely one of those players that need more time to get use to the FG grind. I hope he gets FG time next year with breaks between.
 
Fizurg said:
Panthers had been in the doldrums for ages and they needed to figure a way out. They saw their main asset was that they had the largest youth membership and leant into that. The rewards took a while to become reality but five grand finals later it was worth it.
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This is why I’m confident the warriors have a really bright future, amazing talent to pick from and finally putting the needed resources into the pathways
Just have to stay the course
 
Because people keep talking about halves pairings and now us bringing over kini a fallback into the warriors. It got me reflecting on this recent interview with gus where he was talking about morden day halves. Where he said:
"The Storm play with three fullbacks: Munster, Hughes, and Paps... Cleary and Luai ran for over 200 meters in that final game. They had to run the ball to make meters. They had to run the ball to make their plays. It wasn't Cleary's playmaking that won it; it was their physicality... Origin Game 3 had two tries at the end, both from Luai and Moses running the ball like fullbacks." - Very condenced non nauced version of about 5 mins linked above.

This made me wonder: do we have an outdated mentality when it comes to our halves? If the NRL is shifting toward a more fullback-style halves combination, is it worth giving TT a shot or seriously pursuing Kini not just as a fullback but also as a half option? Boyd is much more traditional—I don't see him as a ball-runner at all. So, will the Warriors follow the Storm and Panthers in adopting this new style, or will we double down on a traditional halves pairing, hoping that the old approach still holds and this trend is just a passing phase?

I personally would like to see us attempt it because when expectations are already quite low, the downsides of risk are always lower.

Side note: To piggy back off of mr @Tookey 2.0 and @Mr. Brownstone 's pleasantries. I'd say outside of warriors spesfic interviews this is probably a recomended listening for recruitment in general. As that is all they talk about here, it's morden and lastly IMO gus is knows his shit when it comes to bringing in and mentoring young talent.
 
roguei said:
Cool interview as well from him about 20 mins ago. Some choice quotes; "a big change for me this off season was finally jumping on a real diet", "me and capes had a compitition (in refrence to diet stuff), he obiviously beat me in the bronco but :LOL:"

Surprised to see capes playing such a big mentor role, heard his name pop up a few times from the younger group. Great signing IMO. Also fuck our standards have been low for ages, good news that they are now but also pretty sad to hear some of our guys only taking diet seirously now or in the last year or so. Also damn is capes fast or is demitric just slow?
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I remember seeing someone explaining that NRL players are professional athletes but they aren’t elite athletes. Took me a while to understand. Elite athletes life centers around performance. Every decision they make comes back to that. Where as NRL players still get stuck into KFC and a night on the turps if they feel like it. Shows there is still a heap of room for improvement overall.
 
Fizurg said:
I remember seeing someone explaining that NRL players are professional athletes but they aren’t elite athletes. Took me a while to understand. Elite athletes life centers around performance. Every decision they make comes back to that. Where as NRL players still get stuck into KFC and a night on the turps if they feel like it. Shows there is still a heap of room for improvement overall.
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Yeah it’s pretty clear. It was a comparison between Olympic athletes vs team sport athletes, particularly in NZ & Aus. There’s a perception they’re elite athletes - this is not correct. Bloke in a bar made a comment that there’s really only 10 or so ‘elite athletes’ in the nrl, the rest are spot fillers; good athletes but hardly ‘elite’.

The elites are obvious, Cleary, ponga, haas, Tedesco, turbo, Murray. These guys are 24/7 athletes, diet, training, recovery, everything is tuned to a dial.

What I will say is, Olympic athletes have up to 10 coaches, management, Physios, trainers etc working with the one individual, fine tuning every aspect to chase an improvement of 1%. Team sport athletes are in larger groups, with smaller management teams, therefore logically the improvements are scaled accordingly. It’s also down to resourcing too, and the clubs don’t have this financial positions to develop 30+ elite athletes.

That’s why, imo, the biggest aspect to a teams success is team culture. It’s a word that’s bashed to the death, but a team culture that demands success will allow the average athletes to jump a tier into above average, and when everyone improves by 5-10%, the impact is massive. The positive aspect to all of this is it’s incredibly difficult as an elite athlete to improve 1%, hours and hours of time spent. Its far more simple for an average athlete to improve 10%, simply by dialling in their off field commitment.

I believe this is the rationale for signing fish & Capewell, in the hope they can move the team cultures needle in the right direction, ala Demetric referencing Capewell as having a huge impact on him professionally.

This is why we need aussies in the system too, they’ve had better developmental systems where they haven’t relied simply on their physical attributes (as seen in nz where maori/pasifika players are far more physically developed than their peers) & haven’t needed to improve other facets of their game to be successful.
 
Cheese has always had such a crap attitude to the warriors I think we couldn't really have him at the club & it not feel like we last on his wish list.

Kinda funny how it worked out for him at the Roosters - from being head hunted by the coach on big $ and all "I looked at the jersey and just want to win a premiership in that jersey" to being punted in two seasons. Thats a fall from grace.
 
Prop is hardly an area of weakness with the kiwis captain and an Australian international there. We were near on the best team in the comp last year in controlling territory.

We’ve got a pair of aging wingers, a spine that lacks firepower and largely unproven but promising centres. Those would be the areas I would be looking to spend money on rather than big money on another prop who may end up on the interchange bench.
 
BangBro's (still banging) said:
I guess the Jackson Stewart one stings a little because the Roosters have a decent record of getting good outside backs from NZ.

RTS, SKD, and Manu to name some.
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What caught my eye is the school.

I was surprised the Warriors snapped up so few from the NZ champion high school, then I thought about, the Warriors old bias towards Auckland schools and was not so surprised.

Someone will try to level the we can't keep them all oxymoron here.

Cliches are just that.

Watch the tournament. St Thomas are the new Melbourne Storm style school boys league system.

As such it makes them unique.

They crushed everyone at schoolboys with three basic sporting elements.

They were fitter than all the other schools.

They were technically better in the wrestle than all of the other schools.

They were smarter in tactical play than other schools.

Thus my Storm reference.

You don't have to believe me, watch them on you tube and pay attention to technical aspects of their game (for purist who have been following the NZ scene for decades they are truly a revelation, if you don't see that then you should look up Batercard cup and Fox because these kids are better than those men).

Therefore their coach must be outstanding and insightful in terms of NRL culture, he would be the first person I would be phoning from Warriors HQ (perhaps they have already obviously people like me do not know the vagaries of this club we follow).

That team was so in tune that I would have tried to sign 100% of the players and worked out the details later.

Why?

Because after a century of Rugby league they are the first School boy outfit in this country to display fully professional and drilled RL science.

One hundred years.

First to win on fitness and tackle technique, first to use repeat sets comfortably like adults. And they came from nowhere. Who knew a school of nobodies using sports science would destroy all the usual suspects?

Of course the Roosters went for whomever they could get.

Yet we moan about signings year upon year and wonder why they happen, the duds I mean. Watch Money ball, and Air, look to the classic scenes in those movies when the scouts are telling the managers why this player has no game sense or this other player has club house issues.

Problem with our game starts with scouts, the same ones who brought us Vatuvei as the highest paid player (Manu was great, but a Winger should never be your highest in a Salary cap, and at another NRL club Manu would have had a hot housing in NRL defence this club failed him at) or Hurrell as the so obviously warrior esque fat boy take the piss type.

McFadden then is our best hope from here.
 
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sup42 said:
What caught my eye is the school.

I was surprised the Warriors snapped up so few from the NZ champion high school, then I thought about, the Warriors old bias towards Auckland schools and was not so surprised.

Someone will try to level the we can't keep them all oxymoron here.

Cliches are just that.

Watch the tournament. St Thomas are the new Melbourne Storm style school boys league system.

As such it makes them unique.

They crushed everyone at schoolboys with three basic sporting elements.

They were fitter than all the other schools.

They were technically better in the wrestle than all of the other schools.

They were smarter in tactical play than other schools.

Thus my Storm reference.

You don't have to believe me, watch them on you tube and pay attention to technical aspects of their game (for purist who have been following the NZ scene for decades they are truly a revelation, if you don't see that then you should look up Batercard cup and Fox because these kids are better than those men).

Therefore their coach must be outstanding and insightful in terms of NRL culture, he would be the first person I would be phoning from Warriors HQ (perhaps they have already obviously people like me do not know the vagaries of this club we follow).

That team was so in tune that I would have tried to sign 100% of the players and worked out the details later.

Why?

Because after a century of Rugby league they are the first School boy outfit in this country to display fully professional and drilled RL science.

One hundred years.

First to win on fitness and tackle technique, first to use repeat sets comfortably like adults. And they came from nowhere. Who knew a school of nobodies using sports science would destroy all the usual suspects?

Of course the Roosters went for whomever they could get.

Yet we moan about signings year upon year and wonder why they happen, the duds I mean. Watch Money ball, and Air, look to the classic scenes in those movies when the scouts are telling the managers why this player has no game sense or this other player has club house issues.

Problem with our game starts with scouts, the same ones who brought us Vatuvei as the highest paid player (Manu was great, but a Winger should never be your highest in a Salary cap, and at another NRL club Manu would have had a hot housing in NRL defence this club failed him at) or Hurrell as the so obviously warrior esque fat boy take the piss type.

McFadden then is our best hope from here.
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As a Chch local, I've been following their programme for a few years now and it's very impressive, churning out very talented young men, not just in League. This is the foundation that I see transferring into the South Island NRL side in years to come, anyone that is ignorant to what is going on down here and doubts that a Christchurch based side can be successful in the NRL, be prepared to be proven wrong.
 
wizard of Tauranga said:
Getting a team up and running, growing the pathways and culture for the club is the first hurdles. Then in the longer term you could be in a position for a title.

Ironically, if the game in NZ grows significantly with a second team, I think it puts the Warriors in a better position to win a title than with just the single team.
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This is the big picture stuff everyone misses in the debate.

Warriors, Kiwis, and NZ Rugby League as a sport in general all benefit from more pathways and more kids playing the game.
 
This is at the top of every single page on this thread.

This thread is solely for Warriors recruitment and retention discussion. Any posts not related to the above will be deleted.

Repeat offenders could have their access to this page limited.

Please be mindful of what you are posting in this thread before clicking the reply button.
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Do people really want examples of what this means or would prefer to figure out themselves what the words mean?

Take it to other threads. If its not recruitment or retention related, its not to be in this thread.
 
3rdstriker said:
If true thankyou Tohu for your wonderful career you've been a great captain and servant of the game.
Tohu had the ability in his prime to game play and play 5 eighth.
By the way this must be one of @MrFrankWhite s happiest of days.😁
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Nah man. I love peak Tohu. I just didn’t like busted Tohu. Plus I’m sad, it’s tough giving up your job because your body can’t handle it.

So not happy, excited though for the future.
 
There was clearly already planning going on for this day, hence the signing of Clarke. He tried to train this pre season, it wasn’t working & he did what was best for the team and retired. Whilst the timing isn’t fantastic, it shows he was committed to the warriors down to the very last minute & tried to play on in 2025, but his body disagreed with him. His form fell off in 2024, but what he’s done for the organisation during our darkest days during covid can’t be understated. Will be remembered as one of the greatest warriors of all time.
 
chrisnz said:
honestly believe and would be shocked if the tohu news hasn't been well known for months highly likely before erin signing and there is a plan behind why he is leaving and who we have our sights on.
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IF that was the case, the news would have been announced at seasons end or before Nov 1. As it stands, the club would have paid him (from the 2025 cap) 1/4 of his salary for season 2025 (if the payments are still still done a quarterly basis). Medical retirement will cover the remaining unpaid cycles outstanding.

Judging by all reports, he tried to give himself as much time as possible to get right and it was still impacting him so made the decision very recently. Its not an injury that is affecting him during games, but his everyday life so the decision would not have been made lightly. He is a true Warrior and should be celebrated as such.
 
Thompson would not be a replacement for Tohu. He's a tuck the ball up the jumper meat and spuds prop. I think people under estimated Tohu's ball playing in our team, he was one of the best in the league at it, and his metres/hit ups were prop like which was just a bonus. Our team operates with a ball player (Walker now) in 13, not a tackle bot workhorse like some teams. The Broncos moving Carrigan is another team moving away from that.

Our props are pretty stacked number wise already, JFH, Barnett, Marata, Ford, Afoa and Ale all offer capable NRL experience. Then you have our juniors coming through. I expect most of Tohu's cap space will go to a spine player.
 
Warriorsfan92 said:
Cheese as a middle forward sounds pretty good to me. Coming home and out of the bright lights might sort his shit out. The penny needs to drop soon. He’s one more bad contract away from a uk deal.
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I think you have summed up why we shouldn't even be considering him. I think he is a good example of what we don't want here. Add in that he has done his ACL and wont return until mid season at the earliest.
 
Tookey 2.0 said:
Losing Tohu and potentially Dylan Walkers last season with us, I feel we'd be in even bigger trouble next year at lock than we are now.
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Potentially Dylans last year. We also will have a further year of development on our youth players plus if needed we can go to the market with a fair amount of coin to spend.
Tookey 2.0 said:
Deffo Smith wouldn't make a big impact this year due to being injured and won't be hitting his straps til the end of the season, but I dunno man, the cupboards are looking pretty bare atm.
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I see plenty of downside and very limited upside with signing him for this year. See above for the cupboard looks bare.
Tookey 2.0 said:
I wonder how the impact of loosing nearly 600 games of experience in Tohu, SJ and Addin in one season will impact us, could be a decent get if the money is right imo
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How did that experience go for us this year? Arguably our best results this season were without them. We are also adding in a little bit of experience with JFH don't forget.

I just think many are looking at the Cheese from back at the Storm type form and seeing a kiwi player who might come home, maybe. I just think we have moved on from the mercy signings or the desperate singings and I feel that this would fall in to that camp. I personally would rather push the youth through than sign him or go to market for a player that isnt coming off a major injury and doesn't have an atiitude/maturity problem.
 
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Christchurch_Warrior said:
Well seems like some talk about Dylan Brown. The reporter quotes a random Kiwi on Twitter so likely not very serious.
au.news.yahoo.com

Dylan Brown in massive development at Warriors after Tohu Harris' sad retirement

Dylan Brown is free to leave the Eels due to his unique contract. Read more here.
au.news.yahoo.com au.news.yahoo.com
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At least those guys can see what some cant..

Speaking on SEN radio this week, former NRL player Jimmy Smith said: "Dylan Walker does it well but he's been more effective at 14." Journalist Michael Carayannis said: "He's another guy (like Harris) who looked battered throughout last season at times, and those shots from the big men in the middle caught up with him at times."
...
But they'll sorely miss Harris' skill. He was as good as any of the best locks in the game. If I'm (coach) Andrew Webster I'd be trying to keep Dylan Walker on the bench so he can come on when the opposition is tired."
 
AlwaysOptmistic said:
Yep niukore was in the top five edge backrowers 2021 to 2023. Put on 10kg to pay prop and didn't get much of a chance with injuries/positions being changed
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Top 5? The bloke started 5 games on the edge in '21 & 2 in '22 before a breakout season in 2023 where he scored a grand total of 3 tries in 21 starts. Top 12 maybe but top 5 is excessively optimistic.
Currently the most overpaid guy on the roster
 
I don't get the whole 'Browns not what we need' narrative.

Yes, if we had the pick of the crop he's not what you'd be going after looking at our current roster, but the reality is we don't, and have never had the pick of the crop.

He's not a game manager. He's also only 24. How many players in the last 10 years have been game managers at 24? Aside from Reynolds, DCE and Cleary who are the exceptions, most aren't.

At the end of the day, if there's a chance to sign a marquee man like Brown, generally you take it.

I know you can't simply pick out players and replace them with another players stats, but despite having a shit of a year last year, the Wahs lost 7 games by 6 points or less, and one draw.

Brown had 5 tries and 18 try assists himself where as our 3 6's last year has 8 tries and 8 try assists combined. Those 7 or 8 tries that Brown scored more than our lot likely would have won us a few more games and likely put us in the 8

So while he might not be the best target our there, I think some need to realize that if he becomes a realistic option for us at any time, I'm pretty sure we'd sign him
 
It will be interesting to see what TMM and LM deliver in the first 6-8 games (assuming it's them at 7 and 6). We haven't had a chance to see what that combo can deliver yet over a stretch of games and it's already been written off by a few. And those people could very much be correct. Alternatively they could be very surprised. We have been so used to having SJ for the majority of a decade I do wonder if some get a little over anxious about not having him or who is going to replace him. Much like Nathan Friend or Michael Luck - who is going to make their tackles now? Or Manu and his hit ups and tries? I think the answer is that the team and individuals have to adapt and they will. Just as we have had to in the past. Just as we did this season to great effect Personally I am excited to see what this combo can produce. I feel like we look more balanced with them and I hope that's the case. I can never understand arguments like 'we aren't going to win anything with them in the halves'. Is that no games at all? I presume it means a premiership, because we have won all those other ones previously.... I think if these two can stay injury free (massive if, considering their history) then we will be very competitive and make the 8. From there, anything is possible.

In regards to Hughes or Brown. Halves, that is good halves, are very scarce at present. We would be mad if we aren't making inquiries to either of of them. That is we should be talking to both of them and making serious offers. It's not even close to a tough decision for me, even as excited as I am to see how we go this season.
 
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I’m going to counter some of the chat here, I think he is a franchise player. Quality halves are few and far between. The best ones of the current era; DCE, Reynolds, hunt etc are close to retirement. The next crop, Fogarty, Hughes, moses, Walker, wighton are a few years away from retirement.

Luai, Burton, s walker, Cleary are young but all are locked down for long term deals.

Brown is 25 in 2026. Meaning, he’s got 7+ years ahead of him. Whilst he’s a ball running 6, there’s no reason why he couldn’t be converted to a high quality 7 under good coaching & mentors (SJ).

He’s also a kiwi boy, good looking, level headed, an international and has racked up 125 games so is looking like a 300 gamer. He’s also probably the best defensive half in the comp.

IMO he is a franchise player, he is a 1 million dollar player & I want him at the warriors 100%.

For context; Cleary 1.2, luai 1.2, Munster 1.1, dce 1, Walker 1, Hynes 1, brown 900k.
 
BigUCE said:
According to the eels forum. We would be the only club dumb enough to offer Brown 1mil/season🤨
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That made me laugh out loud. Says the team who are already paying 90% of a mil?

I don't know why so many people are getting hung up on us potentially paying 100-200k a year more than what Brown is likely worth.

We have Roger and Marata on likely 500k more than what they're worth per year between them. Both will be done at the end of 2026 so if we do sign Brown on 1.1mil, from 2027 well just pay him the excess from their contracts.

With two new teams in the comp from 2028 I think Halves are going to go for a premium and we'll see 1.2-1.5 mil being pretty standard, so if we end up paying that a few years earlier in 2026 I'm not too fussed, especially for a top player like Brown.
 
Dannevegas said:
Ye we need speed, we can’t score outside the opposition 20, our backs are too slow and lack creativity, especially with Charnze at the back. Hence why I prefer Roger or Taine at the back, they create opportunities with X factor, charnze might be better off a structured block play but teams are reading that.
A player like Mulitalo and 1 or 2 of Kali, Pasikala and Capper promoted to the top side will be a positive
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I respectfully disagree regarding Charnze. He is an underrated ball player, great at making metres and getting a quick play the ball for our forwards to build off.

With regards playing with structure he is better at both RTS and Taine at that and rarely puts his outside men under pressure by passing unnecessary. I rate CNK highly, think we will be well balanced with RTS on the wing where he can use his footwork to better effect and Rocco and Ali's development coming along nicely we will do just fine
 
Playdaball said:
Interesting This Warriors Life podcast where @Fonzie mentioned that vrumours around that te Warriors were going to sign a prop - not Molo. He and Will Evans kind of suggested that could be a Manly player ... Sipley returns???
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That would be pretty epic imo.
Has just turned 30 so hopefully it would be for this coming season?

He's a bigger body at 120kg, something we don't have currently after losing AFB. In the last 2 years when playing more than 30 minutes he averages 125m per game which is fantastic.

Would love to see that homecoming
 
The GM from panthers did a good interview with James graham sharing their wage structure per position and how they never tend to break it. In saying that they have produced talent that on paper they wouldn’t be able to afford within the salary cap if they bought what they produced hence why they’ve let that talent go. Let’s be honest we haven’t produced any talent right now worth more than 400k current value but I know the goal is to eventually produce that talent ourselves. Until we get our development to a level where we lose 750-1mil talent and replace it with talent that will be of that value we will always need a Dylan brown or jahrome Hughes to compete. This will be my gripe if in 5 years we still aren’t producing high quality talent and are still trying to buy million dollar halves and spine players from aus. That will tell me the club has failed at being a successful development club ala Penrith.
 
Tohu’s_Knees said:
I completely agree development is the key to our long term success. The fact is we have to recruit.
IMO, we’re at least 3 years away from winning the NRL. Probably 5 years more realistically.

That’s why the JFH signing is so important. Not for 2025…… But for 2027 onwards.
Don’t get me wrong, if we can make the finals every year. Excellent.
But I genuinely don’t care if we don’t. I’ve been here since 2002, I’m not going anywhere. If we have a “trust the process” style rebuild in 2025, maybe even 2026.
As long as we’re building REAL foundations…..
I realise Andrew Webster has pressure for results NOW.

6. Metcalf 7. Boyd is just unnecessarily risk with pretty low upside. IMO
Both coincidentally coming off contract at the same time.

I’m sick of scraping into the finals and considering it “successful”.
Hey, if Webby can sort it all out by 2026. Great…….. I’ll happily accept.
Realistic? Probably not……….
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Bro how can you be sick of scrapping into the Finals, we only made the 8 twice since 2012.
We need to consistently make the 8 first before thinking of the title.
But I agree fully with development being the key to our long term success.
 
Wahs Up TV said:
The GM from panthers did a good interview with James graham sharing their wage structure per position and how they never tend to break it. In saying that they have produced talent that on paper they wouldn’t be able to afford within the salary cap if they bought what they produced hence why they’ve let that talent go. Let’s be honest we haven’t produced any talent right now worth more than 400k current value but I know the goal is to eventually produce that talent ourselves. Until we get our development to a level where we lose 750-1mil talent and replace it with talent that will be of that value we will always need a Dylan brown or jahrome Hughes to compete. This will be my gripe if in 5 years we still aren’t producing high quality talent and are still trying to buy million dollar halves and spine players from aus. That will tell me the club has failed at being a successful development club ala Penrith.
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This is 100% the approach and one I think we’re trying to copy.

The Panthers and storm have strict policies around their salary cap. With Melbourne, they prioritise the spine & they fill in the rest of the squad with hard working players and/or talented discards that will excel when surrounded by talented spines. Katoa had a career season playing outside Hughes. Not discrediting that he didn’t work hard, but playing outside Hughes is a cheat code.

Panthers are slightly different. They’ve simply had to underpay their players right through their success, due to signing them on longer term deals at discounted rates, or because the players wanted to continue playing together & win together. They’ve played junior grades together & their chemistry won them premierships.

Along the way, they refused to overpay for their players resulting in burton, luai, kikau, Capewell, korisau, Leniu and Crichton all leaving for higher salaries. They only did this, because tago, alamoti, kenny, sorenson, McLean could replace them, on cheaper salaries. All were brought through their own system, or were talented discards looking for an opportunity to play in elite sides.

The warriors have been continuously bouncing in and out of the 8 for years. There’s been no sustained success. New Zealand simply has been unable to produce elite NRL players that commit to NZ, with most of the elite players being developed in aus pathways, with a few exceptions. When you look at the current starting 17 at the warriors, off the top of my head, only vaimauga, ale, Leiataua have come through the pathways. this is unacceptable. Compare this to the panthers, Edwards, McLean, tago, Cleary, smith, Kenny, sorenson, Martin, yeo (to name a few), have all come through their pathways.

This has seen the warriors invest hugely in their pathways system as it’s the only way to see sustained success. In their first year, the u17s took out the title, with the 19s and 21s performing admirably considering that the talented athletes were pushed to cup for experience. I would assume the 19s and 21s would’ve done better had all eligible players played in their age groups, but for long term dev they’re better off learning the trades against men.

I’m not sure how long it will take to see long term success, but at least for the first time in warriors history there’s a plan in place that has evidence it works. Whilst we will continue to lose talented youngsters along this path, this to me shows we’re going in the right direction, and hopefully (as we’re seeing now), players from aus will want to play for our Dev teams (kiwis and oz players). We’re seeing the very first crop of athletes starting to make their mark on 1st grade come through now; laben, vaimauga, Leiataua, halasima, maiu’u etc. this is just the first wave. Some will make it, some won’t, but I’m assuming the warriors have signed these guys on relatively cheap deals allowing them to release players like jazz, knowing these young middles are pushing for a spot.

Anyway, long post but wanted to get all my thoughts out there. We’re on the right path finally, we just need to stay patient, as hard as that is. We need to continually blood young players, give them work ons in cup, and hope they make a return to 1st grade.

I also think NZ has one major trump card over all other nrl clubs, we’re in NZ. For all the talented kiwi players in AUS, there’s a chunk that I know struggle to live overseas and away from their extended families and have ambition of coming home. Just like we worry about losing talented aus players once they show their worth, that is the warriors strength from a recruitment perspective. However until we’re showing continual success across all grades, these players know they’re better to stay in aus and develop under better systems.

It’s a long term play, but one that has proven success. We have our coach locked in for years, we have investment across the club, we have growing player base, and fans are flocking to the games. I have a direct link to rugby union in Auckland, and I know for a fact that the younger athletes are looking over at the rival code and liking what they see. The blues are worried & NZRU are too.
 
Gidday fam. It's been a long time between posts, but I've just been reading the Dylan Brown and general halves chats on here and thought I'd lend my view on it.

First off, Brown is looking for his big Kayln Ponga payday. He's the incumbent Kiwis 6, and in the next contract will be the prime of his career. With Brad Arthur sacked (who I heard he was quite close to), I think that's his motivation. And with clubs like the Dolphins sitting on a stack of cash and the Roosters basically ready to plug him into a spine of Robson, Walker and Teddy – that's an auction you don't want to raise your paddle in, if you ask me.

So while I think the price is wrong for us, I don't necessarily believe that he's the wrong type of player. It's my belief that the club wants to turn Metcalf into a long-term 7 for us. He came through the grades as one, and it's only because he's fast and played second fiddle to dominant halves so far that people say he can't do it. Mitch Moses made the transition in a similar stage in his career and complimented Brown perfectly. Having said that, we don't know how successful this transition will be for Luke, so going in on Brown is a long shot.

For us to have long term success, we need to give our development system time to bring through a core group of talented players (particularly spine players) that want to stay together in NZ to win a comp – and that could mean taking less money. People forget we had no development sides during covid, and our junior grades have only just entered the Aus comps. In reality we could be waiting a few seasons to see the shoots. This means we probably aren't going to win any comps for a few years. To do that you need a really confident, settled and experienced spine that knows how to get the close ones nailed. And unless you're the roosters, you need to grow that.

Personally I think Metcalf is in for a breakout season, and have no question that he can transition into a very good halfback if he stays fit. Te Maire would be a great foil for him at 6 with much-needed experience and a good short kicking game.

But that's me. Keep an eye out for my sign at the Sharks trial. I'll be on the bank!
 
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Bunty's main man above raises an excellent point about how Brown is one of the incumbent Kiwi halves.

If we are realistic with our expectations, who are we willing to throw $$1 million + to that would come to NZ and be happy to be the marquee man and face of our team for the next 8-10 years who already is in the Origin or International arena?

There's f**k all players - let alone halves or spine players - that fit the bill. And it's only going to get more challenging over the next few years with more teams added to the comp.

If 200k a year is the difference between Brown being the poster boy for our team for the next 8 years or so, I really hope we pull the trigger. We've paid overs for the vast majority of our big stars over the years - what's another 200k?
 
I think its from here:
View: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v7ZlqPOJc4JEuFMOhwr4S at about 6 mins in.
Here is the chunk i think the guy was meaning:

Host - Another guy everyone knows, RTS, where can we expect to see him playing? What position can we expect to see him in this season?
Slide Griffin - Yeah... Gotta keep my cards close to my chest on that one. I know everyone is excited, wanna keep the hype going...
Host 2 - Lock Forward!
Slide Griffin - Rogers..
*laughs*
Slide Griffin - Roger know's where he's playing. He's done an awesome job. Obivously coming back from rugby. We know what he brings in attack. Birllent player. Just getting used to the speed of the game. Getting used to league again took him last year. Yeah just really excited to see him after a pre season here.
Host 1 - Will that be unvailed next week?
Slide Griffin - Possibly, possibly. Yeah, yeah.


So i'm pretty sure old mate is just making shit up in the group chat :LOL:.
 
He’ll either be winger, or fullback. It’s not rocket science. Don’t overthink it. I’m leaning towards winger though, as the alternatives are pretty dire, unless they move Leiataua there, but this is another player out of position. Montoya was released, knowing rts would be on the wing imo. Rts is a dally m winger, and we have depth at centre now with 3 nrl ready centres in Ali, Berry and Pompey. Cnk is an international fb and got mom against the Aussie drubbing.

Roger wing, cnk fb, Ali and Berry centres. Case closed.
 
We sponsor a player.. each time the player scores our business logo comes up.. Got RTS.. They named 2 players in each position. Nothing is set in stone of course and shit changes/ happens.. but 5 was RTS and Ed Kosi so Id happily bet the house that RTS is at this stage at the forefront of coaches thoughts at 5. Other snippets.. Metcalfe (with CHT) is likely at 6, Boyd and TMM named as 7, CNK and TTP at 1. Most you have a good guess at whats going on. It was a trainig run but very loose and not specific.
 
Boyd and Metcalfe are my halves picks. TMM and CHT back ups.

I favour Boyd’s long and short kicking game, goal kicking, pass selection and defence for a half. His record suggests he plays with confidence at Mt. Smart and he’s behind a fairly formidable pack, yep I like it.

Metcalfe a classic running six (when not injured, recovering from injury or on his way to becoming injured…) who poses a running threat with real speed. He may also develop a kicking game yet and can pass. Is he a left foot kicker, or was that CHT only? Be nice if he differs from Boyd L & R for eg.

I’d have Clarke starting at Lock and super sub Walker coming on with Sifa/Vaimauga after 20mins and Healy at the 30min mark, Egan subbed back 15-20mins in the second.

Berry and DWZ on an edge with Ali and Rog on the other.

CNK at the back with TT 1st drop for any outside back injury and CNK to move up into Ctr/Wng if needed.

With a long season I think we’ll get to see them all at some stage, and hopefully more.
 
Since people are willing to continue posting non WARRIORS RECRUITMENT/RETENTION related posts and ignore the warning at the top of this thread, reply bans are going to be handed out in this thread. Zero warnings. Getting tired of repeating same crap.
 
Releasing a highly touted rookie who would have been taking up bugger all cap, when we have 2 available spots already makes no sense to me.

Unless he was shithouse or turned up unfit and uninterested, you'd keep him and let him plug away in Ball until he either got better, or you release him.

Even if we do have something exciting coming (and I'm really expecting us to), there's still no reason to release Zyon imo
 
BuntyAppreciationSociety said:
JFH has average numbers too, if that's what you go by. So did JWH. But some things don't show up on stat sheets. The intensity and aggression of players like Zyon create opportunities in other parts of the field. They intimidate the opposition and you need guys like that in your pack, rather than just tackle bots. And at 21, he's only just getting started. He reminds me of TPJ but without the massive ego. The sky is the limit there I reckon and we'll probably buy him back $600k a year more expensive.
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Both very poor examples, JWH was playing regular NRL at Zyons age and dominated at lower levels.
JFH also still puts up good numbers at the highest level?
 
Surprised no one has posted that Zyon started the first trial last year, close lined a guy and got a 5 match suspension.

That wrecked his season last year IMO.

I thought I had heard attitude whispers. Certainly not a Katoa situation in my mind considering Katoa had at times cut up in first grade.

All the best to him
 
Sounds to me like a move to open up NSW cup minutes for Rodney Vea and Harry Durbin.

My guess is those two have impressed in the offseason training. Also have Jason Salalilo and Tobias Crosby doing preseason, so there's plenty of young props trying to get NSW cup minutes.

I don't think Zyon becomes anything more than a bench prop in his prime. Super aggressive player which is always a plus. But he's not big by any means and doesn't have any footwork. He has only has speed and hard runs, those type of players don't really move the needle. On top of that, he's a liability defensively.

He's been underwhelming in NSW cup for a long time. He needed to start producing output at that level.

Always a weird one when people group him with Halasima and Demitric in terms of talent.
 
I get the impression Zyon moving on is a good indicator that our youth development is building some real momentum. The club will have many more tough decisions as they weigh up which players offer more and need to be prioritised. And if players have more immediate promises of first grade game time they may choose to leave.

Not easy decisions ...and a bit out of the blue....but him leaving doesn't feel like a huge loss given the young guys we still have.
Good luck to him.
 
I’m not a member of the Kosi fan club, but some of this is pretty poor.
He’s a back-up winger - back up! -he’s not there to be a world beater, and almost certainly isn’t paid to be one. Is (insert superstar) better? Probably, and likely at twice the price if not more. So we pay that, then you lose someone else down the line cos you’ve spent the cap?
Is any NRL winger the reason to win or lose games? Barring the occasional Cap S Shocker, not really.
Flashy NSW-level youngsters look great, but the coaching staff have copious data and reasons they haven’t been called up - if they had, why not in a trial? Cos they aren’t as good at whatever Webby and co want from a winger.
I guess what gets me is that a lot of this forum unfairly heaps a shit-ton of blame on a singular young player. Did we not make the eight because of our back-up winger? Hell no.
Haters will still hate, and ‘but, but, but …’, but I just think some perspective on all this wouldn’t hurt.
 
Milking! said:
I’m not a member of the Kosi fan club, but some of this is pretty poor.
He’s a back-up winger - back up! -he’s not there to be a world beater, and almost certainly isn’t paid to be one. Is (insert superstar) better? Probably, and likely at twice the price if not more. So we pay that, then you lose someone else down the line cos you’ve spent the cap?
Is any NRL winger the reason to win or lose games? Barring the occasional Cap S Shocker, not really.
Flashy NSW-level youngsters look great, but the coaching staff have copious data and reasons they haven’t been called up - if they had, why not in a trial? Cos they aren’t as good at whatever Webby and co want from a winger.
I guess what gets me is that a lot of this forum unfairly heaps a shit-ton of blame on a singular young player. Did we not make the eight because of our back-up winger? Hell no.
Haters will still hate, and ‘but, but, but …’, but I just think some perspective on all this wouldn’t hurt.
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He had a terrible game, but some of the comments in the game day thread were on the nose a bit. He is a human trying his best in a tough sport. Missing the grade will hurt enough for him without club supporters laying in.

It reminded me of Manu Vatuvei's bad nights. Low confidence. It is the supporters job to build this up in your players rather than cannibalising them. Just my opinion.

He obviously stands out in pre-season as a solid winger. Some players struggle with the pressure of the step up. Good on Webby for sticking with him long enough to see whether he can adjust. You could see he was doing it in the game too, longer minutes to get over the early wobbles so he wasn't defined by them. Unfortunately they kept coming.

It is time for the club to move on from him now though.
 
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What’s everyone’s thoughts on trying to extend Dylan Walker? I wasn’t sold when we signed him based on his salary (700k), but he has turned into the best 14 in the leauge. With how much experience we’ve lost this past offseason, I’d be happy to extend him for a couple of seasons on similar money.
 
Boston Boy said:
Demetric has got huge upside. He has got power, great footwork and very strong defensively. Probably our most likely to have a break out season for us this year, then you would think Ali L and Lena H.
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I think Ali Leiataua is in as good as place than Vaimauga. This is Leiataua's time to shine and never look back.

I've been so high on this guy, and have said we could have one of the best centres in the NRL, huge call i know.

For me it's a question of Metcalf and CNK using Leiataua and giving this kid space to run like newcastle do with Best.
 
SJ2k said:
Releasing Jazz for Clarke, that makes perfect sense. Releasing Setu Tu AND Montoya, then recruiting zero replacements is just absurd. Club has been doing some great work and the owner is fronting up the cash. It's clear we have an issue with recruitment and squad management however, need a big change there to round it out. JFH doesn't count since we got insanely lucky. Otherwise our last good recruiting year was under Brown, who for the most part smashed it.
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I dunno man, largely I think the club have been fantastic with recruitment over the last little while.

Healy and Clark are both good gets, with Fish being a huge signing.
You say Fish shouldn't count because we were insanely lucky, but I mean we were even more insanely UNlucky that the best prop in the games Mrs decided she didn't want to live in NZ. So it's a bit unfair not to count that haha.

Also, prior to this year we signed RTS and Capewell, who at the time were fantastic signings and while it didn't move the needle for us last year, would be seen as above average signings imo.

Time will tell anyways, but despite our lack of outside backs atm I'm still confident for this year. Maybe Kosi will surprise us all, who knows haha
 
OtautahiEast said:
Not to mention letting Afb leave a year early.
Zion leaving & Tohus retirement
Publicly coming out saying they're not chasing Leo Thompson
Publicly coming out and saying no to Dylan Brown..... barnacles
Missing out on Mulitalo
Now people on here saying to sign NAS for 900k, when Tom Hazeltons asking 600k... barnacles imho
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In the last couple of years the club has kept a very, very tight ship.

The truth of the matter is that none us actually know what the club has been planning, because they keep it in house. We may have been having a flutter on all of the above and failed to sign them due to the 'overs tax' of coming to NZ, or total rejection. Neither Mulitalo or Brown have been positive about the Warriors in the past.

If we have a policy of not paying overs then about bloody time. If our aim is sustained success then you don't get it by paying overs for franchise stars that don't contribute their worth onfield. I can handle a rough season if we are patiently putting the right chess pieces in the right places for the future.

This is why we have to go all in with the current management and pathways.

The pain will be whether we can attract good value players from Australia to keep us competitive in the meantime. That has obviously been difficult, hence our current back stocks.
 
OtautahiEast said:
Not to mention letting Afb leave a year early.
Zion leaving & Tohus retirement
Publicly coming out saying they're not chasing Leo Thompson
Publicly coming out and saying no to Dylan Brown..... barnacles
Missing out on Mulitalo
Now people on here saying to sign NAS for 900k, when Tom Hazeltons asking 600k... barnacles imho
Click to expand...

TBH I don't have a problem with any of the above.

AFB wanted out, Zyon didn't kick on and has been overtaken, Tohu tried to come back, the club always keep their recruitment cards close to their chest.
 
I think on reflection, the management would concede they should have held on to Tu, especially after the release on Montoya. Although he didn't perform well last season, we are missing a experienced NSW cup level winger who can fill a hole for 5 games a season. Perhaps they think Kosi is that guy. We will need another back up winger this season, which is a shame as most clubs can rely on a development contract/young gun to fill that spot. Kali and Pasifikala didn't look ready in the trial unfortunately.

Thinking about our side, to have a guy like Taine miss the team potentially for a Kosi is completely arse about face. I would love to see a back 3 of Taine, RTS and CNK. Don't really care who plays where on attack/defense, using 3 fullbacks will get our best 3 backs on the park.
 
Uster101 said:
I have never known a Sporting organisation that allows a player to leave early when they have no one to replace that Player. They let Our winger return to Australia recently, and now we have no winger to replace him. They should have learnt from when they let SJ leave and went into the season with no halfback. Why are the people running the Warriors so useless!
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Re: Marcelo, I think it’s both cultural and part of the long term recruitment strategy from the Wahs. In that things like allowing Montoya to move cos it’s right for his fam situation show any Oz players that the club will do right by the them. Alternatively if they didn’t, and were a hardline ‘contracts a contract’ club, is a: mean snd not Wahs-like and b: very unappealing for future recruitment for any quality players that have options.
 
Jonesy69 said:
Apparently where in the box seat to sign Hazleton. Sharks still keen to retain him though.

www.foxsports.com.au

Panthers make move to retain gun enforcer for life; QLD rival out of Brown race — Transfer Whispers

Panthers make move to retain gun enforcer for life; QLD rival out of Brown race — Transfer Whispers
www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
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It's not a bad proposition for a 26yo prop... Barney came here and lifted to a new level and is now an Origin player ; AFB was always good but lifted to a new level, scoring tries and getting 2 x prop of the year gongs 23-24. It's no longer a team where you go to see out the last years of your career with an 'overs' payday, there's real opportunity and upside. I think he'd be a much bigger deal here alongside JFH and Barney than he would be in the Cronulla pack,, purely because he'd be a great balance to the rest of our lads. Fingers crossed
 
tajhay said:
Phil Gould when reviewing the Warriors did mention that the club has been calling out all the clubs asking for an outside back. Either no club wants to let go off players the warriors want/players dont want to leave.
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I wonder about Deine Mariner at the Broncos. He was a starter last season. Now it looks like Shibasaki is starting ahead of him. Not only that, Shibasaki has had his contract upgraded. That makes no sense as Deine is twice the player. I wonder if they're willing to let us take him so they can re-sign Cobbo. Just a theory I have...but if it's right, he would be an awesome addition. Covers centre and wing and has speed to burn.
 
The solution to the Warriors outside backs issue is obvious.

CNK and Roger to play wing.

That would alleviate the loss of DWZ by having two great Wingers that can defend, can return the ball from the back of the field and can tackle.

This also allows for the use of Taine at the back, meaning we have gone from a shakey backline to a very strong backline featuring the very best of all our talent.

That backline (one move, CNK right wing) would match any in the NRL for workrate, quality and ball handling skill, yes wingers that pass are deadly and under used at the Warriors, having a wing draw and pass to a center back on the inside is something the Warriors have been terrible at. Having two wingers that can draw and pass back on the inside would make our edges really dangerous.

I know Roger and CNK are not lightening fast, but neither are they slow, and both have a lot of experience at chiming in as fullbacks in set plays.

No need to pay overs chasing the "Ronaldos" no need to reinvent the wheel and make it complicated with Union players.

Simply move CNK to the wing, I would challenge anyone to explain how a Warriors backline that has RTS, CNK, and TT in it is not our strongest configuration out wide.

But most of all, having the experience and expertise of Roger and CNK outside of our centers means the club could risk playing two young Centers in leiataua and Ieremia who would then have the benefit of direction from CNK and RTS while they bed in.

Put CNK on the wing and in doing so solve multiple problems and open new doors for the Center positions and fullback.


Our whole territory model relies on the back three returning the ball hard, and our middle game relies on fast props and middles rolling off Egan quick service.

CNK and RTS would arguably be an upgrade on Montoya and DWZ in that regard.
 
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We needed to get someone in. We are injury hit with Berry and DWZ and the season hasn't even started yet. Then we add niggles over a few others.

I know his name doesn't create headlines. At this stage of the season that is going to be tough.

I don't want to rag on a signing. He has an opportunity to impress if he wants to turn around his career.

Hopefully Tuaupiki works out on the weekend and ends up a stable replacement for DWZ and the others named this weekend get a good run without injury.
 
Ha - I called this 2 weeks ago. The only logical guy we could sign for cheap and on a short deal who has decent NRL experience.

TBH for a min wage fill in player who might play 3-10 games at best, he'll do the job. People need to remember this is a short term role. After seeing Kali and Pasikala in the trials, they are clearly a year or 2 away and super young.
 
As a fan, it's hard not to feel like this is a poor signing. The players available to us seem to fall into one of three categories: unwanted, desperate, or aging. But when I take a step back and look at it from a business perspective, it makes a lot of sense. It's a cheap, experienced addition on a one year deal, its low risk, it doesn’t block the development of younger players. Plus, it provides emergency cover when we’re just days away from our first game. Realistically, what else were we expecting with such little time left before the season starts? Let’s support this lad and hope that, in time we can look back on this as one of those great redemption stories.
 
Lot of bloody couch coaches on this forum. Yes its not Staggs or Mulitalo but did you honestly think we’d be getting one of those for 25’?

If you did Ive got some magic beans i could sell to ya that will make you jump higher, run faster and make your hair grow back.

Clubs in a vice at the moment due to unfortunate injuries. It is what it is. Des managed to get some decent performance out of Harper a few years back…no reason Webby cant do that same if Harper is called upon. Remember the reaction to when we signed Montoya?! That turned out better than we all thought.

Welcome to the whanau Morgan!
 
Realistically, I don't think there's many NRL ready outside backs who would be willing to sign with a team, relocate to NZ on minimum wage with the understanding that you are back up to the back up players. That essentially means you have almost no chance of showing your skills in the hopes of getting a better/bigger contract next year.

It's a stop gap measure because we have 2 of our top back 5 out for an extended run this year, with RTS's hammy's always a bit of concern and Pompey also getting injured often.

We already have Taine and Ali in the backline, who have a combined total of 18 NRL games. Another injury and having to play Kali, MGT or another green rookie for more than 1 or 2 games in a row could be catestrophic to our season.

Morgan Harper to be the buy of the year. You heard it here first 😅
 
Harper is only signed until November on what you would assume is minimum wage. So that is approximately $100k between now and then. Therefore if a more attractive option comes up before June 30 you still have the ability to sign them and pay Morgan out to free up the spot without taking any meaningful impact to your salary cap
 
Thanks for the 10 or so users volunteering to get a reply ban on this thread today. If you want to shitpost or quote a shitpost and take the discussion offtopic, please continue as you were to volunteer to the list. If you want to discuss properly feel free to do so, but shitposting and replying to shitposts asking a user for justification on their trolls when you very well know the reply is not going to be constructive or meaninful is not it.

There is a 'Report' button next to posts. Use it rather than replying to people who just want to bait and take others with them to the naughty corner.

There are a number of warnings on this thread. And rest assured that this thread is heavily moderated.
 
SJ2k said:
Crazy how stacked a lot of squads are this year, and are still able to re sign players (e.g. Hazelton and Mulitalo). Yet we are releasing players and making signings like Harper. After losing AFB/Tohu/SJ. No one wants to come to NZ I guess, we should ask for some kind of cap bonus like PNG would get.
Click to expand...

I just don't think any of this is true...

AFB was replaced by JFH

SJ we have replaced internally and signed competent depth in Boyd

Tohu retired 3 minutes ago...

It's going to be a long season in here by the looks of it. Too many posters expecting a win now situation. It's not the reality and issues like our outside back depth are not easily solved. Take a look at our current list of outside backs to play first grade - Harper is a 7th option! (maybe 6th due to Kosi doing Kosi things).

1. DWZ (injured)
2. RTS
3. Berry (injured)
4. Ali
5. Pompey
6. Kosi
7. Harper
8. MGT

And this list doesn't include the fact TT is playing wing this week and whispers that a genuine option of TMM to 1, CNK to centre is also a consideration.

Calm the farm is my advice

I do agree with other posts though that we surely have missed some targets.
 
I think there are many that are missing the point here. We have clearly said we are a development club now, which means we must be patient and continue to invest in our youngsters.

By securing the likes of a Harper over a Mulitalo is arguable better for youngsters development S it doesn’t block their pathway for multiple years. Harper (although personally I wii would’ve like MGT given another crack) is purely a stop gap measure. Also by not splashing out salary cap on a big signing, we may be able to spend on some of the gun juniors coming through ala our development model.

Patience is key here. To call for Cappy or other heads to roll because of frustration of not getting more big name signings is well off the mark.
 
Cooking up a strawman, looking at the off contract outside backs who is likely not to start for his team in rd 1.

Try Grant Anderson or Harley Smith-Shields, I know nothing about those blokes ability compared to a Harper but you’d probably have to give them the Egan or Metcalf treatment, i.e. multi year on decent money, sort them out a place, job for the girlfriend, sell them on the chance of a starting spot next year if Roger goes, and then hope their manager has enough pull to talk maniacs like Bellamy or Stuart into releasing them early. That’s real long shot stuff. To get a marginal upgrade and block up the youths longer than just this year.

Didn’t MH say he was in Walkers spare room and he picked him up from the airport – that’s the opposite of rolling out the red carpet. That’s ‘trainings on Monday, see you there if your keen’ type stuff. The club is probably right to save the big pitches for positions they really need, we aren’t a contender this year, we don’t need to sack cappy over it.

If anyone wanted MGT wouldn’t he have gone already? Like Roche did?
 
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Matiunz said:
Meant us releasing players without a plan/suitable replacement- we are 3 games into the season and we have released 3 players- could stretch that to 4 if you count Montoya (had enough time to make plans there).
That is some odd behaviour for a club.
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Each time though they are being replaced by a talented youngster (doesn’t sound like Pasikala has worked out as the Montoya replacement though). Halasima apparently trained all off season at lock so could play 60 minutes there in place of Walker and you could bring Laban onto the bench to cover the second row.
Despite all of the comings and goings we are still remaining strong in NSW Cup so we must be doing something right. A couple of marquee signings would be good though
 

View: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0gIFJ8mPNtTEaxTWFw3AOu?si=DWLDbmWMTlKkXpRoWRilCw

Interesting chat. Sounds like they're happy to promote from within

Rejects any notion that the compassionate releases are an issue. That it's just a reflection of our geographical situation.
Where we release Walker, Montoya, AFB, Aitken etc we also gain JFH, Clark, CNK.
Apparently there have been 6 or so (kiwi?) players asking to come to the Warriors in the last 12 months, but they haven't worked out due to the salary cap.
Also expects a couple of calls after this news of players who could be available, even from ones that he doesn't currently know are available.
 
Wrighty said:
:)
1) Why Cobbo is such a a great player - don't take it for granted we see the same things you have seen
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Speed, size, strength, balance- he’s an amazing athlete but he’s also a natural footballer- he’s got anticipation, skill- he’s got it all.
Can make hard things look easy.


View: https://youtu.be/GNSxqXsxZf0?si=iGkPHZ5ysjr80qIy

Wrighty said:
2) Why he would be a fit for a team like the warriors
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Well football wise I think he’s perfect- we’ve got cash to splash and he’s an x factor outside back- keep in mind he’s played for qld and Australia- and he’s only 22! Rts and dwz would be ideal mentors and Webster would be a great coach for him imo.
Culture wise it would be hard for him I’d imagine.
Wrighty said:
3) What position you see him coming across for
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Well if he was coming this week wing because we’re getting desperate there.
If they were to move cnk on at the end of the season he’s a better long term fullback option than rts or taine.

Wrighty said:
4) What is his ceiling.
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Skys the limit.
He’s one of them guys the first time u see them they just look different- in warrior terms think sj, sonny fai or dare i say it Leka.
To make it relatable to u… starford toa?
Hard to compare anyone to turbo though- hes like the freak of freaks- him and Inglis.
Maybe Latrell would be a better comparison.:unsure:
 
Some of you are acting like your last GF broke up with you on compassionate grounds.

We only got AFB to start with because of it, JFH, CNK too.

If we started basing recruitment on "We don't want them to leave early" then we wouldn't have Egan, Barnett etc.

Most of the guys we released early were released because we were happy with letting them go because they weren't in our plans.
 
JaggedJ said:
Some of you are acting like your last GF broke up with you on compassionate grounds.

We only got AFB to start with because of it, JFH, CNK too.

If we started basing recruitment on "We don't want them to leave early" then we wouldn't have Egan, Barnett etc.

Most of the guys we released early were released because we were happy with letting them go because they weren't in our plans.
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Making an influential player like Dylan stay against his wishes can have terrible consequences for the rest of the squad.
Best to part on reasonable terms and call it quits
 
tajhay said:

WARRIORS TARGET SUPER LEAGUE YOUNG GUN​

The Warriors have wasted little time trying to secure a Dylan Walker replacement after offering young English forward Morgan Gannon a long-term deal.
It is understood the Warriors have put a three-year contract offer on the table for Gannon to consider who is in the final year of his deal at Leeds. At just 21, Gannon has already played more than 50 Super League games.
Morgan Gannon. Picture: Instagram

Morgan Gannon. Picture: Instagram
He has made his comeback this year after missing the entire 2024 season to recover from concussion. Gannon suffered a concussion in a pre-season game in February last year and give his history opted to take a year off. He has successfully returned to the field this season prompting the Warriors to pursue him heavily.
A host of Super League clubs are also keen to secure him.
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Don't like that concussion history….
 
Can we stop fighting over who is better out of tohu & Clarke? One is premiership winner, international captain & one of the best ball player locks of all time. The other is a young, talented athlete who has 1 international cap to his name. It’s night and day.

But irrespective of this, this doesn’t discount what Erin is currently producing. He’s punching above expectations, and that’s all we can ask for.

Will he be a future elite lock? Probably not. Does it matter? Probably not. There’s no other player like tohu, that would come to the warriors so we need to stop the comparisons and accept our new direction.

Erin Clarke is great, but he will never be Tohu. Nor does he need to, to be successful.
 
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Kakarot said:
TMM should've been our 7 with metcalf at 6 ffs, the Australian sharks junior better be worth it. How he didn't get first dibs a 7 is beyond me, he's 29 too, in his peak.
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Lets not shit the bed just yet, what if this pairing works and we make finals or even just miss, then we are in a better place now?

If these two turn 30 and our young bulls are weapons in four to five years then are we worried about TMM?

Webby has gone youth, somthing we all screamed for!
 
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chrisnz said:
Really happy about this news I honestly belive cnk got the sign for less ride off into the sunset with the bunty treatment take it or leave it
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I really hope that CNK does do a Bunty by signing for a moderate amount, and we help him out with his job security with a 3 year contract. England is a long way from his kids and having players like CNK on your roster without hurting the cap too bad are gold dust.

I'm not too fussed if he is in the game day 17 next year. I just selfishly want him in our squad.
 
Tbf fair we’ve been pretty good for cnk- gave him a lifeline when Canberra didn’t want him, handed him the number 1 jersey and guaranteed he’d keep it even when rts came back- he was able to extend his career and reclaim his kiwi jersey.
And he’s been great for us too- played his heart out- it’s been a mutually beneficial relationship and I don’t think there will be any hard feelings when the time to part ways comes.
 
Boston Boy said:
JFH is a good start but we need bit of experience
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Barney(170 games), Egan(129) , Fish(205) , Nuikore(132), Capewell(157) , Clark(95) Afoa(138) , is as experienced as you can get. They're all over 28 years of age except Clark & Ford(80), And they're both 27.
Dwz(212) , Rts(216) , Cnk(117) are all over 29 years of age.

CHT(75) - Tuaupiki(25) are 25. Metcalf(30) Pompey(98) are 26. They're at the stage of their careers where it's make or break time. Fail, And it's hard to kick on if they haven't already.

We have enough experience. Finding the balance between the inexperienced & the experienced on the field, And the bench is crucial. Which is the only gripe I have with Webby. His bench use is mud.

Starting all the old fullas then subbing them off for the inexperienced blokes is where we trip up sometimes. Great injection of power and pace! But the top 2 inches is where they lack. Discipline, bad Defensive reads, Fumbled set plays, Fitness(Fatigue which leads to all of the above)

Start Demetric & or Ford/Afoa, Bench Nuikore(Id prefer Laban)
Bench Barnett(Blasphemous, I know) But we have captain 1 who replaces captain 2(Fish) And we lose none of that Mana or leadership.

Ali & Berry are stars. They don't need looking after.

So, I don't think we lack experience. We lack x factor in the positions that are important if we are to go to the next level.

1 - An impact prop
2 - Speed on the wings
3 - Spine - Egan is world class. Thats a tick. Halves are inconsistent. CHT gives us what is expected of him. He is no frills. He plays a good support role if we have a 7 who can do most of the organising. Cht will kick when needed. Run the ball strongly. And muck in defensively. Metcalf is a running 6. Speed, Handy ball playing , Goal kicking , Very indecisive. I personally don't see him as a 7. They've gotten by off of Egan's creativeness.
Cnk - Defensively strong. Huge motor. No ex factor or speed. It is Tuaupiki's time now at the back. If he gets it. We will be better for it.
 
Wrighty said:
I wonder if @Fonzie has any mail - he hears things ???
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Hi mate

Yesterday I got a bunch of messages saying we were going to sign Ponga but they all seemed to lead back to the same dubious FB pages

One guy said he had confirmed it with a particular journo but that journo hasn’t published anything

I decided there just wasnt enough there for me to amplify it

Separately, I am wondering about where Ponga and Manu will be going- they can’t both go to the roosters..
 
Defence said:
Somehow u crazy fucks have turned this post into confirmation we’ve signed nathan Cleary 🤣
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For about a year, I've had this absolutely mental notion that once the Panthers lose their grip on premierships, Ivan will relocate the family back to NZ, see out Nathan's career and see in Jetts.

There no basis for reality and the chances of happening are one in a million, but the cap sure allows for some creativity and I bet Ivan might make a pretty good GM...
 
Guys, can we please stick to the topic ie recruitment and retention for Warriors for 25/26. Useless posts about Price/Wiki/Foran/Luke/Evans etc is not related. Nor is reminiscing about yesteryear.

Reply ban hammer on this thread is active if people want to continue to try their luck polluting the thread with irrelevant posts.

There are reminders littered all throughout this thread that if the post is not related to the thread title, the poster will have access revoked. Penalties now doubled for users who refuse to read.
 
The Warrior Waka said:
Why would we lose backrowers because of a prop ? I'd have Addin back in a heartbeat. No disrespect to James or Barney. But he is streets ahead of those two. Only if he came back single lol. Anyway , Its only hypothetical, And that shit ain't happening. All aboard the Fish & Chips(Barney) Train!!
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The Panthers have conceded 118 points in 4 games. I reckon they miss JFH.

AFB was a fantastic player for us, but JFH really fits at this stage. He is giving us enough metres, but his strength is how much he galvanises us on and off the field. I feel like he has been an upgrade for us, despite Addin being a more gifted, freak of a footballer.

We just need some more talented players around him to produce the attacking flair that we relied on Addin for. He was a luxury and a crutch in that regard.
 
Ever Hopeful said:
I'm not sure Manu would be in my top 10 Warriors signings if he signed on. And if he did I'd want him at centre, which is a position that we are going okay at. He is an excellent player of course, but I'm not sure he'd be the marquee player that Warrior's greatest signing suggests. That would have to be a genuine, world leading spine player, or a dynamic engine room player, and I don't see Manu as either.
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I have to respectfully disagree with you sir.
Webby ball appears reliant on a workhorse fullback who carries for big meters and is reliable worker.
With Manu as a fb you get that in bucket loads, moreso than what we are getting now with Charnz. Manu then gives you that x factor where he can create something from nothing.

If Manu wants it, I think it's his.

I don't think he does tho
 
Some posters clearly haven’t watched Joey Manu closely enough. When James Tedesco — arguably the biggest ball hog the NRL has seen — was out, Manu stepped up with exceptional skill and leadership.

He deserves to be a focal point at any club. I’d slot him in at No. 1, 3, 4, or 6 without hesitation. An incredible athlete with size, skill, and versatility. Just imagine him linking up and learning from RTS, and having the same influence on Rocco and Ali that JFH and Barney will instilled in our young forwards.

We need to think outside the box and consider the legacy these players will leave on our young stars long-term. KP is all about KP — a bit like DCE, SJ, and Walsh. For me, Manu is the standout among all the rumored signings. No question.

I still have this weird Nathan Cleary vibe.
 
Sammyw said:
Jye Linnane... cappy talking about his best assest are speed and footwork, lucky we've signed him after his second ACL rupture in two years and he is only 3 months into the recovery... whats the point lol TMM gone 100% at years end then. CHT seemingly has a mortgage on the 6 jersey, which im not sure how i feel about.
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I don't think this kid will be taking the 6 jersey or is at all brought over for. I can only assume it's the exact same as Healy. He is not taking the 9 off of egan for as long egan is fit to play. It's a devlopment signing, i don't see an issue with it nor do i see it taking up to much space. Iron sharpens iron and such.
 
On Jye Linnane, I watched him play for Kurri Kurri a couple of years ago and he killed it against a very strong The Entrance Tigers team stacked with NSW Cup and former NRL talent at the tender age of 17 and looked pretty good.

There’s a lot of people in the Newcastle and hunter area that rate him highly so it’s good we are giving him a chance.

We’ve gone after a few young Aussie halves so hopefully a few of them can kick on.
 
So we keep signing these young Aussie halves.

Pretty obvious what Cappy and Webster are doing.

They're importing the Australian undergrad experience to ensure all our future stars are learning Aussie RL earlier. They've therefore accepted NZ doesn't have the junior halves to run Aussie structure.

It's a smart move, at least our forwards and backs don't have to leave here to find a platform that helps their game and makes them look good.
 
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So after 35 pages of possibly the greatest signing in warriors history and the hype it bought all over the internet, all we end up with is a teenager with 2 ACL injuries, an overpriced extension for CNK who will be blocking Taine and possibly losing a halfback who actually wants to stay in NZ. Great work Cappy. Great work.
 
His Dad used to play for Balmain so he has family across the ditch.

Morgan came through the amateur system in the UK with top side Siddal Rangers before signing with Leeds rhinos.

Agar game him his debut as a teenager.

The year off was a collective decision made by Gannon and the Rhinos medical staff in the UK as he was still only a teenager.

Leeds fought to keep him as he was rated very highly.
 
Cuddles doesn't even make sense to me, which is why I want it to die. What does it even mean - he's too buddy-buddy and blurs professional lines? He's weak and doesn't have the ruthlessness required?

I think he has done a great job with the resources available (not many coaches could lose AFB, SJ, Harris, Walker, and band together a bunch of limited players the way he has). Two criticism levelled at him have been his bench use and a hesitancy to bring youth through too quickly. Neither, which should earn a "Cuddles" nickname, and he probably got the youth thing right.

Cuddles would suggest he has favourites. I don't know if I see that, he favours experience (so does Bennett) and consistency of combinations, and we just don't have the depth to turf aside the unfashionable players. I think we have tried to be quite cut-throat in the choices around retention, we just don't have some of the advantages we need there. Jazz, CNK, TMM, Montoya. Bunty was told to look around.

Cuddles doesn't seem clever, and it seems like an unwarranted, antagonistic label on a good coach who we are lucky to have. Is there something I'm missing?
 
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We have a gun halfback in the making in Jett Cleary. The club needs to lock him up long term. His running game over the past few weeks has been super impressive, but it's his organizing chops and goal kicking that really sets him apart. You can see the sway he has on that Jersey Flegg team. He gets the ball every time he wants it - never over-called - and invariably takes the right option. His natural charisma translates well in that team environment. As he fills out more, like his brother did, I really think he's going to become a top tier half.
 
#robbiemears said:
We have a gun halfback in the making in Jett Cleary. The club needs to lock him up long term. His running game over the past few weeks has been super impressive, but it's his organizing chops and goal kicking that really sets him apart. You can see the sway he has on that Jersey Flegg team. He gets the ball every time he wants it - never over-called - and invariably takes the right option. His natural charisma translates well in that team environment. As he fills out more, like his brother did, I really think he's going to become a top tier half.
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I'm hoping he continues to develop and fill out. And he chooses to stay with us. I honestly don't think Metcalf is the answer at 7 but if him there for 2 more seasons allows Jett to get first grade ready then so be it. I'm really excited to see what Jett can do with an experienced pack including Laban, Leka, Demetric etc in season 2027 or 2028. He looks like an onfield general that we can build a team around. 30 years of waiting and a few false dawns in that time, I'm happy to wait another two or three. Genuinely excited for the future of the club which is a great place to be for a warriors fanbase.
 
Jett is a fulltime athlete playing against his peers, and others who are younger than him, who are 99% amateurs. Yesterday's win, against a team who have won 1 game all season, will do wonders for his confidence but the recruitment team hopefully aren't pinning their hopes on him yet
 
Inruin said:
I'm hoping he continues to develop and fill out. And he chooses to stay with us. I honestly don't think Metcalf is the answer at 7 but if him there for 2 more seasons allows Jett to get first grade ready then so be it. I'm really excited to see what Jett can do with an experienced pack including Laban, Leka, Demetric etc in season 2027 or 2028. He looks like an onfield general that we can build a team around. 30 years of waiting and a few false dawns in that time, I'm happy to wait another two or three. Genuinely excited for the future of the club which is a great place to be for a warriors fanbase.
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Only thing I’m not in total agreement is Metcalf. He’s doing something a bit more each week to show me he’s becoming the game managing halfback, last night was the 40/20 which my heart was in my mouth for. Think there’s X factor in his speed and if or when he can put both together, he’s going to be a real threat. Jahrome Hughes is who he should be emulating most with his mix of running game and managing the game
 
Inruin said:
Have to agree to disagree. Seeing some individually good things every now and then. Not seeing something more each week myself. Our attack is genuinely poor particularly in the opposition 20. A half decent 7 would be excelling with the platform our forwards have been providing and field position. CHT is outperforming him which says a lot really, no disrespect to him. I genuinely hope Metcalf can be that guy but from what I see it's not going to happen in a hurry. With a bit of luck he gets to a level where we can bring in Cleary and Metcalf can play 6 as the experienced supporting half. As it stands though Luke Metcalf isnr the 7 we are looking for.
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Yeah I can see where you’re coming from, and just like you I’m just a fan so really have limited knowledge to the whole picture, but watching the brief mention the Warriors got on the build up to the titans/raiders game, I get heartened when someone like Cooper Cronk says this guys going to become a great halfback for Warriors. Again, just an opinion but I hope he’s right
 
At the very least, even if you don't rate him as a player. I think CNK helps quite a bit with warriors culture in the club. He does not back down when hurt, will play in any position given to him, encourges the boys on there acheviments, doesn't sulk and trains his heart out every week. Which overall should impact all of the players around him to play better, to train better. As well as having an amplfying effect on fish's.

Small plus is that he keeps repping us to the fellow kiwis every internatinal game.
 
We have to balance marquee signings with development of our young talent. When mohawk took over he stated that he wanted us to win the premiership with home grown players. Thats where we are investing.

Look at our team this year. Ali, Leka, Demetric, Laban and now TT. All have become regular first graders. behind them? MGT, EIT, Jett, TSS. That’s the bones of the 2028 - 2029 premiership team right there. On top of that, we are investing in Metcalf as our million dollar half with Jett coming in behind him.. CHT will be under threat with Jye Linnane next season.

The major change is investment in our systems up and down the grades. This investment is bearing fruit and over time will be our biggest strength. We won’t keep everyone. Good players will be let go. Thats sport.

In terms of what we need right now? Another 30 minute impact prop - likely Bunty replacement. Walker replacement. DWZ /RTS replacement in 2 years - we need pace! We already have a TMM or Boyd replacement in Jye..

Long Story short why throw money at players close to past their prime versus keeping the guns we have? Best nursery in the world is in our back yard. Our cap will reward the talent we have as they continue to grow through good performances. Invest in coaching and facilities.

The key to all of this is a great coach. Amazing pathways and a system that is embedded from a young age coupled with some flair and pace. We have most of that already.

This is why we are winning ugly versus losing closely this season. A bit more time and I firmly believe we will develop into the Melbourne or Penrith style club who are consistently threatening for titles every season.

Let’s hope Webby is still here in 20 years because that is what it will take.

Exciting times.
 
I wasn’t initially a fan yesterday but I’ve come around to CNK resigning.

1) He’s not blocking a spot for any young talent.
2) His salary isn’t going to prevent us signing anyone as we have plenty spare.
3) He strikes me as a good dressing room influence.
4) He has utility value should someone else become a better option at fullback.
 
sydneywarrior92 said:
don't really get the CNK hate- renewing him was an easy decision to make. At a time when we've lost hundreds of games of NRL experience in the last 6 months, it's unfathomable to suggest we should be getting rid of another experienced player. In any case if you want to get rid of CNK, you need to have a better alternative. Ponga, Manu aren't coming. TT has promise and is developing nicely and would clearly benefit from having CNK around for a couple more years to learn from if he is indeed our long term FB.
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🙌💯 CNKs extension is a bit of a must have imo, he bleeds the jersey.
 
CWC said:
Isiah Yeo project?
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Feels that way. So we have:
Niukore -> Leka
Capes -> Laban
JFH/Barney -> Demetric
Tohu/Walker -> Erin and Gannon?

Feels like Demetric was meant to take the tohu slot. But i think thats going to be impossible unless you force him to 5/8 for some games. Those sorts of locks, at some point were playing as a half. Clark was, tohu was, walker was... So probably best to just make him into a good all out prop.
 
roguei said:
Feels that way. So we have:
Niukore -> Leka
Capes -> Laban
JFH/Barney -> Demetric
Tohu/Walker -> Erin and Gannon?

Feels like Demetric was meant to take the tohu slot. But i think thats going to be impossible unless you force him to 5/8 for some games. Those sorts of locks, at some point were playing as a half. Clark was, tohu was, walker was... So probably best to just make him into a good all out prop.
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Prop: Demetric, TSS, Tuipulotu-Vea, Salalilo, Crosby, Durbin
Second Row: Halasima, Laban, Ieremia-Toeava, Fatialofa
Lock: Gannon

Even further down the junior pathways to the Harold Matts we have some potential superstar forwards in Lennox Tuiloma, Bishop Neal, Lucian Mikaele, Satali Fretton, Ronan Byford and Krushil Koteka.
 
Cces said:
He averaged 48 mins in Cup before his recall once Walker gapped it.
Webster has only played him for more than 40 mins of 4 occassions out of the 34 games he's coached him.
Minimum contract going forward, which I can understand if he'd decline
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Afoa is a very good depth player that doesn't cost a lot. I think he is a no frills, solid player we need that balances the cap, experience and depth. Virtually zero risk re-signing him
 
Muddogz said:
Gannons a bit of a project player for me. I see him being eased in next year with more of a bigger role when Niukore and Capewell likely finish in 2026.

I like Bunty as a fringe first grader and NSW cup prop, but it depends on how TSS and Ale go over the course of the season whether I would resign him. I would think we’d have capacity to re-sign him given releasing Zyon and we’ll need proper depth considering the age of our current stocks.
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Anyone else noticed Buntys footwork at the line now? He’s a valuable squad player who goes about his business without fuss and won’t let you down.
 
PhilsySH35 said:
he's da man - the BBas (Bunty Brigade appreciation society) has spoken, what other club has such a low level player exceeding expectations!
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It's actually the Big Bunty Appreciation Society thank you.
He's building into his prime prop years and yes he's added some late footwork to his game (even made a half break against the Knights which we haven't seen in a while)
The plan with Bunty is ultra long term. A One-club legend with many generations of Afoas eventually donning the Warriors jumper.
And the best part is he's so chill for someone who knows he could tear your arms clean off your body if he wanted.
We need to keep good people like Bunty around the club.
 
3rdstriker said:
The sauce came directly from @rugged, personally I think he was just trying to keep this thread ticking over.
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Have been a member since the old old site. If I was going to post crap for giggles i wouldnt have waited over a decade😬 Have been upfront that I don’t know the strength of my source only that they do have access to players and management and spent social time in the dressing room on Friday night.
With each passing day looks like it was more smoke than fire but am hoping we may yet be pleasantly surprised.
 
Tookey 2.0 said:
Would absolutely be a Warriors thing to do to sign a player in a position where quite well off in.

Come on down Kotoni!
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I like berry and Ali, actually I quite like all our first choice backs- even the depth guys like tmm and Pompey but… as a collective I still feel we’re missing a lil something something… if we wanna trouble the top sides or put scores on the mediocre ones we’re probably still just a little short on firepower esp once a couple of injuries hit which is inevitable in today’s game.
If we had the chance to add a staggs, manu, cobbo or ponga I think u gotta pull the trigger.
 
sydneywarrior92 said:
reckon Broncos will regret that. Cobbo>>>Staggs.
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I think the one they will regret the most is the upgrade to Walsh. His contract puts enormous pressure on the rest of the cap IMO and while he can be an absolute gamebreaker, I cant help but feel that he hasn't improved with his errors and I wonder about the impact he has on the wider team. It does free up a player like Cobbo to be approached by us though, particularly with the apparent cap we have spare to spend.
 
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Inruin said:
I think the one they will regret the most is the upgrade to Walsh. His contract puts enormous pressure on the rest of the cap IMO and while he can be an absolute gamebreaker, I cant help but feel that he hasn't improved with his errors and I wonder about the impact he has on the wider team
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Walters was handling him well keeping him in Queensland cup, that’s how he ended up with us by packing a sad not playing first grade. Even when he was playing with us, I’ve always seen him as a 6. For a smaller body, all you need is heart to at least be a speed bump in the front line defending to give bigger bodies time to assist but at fullback his defence as a last line defender is non existent. He’s got all the skills of a good 6 with a great running game and cutout pass and a decent kicker
 
sup42 said:
Yeah just look at Penrith.

Only the Roosters can keep everyone (been watching Kiwi Legend Kurt Sorenson talk about how he was handed a literal real life brown paper bag by the Roosters in a locked room with a bunch of other players - in other words the NRL has been turning a blind eye to their cheating way before Uncle Nick, they have bought off the NRL for forty years).

I can see a time where someone of the calibre of Dimitric gets released by the Warriors precisely because the forward pack is becoming too rich. The forwards are where we are going to really excel under Webster, Zyon quickly became one noob too many, Dimitric is next.
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Demitric secured until 2028. Big fan of his, hope he’s here until at least the end of his contract
 
sup42 said:
The forwards are where we are going to really excel under Webster, Zyon quickly became one noob too many, Dimitric is next.
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Have you heard something by chance?

Feels like a bizarre statement to make when he's been earmarked as one of our future stars, has had a run in the last 3 years and would have been more if not for injuries.

Unless something significant happens, I can't see us letting him go anytime soon
 
sup42 said:
It just strikes me that the Webster era is hallmarked by having the best forwards in the NRL.

So take the equation of AFB, James Fisher Harris, Dylan Walker, Tohu Harris, Leka, Wade Egan, Erin Clark, Mitchell Barnett.

Then going to England to get their best kid in the forwards.

Honestly it seems obvious to me that under the Webster Mohawk regime that if you are not a star forward they will buy one from England or Australia. That is the bar for Demitric, Leka and Laban.
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I dunno man, I think your logic is flawed. We haven't bought any star forwards from the UK.

Under Webster the forwards we've brought are Ford, Clark, Capewell, Gannon, and Fish. We were extremely lucky with the Fish signing and no way you can say that was Webby, that was a bit of luck that fell into our laps.

Barnett and Walker were brought before Webby. Barnett was pretty average before coming here too.

In fact, the majority of our forward pack have actually improved under Webby, and he's also let a few extremely promising forwards go, like Curran and Maiuu.

To say that he's specifically only buying top forwards really undermines what he's done so far.
He's promoted quite a few juniors, has brought a few journeyman/money ball signings and has turned them into machines.

Promising players like Laban, Demi, Leka, and Ali have all been giving a shot and seem to be going well, and let's not forget giving the keys to Metcalf. Huge call, and currently we sit in 4th....

I don't think Demitric is at any risk what so ever, unless he turns to shit in which case, laterz bol!
 
I'm finding the culture of the club really encouraging at the moment, which I hope is going to rub off on recruitment.

It is hard to get Aussies over here, but the current crop have totally embraced the club, and you can tell that they are buzzing off it. The dog eat dog culture of Aussie to the supportive team/fandom culture of NZ, which we have seen elevate our country above the sum of it parts in many sports.

You would have to be looking at the Warriors as somewhere that is going places if you were on the market for a club. I really, really hope we make the right moves in the next 6 months.

Hopefully Cappy is at Magic Round and he, Webster and Robinson are networking.
 
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Ever Hopeful said:
I'm finding the culture of the club really encouraging at the moment, which I hope is going to rub off on recruitment.

It is hard to get Aussies over here, but the current crop have totally embraced the club, and you can tell that they are buzzing off it. The dog eat dog culture of Aussie to the supportive team/fandom culture of NZ, which we have seen elevate our country above the sum of it parts in many sports.

You would have to be looking at the Warriors as somewhere that is going places if you were on the market for a club. I really, really hope we make the right moves in the next 6 months.

Hopefully Cappy is at Magic Round and he, Webster and Robinson are networking.
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How good has SJ been on the PR front, is he coaching juniors at all? He’s more a Warriors ambassador on Fox panel doing analysis than a neutral commentator, suits his personality so well, will probably have an equally successful media career.

His energy and the way we embrace him will probably help the recruitment perception too, along with what Clark etc said. And Webby is giving Metcalf, Healey, even a returning CHT a real go and later Jye Ginnane (double busted ACL)

At the end I think one of the buys of the century is still Webby
 
Healy is signed for 2 years beyond this. No need to send him a 5 year deal after a good 20 minute debut off the bench. Egan has 4 more NRL seasons left in him at least, if Healy can somehow take his spot then he might be keen to stay, but if he can't and shows he is NRL level, he won't sit around being a back up if he is better than that. Being a bigger body maybe we could look to play him as a ball playing lock or something, pretty common these days.

Metcalf is a different one perhaps, his management won't be looking at signing anything until he can get his value sky rocketing. The club clearly believe in the guy, so I don't think the club will be sitting on the heals in terms of locking him in further.
 
Wrighty said:
There has never been a player I can recall we have tracked so closely through the ranks. The forum will be delighted for him if he ever gets a debut. Step one is getting a pre-season trial in 2026.
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Shaun Johnson springs to mind. When he was ripping up Toyota Cup. But yes Toby Crosby has done some crazy stuff in his flegg time to date.

It cool to be able to see kids play for the warriors at younger ages than before though.

I'm hoping Thompson and Ratcliffe club thier way up.
 
Good interview with Cappy on Sport Nation.
Heavily paraphrasing.. "Gannon is ready to go once he gets here. Different kind of player to what we have. Tough rangy ball playing back rower, will eventually end up in the middle. It's pretty obvious how it'll all play out, we've got some pretty handy backrowers, so you add in a ball playing lock.."
 
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Noitall said:
Looks like another from Northland. You’d want the JFH factor to put him in the right space and get all of him
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Watching a bit of Tobias Crosby talking about his weight lifting etc I think he got up to 116-120kg of muscle but it was to heavy for his structure and he said he'd hurt his back walking to the fridge. It made me think how a big unit is great but getting the most optimal body size and shape is an art and science for sure.
 
I’m a bit confused by how Wiremu Griegs name pops up so often. Beside I-Pap, Brown, and Manu, his name is probably the most persistent in the recruitment thread since I have had an account on here.

The dude has played 27 career games in what is now his 5th season of NRL, on a team that, for most of his time there, has been poor.

He should be so lucky to get a reserve grade contract with us the way I see it at least.
 
Ferdie said:
Apologies, this is more about retention than recruitment.
But who would be our best 13 players (as in a starting lineup) of players that should be our highest priority to retain?
From the conversations here, I'll have a crack, but other opinions are welcome.
Note: This lineup excludes anyone in the top 30 or who have played NRL before.

1. Jeremiah Lemana
2. Raphael Sio
3. Kahu Capper
4. Caelys Putoko
5. Motu Pasikala
6. Jack Thompson
7. Jett Cleary
8. Jason Salalilo
9. Makaia Tafua
10. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea
11. Bishop Neal
12. Kayliss Fatialofa
13. Lennox Tuiloma
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I've had a go ranking each player's potential by position and put the age they are turning/have turned this year.

I'm sure I've missed a bunch but tried to include everyone that i think has some sort of first grade potential. This is obviously not a list of who's better right now also.

Fullback
1. Jeremiah Lemana (17)
2. Joseph Ratcliffe (18)
3. Caelys Putoko (20)

Wing
1. Ezekiel Davidson-Faaiuaso (18)
2. Alexander Pua (17)
3. Kaian Olsen (16)
4. Motu Pasikala (20)
5. Conor Bowden (19)
6. Raphael Sio (20)
7. Kairus Booth (18)

Center
1. Soane Ma'asi (17)
2. Sio Kali (20)
3. Patrick Moimoi (21)
4. Nganaiaiafu Vake (20)
5. Hiraka Waitai-Haenga (19)
6. Kahu Capper (19)
7. Hinckley Ioka (17)

Halves
1. Jack Thompson (18)
2. Tyson Hansen (17)
3. Tusi Alapati Soagia (17)
4. Jett Cleary (21)
5. Luke Hanson (21)
6. Christiano Elia (16)

Prop
1. Lucian Mikaele (17)
2. Jason Salalilo (19)
3. Krushil Koteka (17)
4. Kenny Lafituanai (16)
5. Rodney Tuipulotu Vea (20)
6. Paea Sikuvea (19)
7. Harry Durbin (20)
8. Toby Crosby (22)
9. Tepatasi Laumalili (19)

Second Row
1. Bishop Neal (17)
2. Satali Fretton (16)
3. Eddie Ieremia (21)
4. Kayliss Fatialofa (20)
5. Tusi Fanolua (16)
6. Militoni Sikuvea (18)
7. Dougal Grant (17)

Lock:
1. Lennox Tuiloma (18)
2. Ronan Byford (17)
3. Augustino Filipo (19)
4. Gordon Afoa (18)

Hooker:
1. Makaia Tafua (20)
2. Dreytin Marriott (17)
2. Jacob Auloa (20)
 
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Boston Boy said:
My concern with Laban is he has awesome size and athletic attributes but lacks aggression. He gets punched straight in the mouth by Canberas Big Red twice and stands there, Ale runs in and has to protect him (NSW CUP). When he plays D I have noticed a lot of grabbing, or soft wrap tackles, very little aggressive contact. I don't expect him to be SBW but learn from Capewell, Fish or Marata. Look at Halasima and Vaimauga totally different. He is currently too passive to maximise his greatest attributes, which is is size and athleticism. The knock on him is not his ability, its his head space and lack of aggression, some guys just don't have it, maybe he does decent without it but to be elite I believe he at least needs some TRT shots to help him become what we need, otherwise may swell have a smaller guy like Fatialofa who is a much better attacking threat and EIT who is a much fitter tackle bot (EIT, runs lines as well).
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It was interesting with that Big Red situation. That Laban didn't flinch was impressive, but even more impressive was the restraint he showed because he no doubt would have copped a decent suspension like Big Red's if he struck back. It's important to have some level-headeness like that in your lineup. At 21 you would expect to see glimpses of the Eli Katoa flair by now if he was that type of player, but he seems more in line to fill a role similar to the one Shawn Blore is performing for the Storm at the moment.
 
Theking267 said:
Gannon will be the backup 6
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Our successful game plan this year involves both our halves making valuable contributions with the boot. Gannon has 3 kicks in his 12 games this season & didn't even put boot to ball in the game he started at Five-eighth. In the press release when he signed the quotes from McFadden repeatedly used the words backrower & forward. Maybe mid game due to injury, but I very much doubt he'd even feature on the depth chart of #6's
 
Why would we release Boyd this season? We have 4 halves who all have first grade experience and can do the job. Let him go and it only takes one injury and then the cupboard starts looking fairly bare. It was only last season we ended up with CNK as a make shift 6. We are in a good space, with a squad, with depth in most positions. We release no one this season.
 
Theking267 said:
The issue you have if you re-sign Martin & keep Boyd is that you don’t want TMM to play in the centres or at lock. The way Lussick has been used this year playing prop. Although it’s kinda work out now with Sam probably being the 14th man going forward in NRL & Lussick being the starting hooker in Cup.
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The way they have been playing Lussick in cup is not so subtlety telling him you have no future at the club.
To his credit he hasn't dropped his lip.
 
MrFrankWhite said:
Sounds like hes found his niche. Always come across as a nice guy with a footy brain, regardless of what happened
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After listening to that Matt Elliott interview where he described how dysfunctional the team was, I think Cappy did well for us to be in consistent finals contention during his tenure as coach. He's doing a great job for us in the recruitment field.
 
Inruin said:
And from memory we were playing a good style of footy but hit with key injuries during his time.
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Back in those days (2012-2017), we had the habit of starting the season drunk, making a recovery during origin and giving us momentary hope, and then collapsing absolutely in the final third of the season to finish in the bottom four. Changing the coach never really changed that pattern whether it was Bluey, Elliott, Cappy or SK. In hindsight it really wasn't Cappy or any of the coaches fault, we just had a rotten culture driven by a handful of players that needed to be cleaned out. At least now our club seems to be a happier and more healthy environment for success.
 
Makasene said:

View: https://youtu.be/U2ZJw73ysBs?si=CwyzedeB2o5hHOZP


Great interview with Cappy.
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The most telling thing in that interview comes early in the peace where McFadden says he jumped at the Warriors development and pathways manager position to provide security for himself and his family.

That is the antithesis of the mantra around here where fans fret about our Aussie players not likely to stick around and all the posts about either throwing silly money at them, or the posts about not playing them in key Warriors roles because they won't stay (Metcalf thread if you want evidence of the Whining fans that Make a job in NZ sound like a life sentence).

I think quite honestly that fans have no idea about how acutely tuned to the Aussie in NZ problem that Cappy and Webster live through themselves.

These blokes know better than anyone how to identify Aussie who will adapt and how to make New Zealand a positive work place for them.

It is staring us in the face.

We are a great Aussie pathway offshore that from time to time will hire an Adam Fonua Blake, who will want to piss off when it suits, but hey he is Tongan and the Tongan league scene is not one marked by loyalty to countries outside of Tonga, ergo if NZ learned anything about Aussie based Tongans it is that they are even less likely to stay here than the ones who were born here and abandoned the Kiwis. Elise Katoa pissed off first chance he could, the Tongans are not loyal to New Zealand, yet these threads are flooded with Aussie exodus posts....Irony much.

I think McFadden and Webster understand these nuances, they themselves live in a world where they are trying to help a New Zealand team win and Australian competition.

I recon McFadden and Webster spend a lot of time horse Whispering all the Australians we have in every grade top down as to why the Warriors are a good option.

We offer the chance to be the first NRL champions at this club.

We treat our Aussies like star imports.

The fans treat our Aussies like star imports.

The Aussies who come here and play well get treated like Demi Gods on the street compared to backyard Sydney where they cop shit.

Also McFadden and Webster seem to have woken up to the problem at the Warriors where they did not celebrate hearty Mana Maori.
 
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BangBro's (still banging) said:
About tongan loyalty, do you think this apply to Leka? Or because he was born here, he will stay loyal?
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Leka was born in Tonga bro.

I can't see Leka leaving us. He is loved by the club & is a fan favourite. He has the potential to be in the top earners at the club.
The loyalty at his age is to his family. As with most polys, family & faith is first & foremost. We just need to pay him his worth and hope he keeps on delivering on his enormous potential.

I don't want another Ali Lauitiiti scenario....
 
Five&Last said:
Interesting, who in particular?

For example, if I was an Aus club I would be looking hard at Hickley Ioka as a future NRL fullback. Didn't get a look in with Jeremiah Lamana there but has some serious talent and playmaking versatility.
Click to expand...
Those two are good examples having both played the game for over 10 years now. Jerry’s best position is centre and I don’t think he’d played any other position in league prior to this years Matt’s campaign. He had one season playing fullback in his first year of school rugby but none in league that I can remember. He won the Matt’s title last playing at centre then played the rest of the year in school rugby on the wing. He also played at the u16s nationals and nz clubs vs schools at centre. So fullback is his third position but he’s such a natural footballer that he was better than most other Matt’s fullbacks. Hinkley was picked at fullback over Jerry in both Nationals and NZ clubs vs schools. In Kelston’s loss against St Kent’s yesterday, Hinkley was at fullback and Jerry was on the wing. It was a similar story for Hinkley, he started last year playing in the halves in the SJ comp and then the Auckland u16s tour to GC then played centre/midfield for most of the year before playing fullback at Nationals. His best position is stand-off but he only played in the Matt’s final there when all the other halves options were injured. His best position in rugby is 2nd 5.

So how does this all relate to the clubs recruitment and retention plan? This club hasn’t developed a NRL first grade quality fullback since Locke 15 years ago and even he was originally a halfback. Fullbacks are expensive but we are good at developing centres. If you look at the other NRL clubs who have good junior catchments, most of their fullbacks come from their juniors. Our X factor juniors have to be retained and molded into the skill positions that the club has trouble recruiting in.
 
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Not sure if it was already posted, but I've gone through the Code article on who manages who, if anyone is interested:

Sports Vision
Bunty Afoa (S. Martin)
Erin Clark (S. Martin)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (S. Martin)

Wasserman Rugby
Tom Ale (B. Sharrock)
Rocco Berry (B. Sharrock)
Leka Halasima (J. Friend)
Sio Kali (J. Friend)
Ed Kosi (D. O'Loughlin)
Jacob Laban (J. Friend)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (D. O'Loughlin)
Adam Pompey (D. O'Loughlin)
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (B. Sharrock)
Demitric Vaimauga (J. Friend)

Pacific Sports
Mitch Barnett (C. Orr)
Kayliss Fatialofa (M. Parata)
Sam Healey (G. Ghazal)
Patrick Moimoi (M. Parata)
Marata Niukore (C. Orr)
Taine Tuaupiki (T. Bartlett)

Titan Sports
Tanah Boyd (D. Riolo, M. Hudson, or M. Adamson)

Gillis Schifcofske Sports
Kurt Capewell (C. Schifcofske)

Rise Sports
Wayde Egan (M. Stewart)

SFX Sports
James Fisher-Harris (G. Mimis)
Luke Metcalf (P. Sutton)

Pulse Talent
Jackson Ford (C. Rogaris)

Sportsplayer
Morgan Harper (T. Smith)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (T. Smith)

Ultra Sports
Ali Leiataua (S. Ayoub or N. Wijesekera)
Freddy Lussick (S. Ayoub or N. Wijesekera)

Map Sports
Te Maire Martin (A. Purcell)
 
Tookey 2.0 said:
Jeeze I hope we didn't piss Jake Friend off at any point (or who ever that is) as he's got some of our top young fullas. Leka, Laban, and Vaimauga all to the Roosters? 🙃
Click to expand...

Jordan that is, one of his brothers is the team socials manager, and another is a coach in the juniors, so we should hopefully be sweet lol- They are all nephews of Dean Bell I believe, as well
 
Ponga at 27, playing fullback? I’d take that in a heartbeat. Sure, we’d likely have to let a few forwards go, maybe some aging outside backs—but pair him with Luke and Egan and it’s pure fucking 🔥🔥🔥

All we’d need is a steady, low-cost 6 to steer the ship. With that forward pack? We’d be scary AF.

Let’s be real, he hasn’t had a proper 6, 7, or 9. Not even a ball-playing lock. And some of those coaches, absolute duds!

KP wouldn’t cop the ire of Knights fans either, only snipes from us palooka’s 🤣 Those against, book in for a brain scan!

Fuck me 4 years ago we’d be happy with a signing of the calibre of Kane Evans. Now we’re knocking back Lamborghini’s 🤷‍♂️
 
Laban is a relief.

I was not worried about Leka. The club know what they have there. Pleased they know Laban is a future star of a different kind also.

That Try Laban scored this week, his first NRL Try, is absolute text book Laban, he has done that before, more than one, followed the kick, plucked the ball out of the air, found the turf. It is a specialty of his.

Laban reminds me of Hugh McGahan at the same age. A defensive backrower who was highly fluid when he ran - Ali Lauitiiti ran like that, you can just see it...he glides....that Try where he regathers a bobble from a mid air challenge for the ball, twists and slam dunks it is what I am talking about....that is classic Ali Lauitiiti mobility for a large body.

Laban has a unique combination of Traits for a young Warriors product, Size, mobility, engine, hand eye coordination.

If you were to critcize his game (some have started already) he when compared to Leka and Demitric lacks explosive power and off the mark speed.

Give Laban time and patience, he will be the most balanced forward of the lot. His game is a defensive game and he has been blessed with the ability to fool the defence in critical moments because teams will see him as a tacklebot.
 
Lance155 said:
I need to watch Laban more closely, haven't formed an opinion on him yet. What player would people say he is similar to at this stage?
Click to expand...
I see Sup42 compared him to a Hugh McGann and I think that is a good call.

My view is that he hasn't filled out into his frame yet. When he does he will be an absolute unit, along the lines of the great Steven Kearney. Perhaps he doesn't have the chisel edge of SK, but his motor, size and skill makes me think once he is fully developed, he could be an absolute weapon.
 
Noitall said:
Credit where it’s due though, he put some beauties up that led to tries on the weekend
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All season for me. He has been very accurate and the shallower height gives the opposition less time to catch/spoil. Metcalf has been good too.

CHT's weaker area is his long kicking, but I've been impressed the role he is playing this year. He has taken the line on a lot and looked quite zippy doing so. Like many before him, he is sitting in the shadows because the NRL hype train has got to make a superstar out of one player at a time. Metcalf is going great guns, but he is being ably supported by CHT, Egan and our big boys.
 
3rdstriker said:
Good interviews with Luke Metcalf while it would be good to resign him before November the 1st, it also would be good to give him more time to bed himself in and see if he remains injury free.
www.warriors.kiwi

Metcalf: Really pleased to see Capes lead us out this week

Luke Metcalf on Kurt Capewell as captain and contracts for Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban.
www.warriors.kiwi www.warriors.kiwi
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Very level headed young man, seems to understand exactly where he is and where we're at as a club and how quickly things can change.

I know anything can happen but he seems to be enjoying his footy here, I'm not getting compassionate release vibes.
 
Luke Metcalf is not the best player in this competition not even close! I dont give a fuck what the Dally M points system says.

I do however think I've seen enough to have a crack at locking him down first before November 1.

I dont think he's worth 1 million yet but a healthy upgrade for a further three years and leave it open to another upgrade in his next cycle?

The really good halves seem to be playing close to mid 30s nowadays.

750 to 850 would be more than fair no? You could even upgrade like halasima if he was to go super sayan mid this deal.

I think the club does need to be a little cautious given his history.

But at the same time you just trust the two Andy's to get this over the line.
 
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Boyd takes his player option for 2026 and remains with Warriors
  • Confirmed Recruitment
    • www.zerotackle.com

    Tanah Boyd makes big call on NRL future amid Cowboys interest

    He has been linked with a move away from New Zealand.
    www.zerotackle.com www.zerotackle.com

    Tanah Boyd taking up his option for next year and sticking around. Think the club would have been honest with him and he could still be in their plans? He may be depth but if he gets an opportunity, he might grab it with both hands. Think now if TMM is to be extended, it’s as a 14 going forward. Still a possibility, we signed Walker as a bench utility who can fill multiple positions and TMM has that in his arsenal. If he got a preseason to become accustomed to lock off the bench, I’d back him with him a strong defender. That’s possibly where Gannon fits in though?
     
  • Confirmed Recruitment
    • My totally uneducated guess about TMM's situation is that during his health scare he may have been able to put life into perspective a bit more in terms of the balance he needs to live a good life.

    Enjoying his hunting/fishing etc. whilst also enjoying the day job at the Warriors. He will be up against other players who are living and breathing footy, and I'd imagine Webster might be the kind of coach that would prefer that mentality and focus.

    It sounds like TMM has got a great life, and hopefully there is a way for him to continue to enjoy it the way it is without financial motivations being the be all and end all.
     
    The Undertaker said:
    Who would you rather have in 2027 - Haas or Ponga? Both sound like they are going to market.

    Both won’t be chasing dollars as much as titles. We in the hunt for both?

    I think so…
    Click to expand...

    Ponga would singlehandedly change our attack, an area where we are currently struggling.

    Haas would give us even more go forward and dominance up the middle, something we are currently one of the better teams at in the NRL.

    Either would be one of the best signings in the Warriors history, but I'd prefer Ponga. Especially if he turns his back on State of Origin, that's at least 3 more games we'd have him each year over Haas
     
    Massive shout out to the club for tying up our young guys early before they get massive offers to lure them away.

    Cameron George's phone must actually be running hot. What young gun wanting to make a name for himself wouldn't want to be coached by Webby and surrounded by these young guys that are going to be the cornerstone of our club for years? Playmakers, hookers and outside backs especially. This is a club that is going places if things continue their trajectory.
     
    The One New Zealand Warriors have locked in three highly promising South Island players – Makaia Tafua, Jason Salalilo and Bishop Neal – until the end of the 2028 season.

    All Christchurch-born and raised, the trio have underlined their potential coming through the club’s pathways system.

    Hooker Tafua (21) has already made 22 appearances for the Warriors’ reserve grade side in the New South Wales Cup, prop Salalilo (20) has played eight NSW Cup games this year and second rower Neal (17) was an influential figure as the club secured its second consecutive Harold Matthews Cup (under-17) premiership this season.

    “Makaia, Jason and Bishop are all terrific examples of the talent coming out of our academy in Christchurch,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development.

    “Their development has been outstanding since coming into our system.

    “Makaia and Jason have grabbed every opportunity through the grades to earn exposure with our New South Wales Cup side while Bishop has huge potential a back rower.

    “He would have played in the Harold Matthews Cup as a 15-year-old last year only to be ruled out through injury but he certainly showed what he can do this year despite still being only 16 at that time.”

    Tafua, a Linwood Keas junior and Shirley Boys’ High School product, started his journey with the Warriors in the club’s first year back home after the Covid era when he played four times for the SG Ball Cup (under-19) side.

    By last year he was a New South Wales Cup regular making 17 appearances and scoring four tries as his development was fast-tracked alongside senior players. He also scored three tries in three Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21) games while he has split his time between the NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg teams this year.

    Salalilo and Neal both come out of New Zealand rugby league’s new powerhouse St Thomas of Canterbury College.

    Salalilo has followed the same path as Tafua coming through the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and now NSW Cup sides. He has been impressive in eight interchange appearances for the table topping Warriors in the NSW Cup this year.

    Neal is a standout both physically and talent-wise, an imposing figure standing 194cm and weighing 113kg. He routinely ploughed through defences using his combination of size, power and pace in the Harold Matthews Cup this year finishing as the team’s top try scorer with eight in 10 games.

    He was almost unstoppable with two tries in the grand final after which he was named the player of the match.

    Profile | Makaia Tafua​

    Born: June 14, 2004
    Birthplace: Christchurch, NZ
    Junior club: Linwood Keas
    Position: Hooker
    Height: 180cm
    Weight: 88kg
    New South Wales Cup:
    Appearances: 22 (2024-2025)
    Points: 16 (4 tries)
    Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21):
    Appearances: 9 (2024-2025)
    Points: 32 (8 tries)
    SG Ball Cup (under-19):
    Appearances: 4 (2023)
    Points: 0

    Profile | Jason Salalilo​

    Born: April 28, 2005
    Birthplace: Christchurch, NZ
    Junior club: St Thomas of Canterbury College
    Position: Prop
    Height: 183cm
    Weight: 102kg
    New South Wales Cup:
    Appearances: 8 (2025)
    Points: 4 (1 try)
    Jersey Flegg Cup (under-21):
    Appearances: 6 (2024-2025)
    Points: 20 (5 tries)
    SG Ball Cup (under-19):
    Appearances: 7 (2024)
    Points: 0

    Profile | Bishop Neal​

    Born: May 10, 2008
    Birthplace: Christchurch, NZ
    Junior club: Hornby Panthers
    Position: Second row
    Height: 194cm
    Weight: 113kg
    Harold Matthews Cup (under-17):
    Appearances: 10 (2025)
    Points: 32 (8 tries)
     
    Think we need to accept the inevitable. If we want to keep Lukey Met we will need to pay up.

    I for one support it.

    WARRIORS’ BID TO KEEP POTENTIAL NEXT $1M HALFBACK

    The Warriors intend to open talks with in-form halfback Luke Metcalf with a view to ensuring the gun no.7 remains at the Wahs.

    Metcalf’s form has been off the Richter this season to the point where there’s no question the Wahs will have to get close to the $1 million per season mark to retain him.

    As most arguments begin around rugby league playmakers these days – “if Dylan Brown’s worth $1.4 million per season then what’s this bloke worth?”.

    Metcalf enjoys a tight-knit bond with Warriors chief executive Cameron George to the point where the Wahs players have nicknamed him “Luke George”.

    That doesn’t necessarily mean a deal will get struck straight away but given the way the Wahs have invested in Metcalf and provided a pathway to making the no.7 jumper his own it’s a strong chance.

    Metcalf, 26, has still only played 39 NRL games and had to overcome some heavy injury setbacks with a badly broken leg leading to a rod in his leg.

    There were also hamstring problems when he arrived at the Wahs meaning the club sent him over to the US to spend time with re-conditioning guru Bill Knowles.

    This year Metcalf has taken off to the point where he’s gone past Melbourne Storm champion halfback Jahrome Hughes as the best running halfback in the NRL.

    According to Fox Sports Stats Metcalf is the NRL’s leading halfback in terms of tries (eight), line breaks (eight), run metres (733m) and points (113).

    What it all adds up to is a cracking story on one of the most improved playmakers in the NRL who given the form he’s displayed this season should go very close to becoming rugby league’s next $1 million-a-season halfback.

    The next challenge for Metcalf will be to deliver in the big end-of-season games come September. Given what we’ve already seen from him this season we’re tipping he can tick the box.

    www.foxsports.com.au

    Dogs’ timebomb as fuming hooker priced-out of club switch; talks on next $1m halfback — Hoops

    Dogs’ timebomb as fuming hooker priced-out of club switch; talks on next $1m halfback — Hoops
    www.foxsports.com.au www.foxsports.com.au
     
    I think people are forgetting that Metcalfs career was in dire straights before the Warriors invested heavily in retraining his legs.

    That is the real reason the Sharks let him go, they (and the Warriors for that matter) knew there were significant risks because he had a well documented history of chronic hamstring tears.

    Where Metcalf is now would likely not have happened at any other NRL organization, he was an unproven promising reserve grade half that had been miss managed in terms of someone at the Sharks missing his running gait was causing tears.

    The Warriors medicos diagnosed that issue, sent him to the U.S.

    He now has his own leg workouts that are twice the training he did before being given a hamstring program.

    What do you guys recon that is worth to Metcalf?

    I am not talking about being grateful.

    For any of us, having a chronic potential career killing chronic illness through our youth, then eventually finding people that get behind you when you break down, people who send you to America to see the best.....what is that worth?

    Metcalfs no fool, he has a lot more to keep him here than just liking the lifestyle.
     
    IMO the worst case scenario is he stays until Jett/Jye etc are ready to rip it in FG, which is in the next 2-3 years anyway. At least a heads up.

    TBH from what I've seen he doesn't look like a Walsh type, his partner came with him, had a baby, now getting married in Queenstown, no affairs or drug scandals, our media is gushing over him too (woman's mag apparently?), so it's not like he's not a celebrity here. I think it'd be a d*** move to run away now but I just don't see him as a d*** at the moment.

    As for extended families etc, me and wife don't have family in NZ for a decade and it's not an issue, in fact there are bad drama with extended families, and we're Asian, stereotype would say we SHOULD have the entire extended family living upstairs lol. Families are not always the best thing, his wife might not want to hang out with the in-laws, who knows. As long as they get time in AUS and parents can holiday here, and they have good friends and colleagues in NZ who are also parents and a good community that's enough for some people.

    Another key factor is Webby, if he leaves the floodgate might open. He's the priority over everything else TBH, work environment culture, and he seems to be keeping certain types of people in the environment
     
    Last edited:
    CWC said:
    TBH from I've seen he doesn't look like a Walsh type, his partner came with him, had a baby, now getting married in Queenstown, no affairs or drug scandals, our media is gushing over him too (woman's mag apparently?), so it's not like he's not a celebrity here.
    Click to expand...

    Have you heard LM talk? That aussie twang has dulled a bit and he's getting a bit of the 'fush and chups' coming through.

    He's individually brilliant and also will work more subtly according to what the team needs.

    I was on the fence about how much we should be paying him, I've kind of turned a corner where I think it'll doing him a disservice if we don't hit as close to that $1m+ mark as possible.

    CWC said:
    Another key factor is Webby, if he leaves the floodgate might open. He's the priority over everything else TBH, work environment culture, and he seems to be keeping certain types of people in the environment
    Click to expand...

    Webby is the apex of the pyramid. Dude is a people managing freakazoid. We've struck gold with Webby, we are screwed if he ever leaves.
     
    Listened to Healey's interview on sports nation where he was questioned directly about the family being back in Aus scenario. He mentioned that his partner is hopefully planning on moving to NZ at the end of this year. Pretty good indication he's at least committed to seeing out his current contract.

    On retaining Metcalf, certainly worth an upgraded contract offer if he is on around the 500k mark. However the Nicho Hynes scenario is a perfect example of a player getting blown up in the media and ending up falling well short of expectations after signing a massive contract.

    For the first time I can remember I have huge faith in the club to handle the negotiations in a way that's likely to get a good result for both the club and the player.

    Worst case scenario if he does decide to move on. I back the pathways system to bring through a strong replacement option.

    Great time to be a warriors fan.
     
    Wah's Up said:
    Good interview on recruitment


    View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ZJw73ysBs
    Click to expand...

    While I am on my soap box ranting about McFadden.....

    The genius of the club returning a Warriors coach and giving them the recruitment keys is that they are finally breaking the cycle of under achievement.

    We all know that the Warriors hire people to run the team, and that from that comes some good innovations, and a lot of bad.

    Then they fire that guy and rinse and repeat....

    That is the entire failed history of this team we love, hire a coach, get some good from them, lots of bad, and fire them before they can take those lessons and apply them.....go round and around repeating the same mistakes.

    By hiring McFadden Mowhawk finally released us from the cycle of failure (I am not a Mowhawk sycophant, I do not even like the guy, credit where it is due, he did good this time).

    McFadden as a Warriors coach was the first Aussie coach able to teach these guys how to run an Australian attacking structure. McFadden was the one that brought in shapes, out the back door plays, and NRL structures.

    So he actually knew the way to bridge the gap between the technical Australian systems and the New Zealand raw product - this guy did what Daniel Anderson and Ivan Cleary could not.

    So skip forward to today. McFadden brings in as many Aussie halves as we can afford, the reason is obvious, he knows from his time here as headcoach that the undergrades of the club need Aussie structures to bring out the best in the Kiwi athletes running off those structures.

    Cappy has literally identified that having as many Aussie undergrad halves as possible means the super talented NZ running player gets ball in structure and therefore is more likely to learn and show they can carve the opposition off a world class set up and platform base.

    This is Cappys real genius, all our Raw kiwi kids are getting the same exposure to Aussie environments as they would normally seek by pissing off from NZ and bypassing the Warriors to get the Aussie education offshore.

    Now the Warriors are looking at offering the best education in junior football in the NRL thanks to McFadden bringing in all these Australian spine players to give these kids of ours a Penrith and Storm like Junior platform.

    The Warriors are truly headed for an era of winning in our current set up. No joke, we have the Staff to finally fix this club.
     
    sup42 said:
    I do not agree with everything he says but he has a point and any non self righteous NRL apologist will acknowledge the Warriors are (rightfully) the outsiders in the Australian NRL narrative.
    Click to expand...
    This is exactly how broncos dickhead fans thought/think about their club competing in the comp.

    Moral of the story: dont act the same like those fans. You are creating your own narrative. The Warriors are well liked in Australia. We would like to keep it that way thanks. Travel well and travel far. Insular 'us v them' mindset limits ones growth.

    Edit : agree with locking Metcalf up.
     
    sup42 said:
    To be fair the Broncos fans are right, everybody hates them including me.
    They are a good example of the Tribalism in the NRL, the QLD team vs the rest yadda yadda.

    Also when they were under Bennett their Salary cap looked smelly (basically the Origin side). Their fans are reknowned for being arrogant.

    We (you and Mr Brownstain) are talking across purposes.

    I agree that the Warriors enjoy neutral fan support. Unlike the Broncos fans. That accusation of behaving like them is not me.

    Also I said I did not agree with everything the original poster said.

    My point and the original posters point was in regards to the Australian coverage of the Warriors.

    You and Mr Brownstain are talking about fan perceptions.

    The Original poster who Mr Brownstain called a victim was talking about the tone of the Australian media.

    You yourself have posted many times that the Australian medias job is to concentrate on Australian perspectives and that Kiwis need to deal with it.

    I said that they do this and I said "Rightly".

    Which is why I also said I do not agree with everything the Original poster said.

    However Mr Brownstain has a history of calling people victims when their opinions do not align with his own world view....which in this case was frankly wrong.

    As the Original poster claimed the media over there will talk about our achievements with an Australian spin on them. This is no different say to the New Zealand habit in Union our more successful code of saying our coaches overseas are why those countries have done well.

    This is a fact, they do say RTS brought his Roosters standards to the Warriors (a point the original poster 'victim'lol made)

    The Aussie Media do talk about the Warriors benefiting from the Penrith influences here.

    This attitude is as old as the competition itself....as Rabs Warren said back in 2002 during the intro for the Sharks vs Warriors semifinal "has there ever been a more despised finalists in the history of the competition".

    Personally I like the rhetoric, I like all their tribal "Origin is the highest form of the sport" bullshit coz like Blockers "the big Warriors forwards are tiring " or like (insert random Fox Sports expert) will say when the Warriors win "Their big pack is hard to contain and that unpredictable style they play throwing offloads is a winner" .

    Bottom line, their fans over the ditch like us, their Experts in their media talk about us through an Aussie lense fact.

    No posters should be called out as victims by Mr Brownstain for an opinion about the tone of the Aussie media, because that is un called for.

    Let me be very clear here, I do not think the Aussie media hate us either....I think they are indifferent and apathetic because we have been so poor for so long, that it is beyond them to take us too seriously....apart from those pockets where we are flavor of the month.

    And I am cool with that, does that make me a victim?

    Anywho on matters of recruitment, I am finding it really hard to get any Superleague coverage of our guy over there.
    Click to expand...
    sup42 said:
    To be fair the Broncos fans are right, everybody hates them including me.
    They are a good example of the Tribalism in the NRL, the QLD team vs the rest yadda yadda.

    Also when they were under Bennett their Salary cap looked smelly (basically the Origin side). Their fans are reknowned for being arrogant.

    We (you and Mr Brownstain) are talking across purposes.

    I agree that the Warriors enjoy neutral fan support. Unlike the Broncos fans. That accusation of behaving like them is not me.

    Also I said I did not agree with everything the original poster said.

    My point and the original posters point was in regards to the Australian coverage of the Warriors.

    You and Mr Brownstain are talking about fan perceptions.

    The Original poster who Mr Brownstain called a victim was talking about the tone of the Australian media.

    You yourself have posted many times that the Australian medias job is to concentrate on Australian perspectives and that Kiwis need to deal with it.

    I said that they do this and I said "Rightly".

    Which is why I also said I do not agree with everything the Original poster said.

    However Mr Brownstain has a history of calling people victims when their opinions do not align with his own world view....which in this case was frankly wrong.

    As the Original poster claimed the media over there will talk about our achievements with an Australian spin on them. This is no different say to the New Zealand habit in Union our more successful code of saying our coaches overseas are why those countries have done well.

    This is a fact, they do say RTS brought his Roosters standards to the Warriors (a point the original poster 'victim'lol made)

    The Aussie Media do talk about the Warriors benefiting from the Penrith influences here.

    This attitude is as old as the competition itself....as Rabs Warren said back in 2002 during the intro for the Sharks vs Warriors semifinal "has there ever been a more despised finalists in the history of the competition".

    Personally I like the rhetoric, I like all their tribal "Origin is the highest form of the sport" bullshit coz like Blockers "the big Warriors forwards are tiring " or like (insert random Fox Sports expert) will say when the Warriors win "Their big pack is hard to contain and that unpredictable style they play throwing offloads is a winner" .

    Bottom line, their fans over the ditch like us, their Experts in their media talk about us through an Aussie lense fact.

    No posters should be called out as victims by Mr Brownstain for an opinion about the tone of the Aussie media, because that is un called for.

    Let me be very clear here, I do not think the Aussie media hate us either....I think they are indifferent and apathetic because we have been so poor for so long, that it is beyond them to take us too seriously....apart from those pockets where we are flavor of the month.

    And I am cool with that, does that make me a victim?

    Anywho on matters of recruitment, I am finding it really hard to get any Superleague coverage of our guy over there.
    Click to expand...
    First time I've watched Gannon play on the weekend. He scored a solo try one off the ruck (albeit against some pretty tired players in the 79th minute) showing a quick turn of foot and a step to beat a defender from about 15-20m out. For the first half of the game he was quite involved, ran well and broke a few tackles and got a few offloads away. Seemed to drift off a bit in the second stanza. His stats were - 109m gained, 1 LB assist, 3 offloads, 1 try, 5 tackle breaks. 29 tackles, 6 missed.

    Small sample size but overall was impressed with his speed, ability to bend the line and break a tackle. Looked dangerous on most possessions he had.

    Definitely see why he is being discussed as a ball playing lock. Nice passing game. Got a good offload away around the corner of a defender to get a LB assist.

    6 Missed tackles 2 games in a row is a worry
     
    Last edited:
    Vancent said:
    …it is, and then you read about Capewahs growing tally…
    Click to expand...
    Depends on how they count the misses .Thats why defensive misses can be misleading.
    EG Capes does a lot of kick chases & is first to the catcher but does tackle him but slows him down or makes him change direction & the second chasers/chaser grab him does that mean a missed tackle against Capewell.
    Hence my theory of stats being misleading SOME of the time
     
    Dannevegas said:
    You think Ali’s quickly slipping down the pecking order? Maybe a bit more than a few work ons? Surely not(hope not). I still rate him as our best centre, I know he still has a few things to iron out.
    Click to expand...
    Not sure, I've just noticed Kayliss makes far better decisions when defending in space. That sort of thing is hard go down a grade and 'work on'. Its almost second nature. He's also more dynamic when running the ball (has speed and step that Ali doesn't have).

    But then i'm not sure how well Kayliss would go at other aspects required from a center, i.e. can he set his winger up consistently or would he be a Solomone Kata out there?

    Bit of a jigsaw puzzle really.

    Berry is still our most complete center imo, just cant master the availability aspect, while Pompey has mastered that and, in doing so, has become the first choice center.
     
    I'm pretty sure that Cappy will remember the last time we had a heap of young talent coming through (2016 - 2017) and we let go of too much experience to make sure we kept the young ones who then let us down. Need to keep Capewell, Fish, Barney etc. for as long as we can to make sure the youngsters coming through learn the hard yards of such a tough competition.
     
    Last edited:
    Tookey 2.0 said:
    He's quite a unique player in that, I don't think he has a higher ceiling than either of our top centre options (Berry, Ali) but he appears to be injury free, fast, and can play multiple positions.

    Id consider him on the cheap but we'd probably need to sink 500k + to get him here
    Click to expand...
    The two games he’s played at fullback were impressive results. 44-8 against bulldogs and 58-4 against cowboys. I’d take him over Berry at this point
     
    There’s no way Metcalf takes a 1 year extension, when he was leading the dally m votes before injury & has a huge ceiling, with other clubs entering the nrl desperate for a 7. It’ll be 2 years minimum, or he’ll walk. An acl is a freak injury, not a hammy, or recurring. Yes he’s snapped it before, but if you look at the mechanism of injury, it’s just pure bad luck. He needs to be retained for us to be any real threat of a premiership & he’s a priority.

    2 year extension on 800k I think is fair for all parties. I’d go higher if we need to, to get him over the line. Hes settled here, we gave him an opportunity when no one would & has improved dramatically under webby.
     
    Noitall said:
    With Jahrome Hughes able to be negotiated with in November and the situation with Metcalf, would anyone think we should throw a big offer his way? Think you’d want him next year rather than 2027 when he’s off contract and would he get us through to a period where we’ve got guys ready to take over in the halves? Or is Metcalf our best bet?
    Click to expand...
    Speaking of halves, go watch Jack Thompson's highlights from today in Jersey Flegg. Kid is an absolute freak. He's leveling up going from U17 to U21 in one year. Trying to think of the last halves prospect we've had on this kid's level, more talented than SJ at the same age I would say.
     
    sup42 said:
    I think people keep forgetting that one of the major drivers for Metcalf to stay has been taken away i.e. the 'high' of playing week in week out as the star player for the club and the buzz of being part of the Warriors dream in the daily gratification sense.

    There is an immediacy that comes from running out every weekend that just isn't there anymore (till next year).

    The guy has nothing but time on his hands, time to think, evaluate, talk with his supports.
    I keep reading people framing this as the club being in the box seat (I was one who advocated that position a lot too, but that was while he was playing/status active) the calculus has changed, the Warriors will need to change with it.

    • These Maxims of Warrior Lore are Universal and underpin all the talk:
    • It is impossible to get a Dally M candidate Australian half to the Warriors unless they were developed within the Warriors system with maximum incentives to stay
    • Any Australian can walk out the door tomorrow - it is called compassionate release, and the Warriors have shown they will only contest a portion of the season that the player is playing when the release is requested, because they cannot afford to play hard ball beyond that. Ergo if the Warriors do not approach the deal in good faith and put their best foot forward they will sour the vibe for Metcalf and might as well stick their eight hundred K where the sun doesn't shine, because a unhappy Metcalf is a gone Metcalf.
    • If the Warriors were to somehow attract a Dally M candidate from Australia to play number seven, a top in form Australian half, in the frame for SOO, then the bidding starts at 2 million dollars a season.
    Click to expand...
    Does the individuals talent lead to competition wide recognition or does the team success, coaching, structure and winning football make a player look good.

    Chicken or egg?

    SJ generally aced it under Webster (when not injured); TMM looked legendary when taking over, Metcalf has looked a world beater and I back Boyd to look like the missing piece as well when he gets a chance.

    Websters platform makes our halves look good.
     
    RTS has been a loyal servant of this club, especially during some of our darkest years. He came over to us when we were a basket case and when everyone told him he would be ruining his career. Don't begrudge him at all to take up this lucrative contract after end of next year if that's what he wants. From our perspective, it's probably the perfect time to think about moving him on anyway and either go to market for a speedy winger or provide a pathway for junior talent (maybe Kali). If he does end up going at the end of next year, I hope we can send him out with a premiership either this year or next.
     
    kos said:
    Be fascinating to see these statistics broken down as an average per game.
    Be fascinating again to compare Ale s and Bunty s statistics per game versus Marata when he is playing prop.
    Ford is an interesting one -keeps breaking my low expectations.
    but Coach AW does flog him for too many minutes.

    Yeah be nice to see a comparison average statistics per game for all our props.
    Click to expand...

    I'm sure I've posted a couple of spreadsheets before, so at the risk of looking even more like a nerd, here are both NRL and NSW Cup teams forward stats to date. I've ordered it by average total running metres per game. Ale might have been unfortunate to have an injury when his chance came up? He has some promising stats, probably better than Afoa and TSS who have had their time in the top grade. I'm not sure if he Ale has been playing prop exclusively this season though.

    Screenshot 2025-07-19 091122.webp

    Big drop offs from the guys going from NSW Cup to NRL but they all had their time on the field halved:

    Screenshot 2025-07-19 091152.webp

    Something random that stood out to me on that table is Fatialofa having a great season in Cup with very similar stat lines to Halasima (who is also having a great season).
     
    cock_o said:
    CNK almost 30
    Taine almost 26
    Chevy Stewart 20
    So it's about bringing young players through as older players move on.
    2027 most likely be CNK last year, or at some stage he could move to center. Then at some stage Taine and Stewart become the fullbacks.
    Click to expand...
    Charnze needs to move to centre now. All he does is run for 250 metres, To’o does that too from a wing. 4 try involvements all year isn’t good enough for a fb.
    Tauapiki’s the spark we need at fullback unless we get an upgrade
     
    Heres the full article for the above

    The Warriors have launched a trans-Tasman assault on the Broncos after setting up a poaching program in the region that produced Queensland legend Cameron Smith.

    The New Zealand NRL club will on Monday announce the creation of a new training academy and community program in Logan – one of rugby league’s most fertile breeding grounds.

    Future NRL Immortal Smith emerged from Brisbane’s southern hub to forge one of the game’s greatest careers with Melbourne, Queensland and the Kangaroos.

    Maroons enforcer Josh Papalii is another Logan junior who was pounced on by the Raiders and is now Canberra’s most-capped player (322 NRL games).

    Now Brisbane is facing a fresh recruitment threat from the growing Warriors, who are formally extending their reach across the ditch and targeting a region that’s already under assault from the Gold Coast Titans.

    Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club would base permanent staff in Logan to oversee the operation in the hope of signing the game’s best young talent.

    “As a club, we focus on the person first and foremost,” he said.

    “It’s not just about footy – it’s about providing opportunities to all young people so they can reach their potential.

    “Our elite academy for boys and girls in Logan will provide a direct pathway to the New Zealand Warriors NRL and NRLW teams.

    “Through the community program we’ll also be offering come-and-try days, school visits and talent identification.”

    The Broncos long had renowned talent scout Brian ‘Pinky’ Edwards spotting talent in the Logan area, signing the likes of David Fifita and Ezra Mam.

    Brisbane legend Corey Parker is also a Logan junior.

    The Broncos have targeted New Zealand in recent years, signing the likes of Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison and Deine Mariner from the Warriors’ home.

    The Warriors snared Broncos sensation Reece Walsh in 2021 briefly and are now coming back to Brisbane for more.

    The Warriors are going all-out on Logan, with the academy to offer elite training and talent identification programs as well as support for career opportunities outside football.

    Logan City Council will provide the Warriors with access to fields and office space as part of the partnership.

    The Broncos have already got fierce competition from the Dolphins and Titans in South East Queensland and Logan Mayor Jon Raven said the Warriors were moving into the region strongly.

    “So many league legends have come from Logan and we’re thrilled to welcome the Warriors to our city to nurture more NRL stars of the future,” he said.

    “Logan is the leading rugby league nursery in the nation and has one of the largest populations of people of New Zealand and Pacific Island descent outside of Auckland.

    “The Warriors are known for their strong community connections and supporting development opportunities for young people, which are values we love here in Logan – the youngest, most diverse and fastest growing city in Queensland.”

    The Warriors will make an appearance for a fan day and captain’s run at Logan Metro Sports Park in Browns Plains on August 22 ahead of their round 25 match against the Titans on the Gold Coast.
     
    Ref said:
    Quality of metres/runs and impact/effectiveness of them means more than just the sheer number of runs and metres.
    My possibly one eyed eyeometer has TT beating CNK.
    Click to expand...
    4 moment's last weekend got the win for us. All 4 were from 2 players.

    Leka's tackle on Fletcher Hunt right on the tryline. And Leka's match winning try at the end. The other 2 were try saving tackles by Taine. After making a tackle and having to get back up and haul his ass over and make the try saving tackle on the support player , Not once! But twice! was epic!
     
    Tookey 2.0 said:
    As a starting fb he's played 11 games for us.
    Not including the 2 games he went off injured (including the weekends game against Newcastle) he averages 184 meters a game and 0.7 try assists....

    Averaging a tick under 120m as a winger, which is probably a bit short but not poor by any stretch
    Click to expand...
    Yep agree, all stat based ARM does my head in, TT offers way more in try assists and other areas CNK lacks. See it in NSW Cup week in week out. Not to mention those 2 tackles he made on the weekend. Highly underrated, massively under appreciated. Then we have the ‘he is too small’ club as well. Same peeps would have Kini here in a heartbeat 🤪
     
    Warriorsfan92 said:
    That’s the warriors defensive policy? They jam, which is a higher percentage play that forces the opposition into a statistically more difficult pass (long ball to wing).

    He jams, because his centre jams, because his edge jams. It’s a defensive policy. I’d rather they score on an edge rather than through the middle. I’d obviously rather they didn’t score at all but lumping all of the blame on a winger ain’t it.
    Click to expand...
    He doesnt jam, he goes halfway and second guesses himself then hesitates.

    Pompey jams, RTS jams, Taine jams, even Ali jams, DWZ gets isolated and exposed
     
    kos said:
    I don’t know

    Can you teach a poor defender to defend well?
    Click to expand...
    Shaun Johnson.

    Couldnt tackle for shit when he came to the club.

    Reuben Wiki took him under his wing, ran at him every practice until eventually he was putting the likes of Sam Burgess on his arse.

    Darren Lockyer another. Was a shit defender so every team targetted him until through probably sheer repetition he became competent,

    Dallins issue isnt tackling, its reading the play.
     
    PhilsySH35 said:
    unlucky bro, just listened to ash podcast about why dallin jams in, it is to help his center inside man force ball player into the risker option of the cutout pass to the winger, I never could understand that, you tackled your man, job done or and if you could then help your team mate, when I played it was pretty simple man on man defense, played openside prop so don't know the intricacies of the backs, back in the day it was simple tackle your man if the inside man needs help from the winger then he bloody useless, get someone in who can, one thing I would encourage dallin to do is to try what I call dummy tackle - make as if you're going in to help your center, feint in (just needs a half a step or sway in the direction and then smash your winger even if he doesn't get the ball, I did something similar in the forwards i.e. make out I was going for a legs tackle down low then I'd come up high targeting the ball area - caught the ball runner out a few times - gotta do the unexpected! - us props are not just pretty boys tho like the backs lol.
    Click to expand...

    In the modern game with the 2nd man plays, decoys and stacking sides with numbers means man on man is rarely the case and an edge defender has to jam in pending on the shift. I think also what people need to realize if your an edge defender and the ball is on the opposite side of the field your never standing opposite your winger or centre to start with. Your inside shoulder or probably even further infield to compress the defensive line which closes that space up around the ruck. Always get a chuckle when i hear "why wasnt he on his man"

    Dals issue seems he doesnt let the play unfold as to wether his insides can actually recover before he makes that decision to jam and presents that outside oppertunity when if held out a little longer there was none.

    In saying that tho against the Titans u couldnt fault Dal for the tries being scored on his edge. Capewell was the one jamming in early and Dallin just followed him. Any good winger knows when your centre jams in u follow him. He followed policy. Week before he was diabolical thoi.
     
    Last edited:
    Cameron George says there's only 1-2 spots on the roster next year then clarifies it's one. NRL website currently lists 26. "Lots of kids coming through". When pressed on external recruits he mentions looking for someone fast but states that could be an outside back or a forward. On that, on Facebook today I've read someone reckon that they saw AKP at Auckland Airport last week, prior to the Titans team flying in.
    Recruitment chat from 8:30 onwards.

    View: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6qkWmf2rQsnLILCWP68YfD?si=lBn0fKLDRK-kwPqIJJbNVw
     
    sup42 said:
    It is funny that one of our desperate solves is the need for a defensive Winger and this guys name comes up.

    We need his speed, why? so he can make errors and let in more Try's faster?

    You have to laugh. The Warriors need defensive backs that are not slow. In that order.
    Click to expand...

    We have currently the leagues 4th best defence and 13th best offence. One area has much more room to improve. If AKP can even be a slightly below average winger defensively thats a net gain considering what he offers on attack.
     
    sup42 said:
    I get the argument but it is the same false economy that saw us release Fusitua and Vailea.
    Click to expand...

    False economy?

    Webby's had 3 years with this team, and to date, has taken them to top 4 twice, regardless of where injuries have us at the end of this year.

    Obvs he's inherited many players who he sees as not suiting his style of play, so ones the likes of TMM, Bunty, Ale, Niukore and a few others move on, I think we're going to see some magic

    I'm particularly looking forward to the next two years when the youth brigade - Demi, Ali, Leka, Healey, TSS, Laban, Gannon, Linnene, Jett, and Fatialofa are all getting good game time.

    I think with all that promising youth coming through, and likely on cheaper contracts, we only need to recruit two or three top players to really give the competition a shake up in 2027 or so.
     
    Theking267 said:
    Khan-Pereira is about the worst option the Warriors could get. He has a high error rate and doesn’t do any work out of the back field. Hence why he’s been dropped by Hasler even with his try scoring record and he doesn’t fit the Warriors system. I much rather have Sami he fits a lot better the Warriors system
    Click to expand...
    I have a friend who works for Dynasty, he said they had some of the Titans in for a photo shoot and that AKP was the biggest f***head, he was publicly blowing up their marketing manager because they were running late,
    generally carrying on like he owned the place, some of the other players were rolling eyes and said he would be spoken to later about it.

    I'm sure if he is like that then Erin and Tanah would give the club the heads up.
     
    Naynay said:
    Think we’ve seen we need another quality half, don’t expect TMM to stay after this year and boyd isn’t up to FG at this point. Need to get metcalf to stay maybe try cleary or another good 7
    Click to expand...
    Must admit I’m a TMM fanboy but think it’s mad to let him go after what he’s shown he can offer in so many areas this year and don’t see anyone else in the squad that can offer so much versatility, perhaps they expect that of Gannon but still being young, I don’t see him offering that for years to come. Watching and listening to TMM last night, I believe he’s in his peak years and is seeing the game through his experienced lens. There was a particular chip on the run to the corner last night that I think HTF batted dead that was such a beautiful weight and I thought his comments after the game about sometimes you learn more from a loss were apt and feel like it was similar to that storm game we let slip last year that we just buttoned off a bit right at the end. We also were a player down too in the defensive line that unfortunately is just one of those things
     
    Naynay said:
    Think we’ve seen we need another quality half, don’t expect TMM to stay after this year and boyd isn’t up to FG at this point. Need to get metcalf to stay maybe try cleary or another good 7
    Click to expand...

    Pretty harsh on Boyd imo. 4 games. 3 try assists, 4 forced drop outs, decent long kicking game and 14 goals at 82%. I'm willing to bet that of the 32 halves playing NRL this weekend there will be at least half of them who have worse stats than that.

    4th game in the first grade this year, still gelling with his team mates, and on top of this we're missing 7 of our front line players....

    Tanah hasn't been the reason we've been losing these games
     
    Interesting timing seeing Bailey Simmonson has asked for a release from eels. Many on their forum talking about titans, but noticed one poster say he wants a move and has either been offered better money, or wants to go back to NZ. Would be a handy signing, few injuries in recent times so would fit in well
     
    What are everyone's thoughts on Adam Doueihi?
    I really rate him, plays a host of positions really well.
    Looks to have only been offered 350k by the Tigers and $500k by the Dragons. Surely we'd be a better option than those.
    He's only just turned 27, so has loads of time left, and is still quite experienced. Goal kicks too.

    He'd essentially be replacing TMM as the utility role, only imo he's good enough to be playing most of those roles - centre, half, lock - in your top 13.
    Given the injury prone-ness of our centres and wingers this year he would certainly strengthen our stocks there, and gives us a little bit of a safety net in the halves, as after Metcalf, CHT and Tanah we have 2 young, untested players. 2 quick injuries in the halves and we are incredibly light next year
     
    Wrighty said:
    Warriors games with Luke Metcalf at Halfback 2025 season 15 games team average score 21.27
    Warriors games with Tannah Boyd at Halfback 2025 season 4 games team average score 22.00
    Click to expand...
    While not wrong, these numbers don't show that Metcalf played 7 of those 15 games (47%) against teams who currently sit inside the top 8, the side won 3 of these and scored an average of 19.7 points across the 7. Boyd has faced 1 current top 8 team (8th) and we only scored 18 points in a loss..

    Retaining Metcalf is a must. CHT has grown on me enormously in the last 18 months but he is the last person you'd want to throw the ball to with the game in the balance, Jett Cleary has bottled multiple match clinching opportunities across the grades this year and Boyd can thank Halasima for saving our bacon in a clutch situation. Metcalf is a winner. Andrew Webster has won at 54% in the NRL since becoming coach, with Metcalf in the team that skyrockets to 68%.
     
    Last edited:
    Cces said:
    Think this is the best spot to put this. Apologies if not.

    My understanding is the salary cap is a grant distributed by the NRL to the clubs to pay their players. Teams are obligated to spend 97.5% and if they don't they receive some form of monetary fine.

    The reason I bring this up is I was talking to someone who is adamant we're 1M under the cap and the club is content with paying a fine which seems an outrageous claim. Yes, Tohu retired, but contracts begin on 'Nov 1st so there's a couple hundred thousand gone before his announcement without even factoring in upgrades and bonuses that have occurred since.

    In what world would a club pay money out of their own pockets to the NRL, for the privilege to underspend their grant $ which can't be carried forward anyway? In the same vein how would guys in the playing roster feel if their team spent the bare minimum of 97.5% and $285,000 allocated to the club was left unused?
    Click to expand...
    Here's my potentially tin foil hat theory as to how they've done it.
    I suspect they spent the cap when they carried out some of the upgrades by loading on to existing contracts with the players agreeing to reductions for future contracts. Therefore not technically front loading as they are different contracts
    For example, here's my hypothetical situation:
    Let's say Leka was on an existing 250K per year contract through to the end of 2026 (signed back when he was 17/18).
    Then let's say his new contract was going to be worth 850K per year from 2027 to 2029.
    But instead of giving him 850K per year for that second contract, both parties agree prior to signing that deal, that they'll reduce it to 650K per year for those 3 years (total reduction of 600K) on the proviso that Leka gets that 600K added to the final 2 years of his existing 2025/2026 contract.
    That way we still spend the current years cap, we don't technically front load a contract as they're separate contracts and we have great cap management for those future years.
    Plus Leka gets 600K in his pocket sooner than he would have. So it's a win win.
    Do that a few times with Laban, Leka, TSS etc to spend the current cap and we've spent the left over money for this year, and set ourselves up with value players for the future.
    Hope that makes sense.
     
    BangBro's (still banging) said:
    I wouldn't say CNK has been poor, thats a stretch. Yes hes had games he could have done better, but when we were winning, he and egan were up there with RTS, Clark, and Barnett.

    I get the feeling hes playing injured again now though, he hasn't been the same since that knee injury.
    Click to expand...
    I think he is like a lot of the team. He is pretty bog standard with great commitment and a winning attitude. When the team is going well with our stars in play he is a useful player (better than that on defence), and when the team is short on numbers and he is one of an over-concentration of average players, he looks poor.

    I think CNK is a fantastic member of our squad, as are a few other players that aren't necessarily gifted. Our issue is this over-saturation of these players. We just need to add quality in a couple of positions and the others will become assets again. That said, fullback is a crucial position offensively.

    What we don't want to do is to throw the baby out with the bathwater and get rid of all of our reliable, committed stock and end up with enigmatic youth as we have been guilty of in the past. There is a balance.
     
    Five&Last said:
    How do Penrith even get a look in.

    Its not uncommon for players to test the market so they know how much they are worth and can go back to their club with a dollar figure but the fact that he actually signed the Penrith contract is very concerning.

    McFadden needs to sort his shit out asap.

    Wonder if McFadden being asleep at the wheel let Dolphins swoop in and get Lucian from under our noses.

    Kayliss has a good shot at being a first choice center by end of next year. Berry can't stay fit / Ali also cant stay fit and isn't really improving atm / Pompey is in cruise control again
    Click to expand...
    So I had early good intel on this. Lucian and his brother player Harold matts. Lucian was the star & his brother ended up not making the 17 towards the end of the year.

    The warriors offered Lucian a deal, but not Deangelo. The phins offered a package deal, which was the trump card in the end
     
    Canadian_Warriors_Fan said:
    View attachment 14148
    Click to expand...

    Dannevegas said:
    Agree, how did we even get to that point. We obviously low balled him initially. Would’ve been a real bad move letting him go as I think he’ll be our long term centre and a gun one
    Click to expand...
    Well played Warriors.

    For you blokes asking how it ever got to this point, it is just the normal dealings of a well run Warriors recruitment dept by Andrew McFadden.

    The whole NRL know that the Warriors have an excess of future star back row forwards, apart from the NSW cup team advertising this every week they put Fatialofa on the paddock, there have been a bunch of articles and dozens of media mentions about the forwards coming through at the Warriors.

    Penrith are watching Nathan cough I mean Jett every week and Dad is talking to him about who is a goer in this club eh.

    First things first, the Warriors cannot stop any given player wanting to go and join the best team in the NRL eh. No one can if that player really wants to.

    Second of all, this was smart dealings by Fatialofa's agent, clearly Kaylis never really wanted to go to Penrith, rather he wanted more money.

    The Warriors themselves know full well what he has to offer, he is not a player they were going to let go willingly.

    Some fans think the club is dumb, no if joe average fan thinks they can see something lemme tell you, the club knows a hundred fold more about any player than any fan.

    This club has a long history of being irresponsible with its cap management and investing in the wrong youth....mistakes driven by this illusion called 'potential'.

    Kaylis is not ahead of Leka, or Dimitric, or Gannon or Laban, those boys are NRL ready (some like to argue Gannon is not, well I watched his return to the ESL post injury and he is still surprise surprise a decent young talent sorry).

    Some may argue Kaylis has greater potential, and fair enough (remove Gannon from that calculus, because he does specialist roles that the others cannot) maybe Kaylis will be as good as or even better than Leka.....but here is the real shit kicker....he is not ahead of any of those players as far as readiness goes at the time of these negotiations....and the Warriors would be setting a very bad example by putting him ahead purely on potential....so offering him that first offer was not low balling.....it was simply saying mate....you are barely out of highschool....there are a bunch of guys NRL ready right now that play your position....this is what we paid them at your age.....

    I am very interested in seeing what happens with Crosby, he is also has huge potential, but he is not ahead of Kaylis, I mean it is crazy to think that had Crosby come from League, he might have been ahead of all of them.
     
    Last edited:
    Damo said:
    Ale hasn't even been named in the squad on Tuesdays, it's been Bunty, so I would be very surprised if that's the case.

    I think it will just be Capewell back with Niukore to the middle rotation.
    Click to expand...
    I bloody hope so. Niukore is a liability in an edge. Everyone blaming Boyd, dwz, but the issues start with niukores inability to move laterally, causing a chain reaction. Niukore is a middle.
     
    Theking267 said:
    We really have only one in first grade which is Halasima but he’s on the edge, and Crosby would be the other. Bunty has been miscast as this type of player when he’s really a workhouse. Lots of hitups, tackles per minute, same with Vaiamauga another workhorse.
    Click to expand...

    Vaimauga is an interesting one. Selling him short a wee bit by saying he's a workhorse, as I've seen him put a few players on their arse while trying to tackle him. He's also got a touch of finesse and good ball playing, and seems to have good footy IQ too. Give him another few years to hit his peak physical form and I think Vaimauga will be having those bollocking runs a few times a game
     
    Tookey 2.0 said:
    Vaimauga is an interesting one. Selling him short a wee bit by saying he's a workhorse, as I've seen him put a few players on their arse while trying to tackle him. He's also got a touch of finesse and good ball playing, and seems to have good footy IQ too. Give him another few years to hit his peak physical form and I think Vaimauga will be having those bollocking runs a few times a game
    Click to expand...
    Bunty’s strong runs although looking impressive, don’t actually have a huge effect on his opponents but when Vaimauga does them he sends bodies flying. I’m seeing everything in this guy, footwork, ball playing, offloads and iq as you mentioned. He’s going to be a great of the club I believe
     
    So rabbits are coming dead last in nsw cup, 4 points behind the next worst. In other words, they’re terrible.

    In this time, Haizyn has the following stats per game:

    0.8 tries
    120m
    0.7 offloads
    4.4 tackle breaks
    6 tackles, 1 miss

    Great stats for someone coming dead last, on the wing. Glaringly though he averages 2.6 errors a game. He’ll need to tidy this up if he’s any hope of making first grade. By contrast Kosi makes 2.5, DWZ 1.8 per game.

    However at 6 foot 3, and 21 years old, he offers something our current crop does not - height. He’s the same height as Coates, so there’s no reason why he can’t be our Xavier after a few years. For mine, it’s the right type of risk & it’s a point of difference. At his age, and lack of experience he’s a pure project that wouldn’t have broken the bank to get him home.

    I like it.
     
    Errors is a misleading stat as there are positive errors and negative errors. Too often Kosi's glaring errors were dropping the pill taking a hit up inside our 20. If the errors are competing and getting a finger tip on a bomb, then they are not concerning errors. An aerial player will always have a higher error rate.
     
    Neo said:
    Serious question of those who rate Ale highly. Would you rather have lost him or Fatialofa?
    Click to expand...

    I think most would agree that Fatialofa is the answer to your question, but tbh, I don't think that's even the right question.

    Ale hasn't been given a go this year at all, despite being in top form in Cup and having decent experience in the NRL, and being in peake physical form as a 25/26 year old.

    Injuries at the wrong time hindered him this year you say? I say between Bunty and Tanner Showers-Smith, they've played 16 games in first grade this year, and of those weeks, Ale has played cup about 11 times. So he's been available.

    I like Tanner and can see upside in his game but we've seriously lacked go forward since Mitch went down injured, and Ale would have improved that somewhat.

    It's all likely to be water under the bridge as Ale will likely sign with Penrith, but in a year of confusing Webster selections and bench rotations, Ale not playing a single game in first grade has to be up there with one of his more confusing decisions.
     
    Wrighty said:
    Fogarty and Strange are no better than our two halves and Raiders are good money to win it all

    Still I a, new to league so I will ask has my blueprint of stacked forwards and bog standard halves ever been premiership winners before? I don't know so a question?
    Click to expand...
    No disrespect to all our halves or this opinion but if we had Fogarty and Strange as our halves we would be minor premiers this year they are both a big step above
     
    Noitall said:
    www.zerotackle.com

    New Zealand Warriors lock in pathways standout on long-term deal

    The junior captain led the club to the Under-17s Harold Matthews Cup title in 2025.
    www.zerotackle.com www.zerotackle.com

    What are people’s views on this guy and is he apart of the long term picture? Is he likely to play nsw cup next year and is the halves where he’s likely to stay? Looks like he’s filling out a bit
    Click to expand...
    I've seen a fair bit of him live and refereed him several times. Viking among others also would have spotted him at some age group tournaments.

    He has all that is required in his kit bag for a quality half including a decent kicking game.

    His control of the game and awareness is top notch.

    Probably the same speed as Harris Tavita

    He can control tempo of the game wherever he plays.

    I really like him as a 6/7 but I think his best position going forward could be a ball playing and hard working 13.
    A Cameron Murray type player rather than a Jazz/Erin.

    Surely he plays SG Ball next year and then Flegg and who knows he might get a gig here and there in NSW Cup.
    He doesn't turn 18 until next year which is the same as Leka was when he played Cup at 17.

    His brother Devan who is 14/15 maybe is a slighter build but a dynamic runner of the ball.
     
    Last edited:
    Ferdie said:
    Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
    Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

    1. Reece Walsh
    2. Marcelo Montoya
    3. KL Iro
    4. Euan Aitken
    5. Jesse Arthurs
    6. Kieran Foran
    7. Kodi Nikorima
    8. Addin Fonua Blake
    9. Jazz Tevaga
    10. Matt Lodge
    11. Eli Katoa
    12. Isaiah Papalii
    13. Dylan Walker

    14. Saliva Havili
    15. Tom Ale
    16. Bunty Afoa
    17. Josh Curran

    Tof Sipley
    Zyon Maiu'u
    Siosiua Taukeiaho
    Francis Manuleleua
    Ronald Volkman
    Moala Graham Toafa
    Viliame Vailea
    Ed Kosi
    Click to expand...
    1. Reece Walsh - nothing the Warriors could do, wanted to return home, only came to get exposure/help get into Fg with the Broncos.

    2. Marcello Montoya - decent Journeyman, nothing to complain about, wanted a longer contract, at 28 the Warriors did the right thing letting him go for his own sake - while not binding the club to an ageing player whose best asset is kick return meters, which the Warriors have RTS performing in his stead and RTS is more defensively sound.

    3. Kayal Iro, jumped at a one year deal with the Knights, hardly a sought after player at time of leaving. Very green in year one at the Sharks, didn't look too flash on defence and prone to errors.

    4. Aitken. Family reasons.

    5. Jesse Arthars loan player, not ours, agreement with the Broncos

    6. Kieran Foran. Troubled by off field issues, had to leave for personal reasons.

    7. Kodi Nikorima. Wouldn't run the ball or tackle, goodbye.

    8. Addin Fonua Blake, toxic contract breaker piss off.

    9. Jaz Tevanga, why was he let go? Jacob, Dimitric, Leka, Kaylis, too many future stars to keep Jaz.

    10. Matt Lodge. Left for personal reasons, take a look at his history of playing out contracts.

    11. Katoa. Wanted to go straight to a winning club. Nothing the Warriors could do.

    12. Papalii same as Katoa. These boys weren't interested in staying to help lift the Warriors as they became better players.

    13. Dylan Walker compasionate release.

    14. Saliva Havili told the coach he would rather play his way (running game) and therefore struggled to get fg time and no coach keeps players that say that in media interviews.

    15. Tom Ale, ousted by Fatialofa, Dimitric, Leka, Gannon.

    16. Bunty, thanks for your service, ousted by the best junior crop of forwards the Warriors have ever internally produced.

    17. Josh Curran, off field trouble maker, on field not listening to the coach, bye bye, no coach keeps players that don't listen.

    I won't keep going. But the Warriors overwhelmingly come out on the right side of the retention and release - people on fb often times haven't got a clue.
     
    Each to their own but I don't think that currently sitting in 4th is a strong enough reason to not look to improve the coaching staff. We're 0W-4L against the top 3, 3W-6L against the top 8 and only have had 1 win over a playoff bound team since Round 7. Recipients of a very favourable draw this season
     
    Davvy is only 22 with 70 games of first grade played! Can’t quite understand those saying that he is not good/not worth it. His best years are still ahead of him! Pretty much every player who has come to the club in recent years has evolved to another level under Webby. With us losing 2 fringe FG props, it’s pretty crucial we sign another this offseason. Our prop depth is pretty dire as it is.
     
    Warriorsfan92 said:
    Is he a good player?
    Click to expand...
    I think so. But you aren't allowed to say that without people getting silly and claiming you think he is the next super star.

    If he was a local kiwi kid the same critics who haven't even seen the bloke would be gagging,

    One thing he does really well and often, is when the half back is looking for runners he is hitting that line at full pace and at the gap. That takes vision and timing, and confidence.

    The other thing the others can't do that he does is look to for support on the break and finish with an accurate pass.
     
    I feel the backline is still way to bland to be a threat next year. Really need Ali and Berry to have standout seasons next year.

    Our forwards depth is developing nicely but our backline needs a bit of a revamp. Maybe thats the way Webby wants it though as he continues to play the conservative, possession based territorial game (not deriding it as it has won us more games than the team on paper should get).
     
    IMO Niukore is blocking valuable game time for some of our juniors.
    Experience is great to have but the player has to make the team on merit.
    He is our least penetrative runner and doesn't bang on D like he used to.
    I challenge anyone to name all the positives that he has brought this year and why he should be retained.
    Even at half his supposed salary he would be grossly overpaid.
    If Webby continues to pick up then this is his role. I would have him as a starting prop to go all in for the first 20, fold some c**** and then get out of the way and thats only because Barney, Ford and Laban are out.
     
    Niukore is just blocking the talent coming through. The most I'd be offering is 180k-200k one year extension.

    Capewell can go as well. I'd still like to keep his leadership around. But if he's willing to move to NZ, he'd be willing to move to Perth and he'd use that as leverage I think. He has more value for a team like Perth as a culture setter and they would be willing to pay for that imo. Plus the fact that he was SOO this year boosts his negotiating power. He is getting old as well, regression isn't a gradual thing in most cases, one minute they're good and the next they are completely washed up. Thanks for your service Capes.

    I think we'll be fine in 2027 without both of them.
     
    Last edited:
    2026 squad

    Props - 4 positions in the playing 17
    - 5 specific props, 1 depth prop
    - Barnett, fish, ford, Demetric, tanner
    - We are short here unless some edges play middle rotation, need to recruit one.

    Locks - 1 position in the playing 17
    2 specific locks, 1 depth
    - Clark, Gannon
    - satisfactory squad allocation

    Hookers - 1 or 2 depending on tactics in the 17
    - 3 hookers, 1-2 depth
    - Egan, Healey, lussick
    - satisfactory squad depth

    Edges - 3 positions in the playing 17
    - 6 edges, 3 depth (depending on eit/marata playing middle)
    - Capewell, Leka, niukore, Laban, eit, kayliss
    - over prescribed here, unless eit/niukore plays a bench middle role. Need to release one or two.

    Halves - 2 positions in playing 17
    - 5 halves, 3 depth, including development contract
    - Metcalf, CHT, TMM, Boyd, linnane, Cleary (dev)
    - over prescribed here but TMM been playing 14. Need to release one.

    Centres - 2 positions playing 17
    -3 centre's, 1 depth
    - Pompey, Berry, ali
    - lack depth here desperately. Can’t keep moving Capewell to centre, not up to it. Need to recruit.

    Wingers - 2 positions in playing 17
    - 3 wingers, 1 depth
    - roger, DWZ, haizyn
    - lack depth here, can play taine out of position if needed. Need to recruit.

    Fullbacks - 1 position in 17
    - 2 fullbacks, 1 depth
    - cnk, taine
    - satisfactory squad depth

    Analysis:

    We are short 1 middle, 1 centre, 1 winger. We’re over prescribed in the halves, and edge back row. Flexibility in the middle with EIT & Niukore able to shift to middle, so can get away with current depth. Desperately need another outside back, as cannot afford to put capes at centre. We’re 1 injury away from this & given the health status of both Berry & Ali (our 2nd/3rd best centres), this is of immediate attention.

    Recruitment focus:
    - We need to move on from niukore, and Capewell in 2027. Back the young players to solidify the edges, with more talent coming through every year.

    - we need to offload 1-2 halves, TMM and/or Boyd going into 27. Linnane on a 3 year deal & Cleary to be promoted to top 30.

    - we need to recruit a young, experienced middle with upside potential, Moale fits this bill. With fish & barnett not getting any younger & our development props still years away we need to recruit externally.

    - our squad balance is out of whack, with our edges hugely over prescribed, half’s too, & centres desperately lack depth, going into 2026, & 2027. With both wingers the wrong side of 30, we need to identify another experienced winger to bring in, or promote kali & back him. Probably both. Roger likely gone in 2027 (our best winger).
     
    Matiunz said:
    There was a few concerning ‘wtf is this?!?’ Shots from Webby during the game which I’m not sure I’ve seen before. Problem is he seemed almost too upbeat about the team’s prospects in the presser that I’m not sure he sees some of the glaring issues
    Click to expand...

    Of course he sees them, but he's not going to call them out publicly, that would be insane.

    The team we have is limited, the players we have are limited. You can see coming through the grades there are players with much higher ceilings.

    Right now we play a game plan that suits our limitations (which is why we never have a plan B when plan A goes out the window), but hopefully our fundamental based game plan will hold us in better standing when it's mixed with higher ceiling players in the future.
     
    ContractPositionName
    Top 30CEAdam Pompey
    Top 30CEAli Leiataua
    Top 30CERocco Berry
    Top 30CEKayliss Fatialofa
    Top 30FBCharnze Nicoll-Klokstad
    Top 30FBTaine Tuaupiki
    Top 30HFChanel Harris-Tavita
    Top 30HFLuke Metcalf
    Top 30HFTanah Boyd
    Top 30HFJye Linnane
    Top 30HFTe Maire Martin
    Top 30HKSam Healey
    Top 30HKWayde Egan
    Top 30LKErin Clark
    Top 30LKMorgan Gannon
    Top 30PRDemitric Vaimauga
    Top 30PRJackson Ford
    Top 30PRJames Fisher-Harris
    Top 30PRMitchell Barnett
    Top 30PRTanner Stowers-Smith
    Top 30SRJacob Laban
    Top 30SRKurt Capewell
    Top 30SRLeka Halasima
    Top 30SRMarata Niukore
    Top 30SREddie Ieremia-Toeava
    Top 30WGDallin Watene-Zelezniak
    Top 30WGRoger Tuivasa-Sheck
    Top 30WGSio Kali
    Top 30WGHaizyn Mellars
    DevHFJett Cleary
    DevHFLuke Hanson
    DevPRJason Salalilo
    DevHKMakaia Tafua
    DevPRRodney Tuipulotu-Vea
    DevLKJunior Sikuvea
    T&T (NSW cup)PRToby Crosby
    T&T (NSW cup)WGBrandon Norris*
    T&T (NSW cup)CEMotu Pasikala*
    T&T (NSW cup)CECaelys Putoko
    T&T (NSW cup)HKJacob Auloa
    T&T (NSW cup)PRHarry Durbin
    T&T (NSW cup)PREmosi Ravosai*
    T&T (NSW cup)CEPatrick Moimoi
    T&T (NSW cup)HFJack Thompson*
    T&T (NSW cup)WGHarry Tauafiafi-Iutoi
    T&T (NSW cup)SRBishop Neal*
    T&T (NSW cup)CENganaiaiafu Vake
    T&T (NSW cup)PRTepatasi Laumalili

    This is basically the full group of players I'd expect to do the main pre-season training.

    That's 29 spots taken in the top 30 and assumes we release Freddy Lussick which is the only realistic cut of contracted players imo.

    All the train and trial guys are are still Flegg eligible next year except Durbin, Moimoi and Tauafiafi-Iutoi. I think we will call on Flegg for depth in our NSW cup team next year instead of having guys like Going, Doyle and Tu.

    I've put an asterisk next to guys I think will be signed to development contracts for 2027.

    I've included Toby Crosby but I think he will be lost to Penrith.
     
    Last edited:
    Wrighty said:
    I would let Harper go somewhere else next year and sign Brent Naden for that centre depth back up position and let him play ten first grade games per year.
    1) Naden is off contract for 2026 and is available for next season
    2) He is a character player and would add to our leadership
    3) He is an upgrade on Harper who has turned into a wasted signing as it has become apparent he is never going to get first grade time here no matter how low on stocks we get.

    Naden is quality and I could see him doing a job for us for only $250K
    Click to expand...
    Naden is terrible man & has toxic off field issues, no thank you. We don’t need aging outside backs, we need youth, energy & X factor.
     
    www.zerotackle.com

    Manly in danger of losing Reuben Garrick as NRL club circles

    He is a former Dally M Winger of the Year.
    www.zerotackle.com www.zerotackle.com

    There’s a bit of talk that Reuben Garrick won’t be offered another contract by manly. I’ve got real concerns for Berry and his career with how he’s picking up serious injuries constantly. If we were able to pick Garrick up for 2026, that would be ideal I reckon. Needs someone fit and to lead that kick chase that the right centre does and he kicks also
     
    Noitall said:
    www.zerotackle.com

    Manly in danger of losing Reuben Garrick as NRL club circles

    He is a former Dally M Winger of the Year.
    www.zerotackle.com www.zerotackle.com

    There’s a bit of talk that Reuben Garrick won’t be offered another contract by manly. I’ve got real concerns for Berry and his career with how he’s picking up serious injuries constantly. If we were able to pick Garrick up for 2026, that would be ideal I reckon. Needs someone fit and to lead that kick chase that the right centre does and he kicks also
    Click to expand...
    Take him now please for 2026-2028. 3 year deal
     
    Noitall said:
    Think an experienced outside back could be handy because I’d hate anyone to block Leiataua, surely he’s not far away? Them putting him on the left before he he disappeared would indicate he will potentially replace Pompey at some point, be I really thought he looked so much better on the right in the early stages of the season. They’re being patient with Metcalf and his injuries so perhaps they do the same with Berry and look for a good depth centre and try ride out his unlucky run?
    Click to expand...
    It’s been mentioned a few times..

    But Berry needs to start training at fullback and wear the number 1 jersey for us next year

    I think everyone can agree that neither CNK or TT is the answer next year (although probably the best with what’s available). I can’t imagine a team winning the GF with either CNK or TT at the back..

    We are a better team when we have Berry’s ball playing and his kick pressure. He’s great under the high ball.

    It would also reduce the workload, traffic and collisions he has put his body through which reduces chance of injury.
     
    The Warrior Waka said:
    The Gannon glaze is too much! Where TF is the proof he is ahead of anyone? His highlights are alright. Doesn't make your pringle tingle.

    The rest is word of mouth, In a comp that would sit 2nd to NSW Cup.
    Click to expand...
    The proof is we went outside our own stellar nursery and outside the NRL to sign someone in a position we are stacked in.

    I think that if you look at the ESL objectively, it is a competition which can only foster between two and four really good team rosters a season. So rather than being wholesale weaker than the NSW cup as a competition, it is instead grossly inconsistent with the gap between its best and its worst.

    The ESL have beaten the NRL champions more times than the Aussies have won the end of season clashes.

    There are various excuses made for why the Aussies lose, but you cannot say that the ESL is a lesser competition to the NSW cup. If this were a challenge between the winning NSW cup sides and the NRL champs, no amount of excuses would account for the results were the NRL to trail that comp.

    Lastly Gannon has just made the England side at aged 21 which just reinforces that the Warriors have backed the right horse in the eyes of more than just the Warriors recruitment.
     
    If the Warriors could land NAS on the cheap, I think it’d be a solid pickup. Sure, his discipline can be a problem at times, but his size and presence in the middle can’t be ignored.
    That said, I don’t think another big body is what we’re crying out for right now.
    As you all know, what this team really needs are wingers with genuine speed and flair, guys who can create something out of nothing and finish off the hard work the forwards are already putting in.
    And probabaly a centre who doesn't get injuired.
     
    Dannevegas said:
    Rts>Kali the rest.
    AKP can’t tackle, can’t catch, doesn’t have yardage carries, Shit attitude.
    He benefited from a side who played attacking, expansive footy. Legit only has pace nothing else. Fat no
    Click to expand...

    If it has got to the stage where the Titans are officially letting us talk to him it probably means we are are going to make him an offer.

    He has pace and that is what we need. And he isn't going to be any worse than DWZ on defence. Hopefully we can get his defence and attitude right if we sign him. I haven't watched enough of him to make a firm judgement but if it's between him and DWZ, I am all for AKP! We need pace and some flair in the backline. He is only 23 as well. Plenty of time to improve deficiencies.
     
    Tragic said:
    He seemed better when he was paired with Metcalf. Be interesting to see his stats with Metcalf vs with Boyd.
    But then everyone was going better then with less injuries
    Click to expand...

    GamesHalfbackTriesTry AssistsLinebreaksTackle BreaksReceiptsRunning MsKicking MsForced Drop Outs
    15Metcalf0.33 (5)0.87 (13)0.27 (4)1.07 (16)44642210.13 (2)
    7Boyd0.43 (3)0.71 (5)0.29 (2)0.43 (3)54641250.29 (2)

    I went and found CHT's stats and averaged them out per game (with the totals in brackets).
    Looks pretty consistent regardless of the halfback, other than the kicking metres.
     
    Warriors55 said:
    If it has got to the stage where the Titans are officially letting us talk to him it probably means we are are going to make him an offer.

    He has pace and that is what we need. And he isn't going to be any worse than DWZ on defence. Hopefully we can get his defence and attitude right if we sign him. I haven't watched enough of him to make a firm judgement but if it's between him and DWZ, I am all for AKP! We need pace and some flair in the backline. He is only 23 as well. Plenty
    Click to expand...
    53 tries in 54 games…say no more. Defence can be taught, especially when the Titans’ back five make turnstiles look solid. This bloke’s got wheels — DWZ’s replacement sorted. Kali and the Bunnies kids can punch on for RTS’ spot, and Norris can warm up in NSW Cup before being unleashed in 2027.

    As for NAS — sign him up if the Storm chip in $300k and we top it up with $300 k plus incentives. If he rocks up with the same Mt Smart form he always smashes us with, it’s daylight robbery. And hey, Barney and Walker weren’t exactly choirboys before they landed either.
     
    If we do sign the Khan it will mark a new age of risk taking by this administration that is for sure.

    I am coming around to the idea. I don't like it, the club doesn't need a dickhead in the mix, but I am coming around to the idea.

    I do not believe in Websters mythical power to change a leopards spots, rather I hope he can just get this guy to do the job well and earn his keep.

    We will have potentially the fastest guy in the NRL plus a Young basketballer to kick to, plus there is the tall timber in the forwards that like leaping for bombs on the try line.

    Throw in Gannon shift the ball on an edge and the team starts to look quite different, especially if they find a way to have Healy as a bench player in that mix.

    And if the young centers make it onto the park for a season the Warriors will really look a completely different attacking side.
     
    Titans fan chipping in here… I’m going to be biased because Lofi is probably my least favourite Titan ever since following this side since 2007, and thats saying something considering all of the geeks that have worn that jersey lol.

    But I think Lofi would just be a better fit for you guys than us overall, whatever combination of Pompey/Leiataua/Berry (when he isnt in hospital) are fine centres next to Lofi. Plus, you guys need speed big time.

    He can genuinely sniff out a try with little space, but frankly other than that he suuuucks on defense, both in contact and reading shape (may be more of a Brian Kelly problem granted), is actually a really bad decision maker with ball in hand and with one player infront of him. He actually botched a few easy 4 pointers because he decided to boot the ball dead or threw a BS pass. He’s also poor in yardage and will likely never be much better than he is, considering his body shape. Was absolutely attrocious under the high ball for a large period of his career aswell.

    Definitely hope for you guys he is at least neutral on defence and yardage, and he’s a worthwhile asset for you to take a swing on no doubt, but as of right now he’s just a Special Teams guy who does one thing (at an elite level for sure)very well, and would round out to be at best slightly below average everywhere else.

    Fine enough move though for you overall, I can certainly see the excitement for you guys when you take a look at tries scored etc, and Webster is one hell of a coach and I’m sure he’ll do his best with him!.
    With that being said pls trade Leiataua or something for him, pls?
     
    Leon Black said:
    Agree, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke would be nice, but plenty of quality in NPC too!
    Click to expand...
    Have you seen much of Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi in our Jersey Flegg?

    The last 3 or 4 games of the season he looked unbelievable after being pretty quiet prior to that. Size, speed and power for a wing.

    We poached him from the Auckland Club Rugby scene, he's 21 I believe. But he looks like he might have a future in first grade.

    After dropping Rapheal Sio for him, Brandon Norris and him were just terrorising teams on each wing.

    Give it two years and we will have some really strong wing stocks (age in two years time) -
    Sio Kali (22)
    Haizyn Mellars (23)
    Ezekiel Davidson Faaiuaso (20)
    Brandon Norris (22)
    Motu Pasikala (22)
    Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi (23)
     
    Noitall said:
    Last night hearing Ivan interviewed before the game and asked about Jett, it was the first time I’ve got an impression Jett is just here to develop. Just the way Ivan said it was all part of his journey with a wry smile to a question asked had me wondering? Ivan was also very complimentary towards the club and what’s building and called this his second home too, would love to see him return to a role at the club
    Click to expand...

    I think you've got it all wrong, that wry smile is that part of Jet's journey is for Dad and bigger brother Nathan to sign with the Wahs in 2028 so that dad can coach him, and he can play next to his brother in the halves.
     
    Warriors55 said:
    Let's say we only sign AKP as a new recruit for next season, we could still form a premiership winning team provided Jett and Kali are introduced at some point during next season and perform well.

    CNK and DWZ should be gone and not playing again unless injuries strike. I think Healey needs to start over Egan as well.
    That means RTS needs to go back to fullback.

    What does everyone think about the below 17. Any changes? Anyone else that we should recruit or bring through from Cup?

    1. RTS
    2. AKP
    3. Ali
    4. Berry
    5. Kali
    6. Jett/Metcalf
    7. Metcalf/Jett
    8. JFH
    9. Healey
    10. Barnett
    11. Leka
    12. Capewell
    13. Clarke

    14. TMM/Egan/CHT
    15. Vaimauga
    16. Laban
    17. EIT
    Click to expand...
    Unless Jett becomes his brother over the off season, he's still another season in Cup away from even being considered for first grade. He's not the saviour people think he is yet.
     
    CWC said:
    It’s funny even my dad told me TT was great why wasn’t he picked? 😂

    I think they have to seriously look at Roger as FB next season to give us an edge in the red zone, even if he ball hogs he’ll probably step through the defenders or create a quick PTB. I can’t see them signing AKP to put him in cup, the other wing we have Dallin, Kali, Mellars.

    Problem could be can Roger run so much and still keep his explosiveness or not pull a hammy, and do we miss his second or third hit up in the set

    Ali to right wing and he has support from Laban or Leka and Barney or Ford for kick and chase, might be easier to just keep up with someone alongside. Berry who could be retiring and CNK at cup to cover centres and TT to cover FB
    Click to expand...
    What is with this novel idea to move Roger to fullback? He is 33 next year. Who will be fb after next year or is the idea to extend him if he goes well? He just found some consistency and form at wing and we want to move him again? Roger's playmaking skills are worse than Charnz - both of them are used as hitup merchants.
     
    Horriors2013 said:
    Egan
    Healey
    Taufua
    Marsh

    4 good hookers.
    Or are we losing Taufua?
    Click to expand...

    I don't think we lose any of them under Cappy's new strategy.

    I have said this before, but earlier this year, like so many of us, I was trying to understand why McFadden was signing so many Australian juniors in the halves while we had four halves with experience already on our books in CHT, Metcalf, TMM, then they added Boyd, then Cleary, now Linane...then we have even younger Aussie kids log jamming the halves.

    Then it hit me, an epiphany, heavenly choir and all....

    It is not about signing them exclusively to be the NRL half back one day, the maths doesn't work. These kids won't even stick around that long, that would mean living in NZ for the youngest players for years.

    So what is it about? it is about fixing the New Zealand League system and bringing it into line with the Australian standards so that the positions where we produce world class players on these shores like our stellar back row prospects get to play off half backs that know how to direct them, how to get them in an Australian School boy/post highschool standard in terms of understanding the complexities of Australian structure.

    This model therefore ensures that our best Kiwi made players in all positions get directed around the park by organizers who can actually get them learning Webster ball at a much younger age than was possible before the McFadden era.

    And it is not just about the learning side, with these high quality players in key positions the local big fast talented back rower can get to shine - get to produce their best, give the coaches an accurate early picture of whether they are the kid you want to continue on with, or not - had this system been in place during the time of Katoa and Papalii, then perhaps those players would still be here, because they wouldn't need to go off shore to be able to see their abilities in full.

    Excuse the rant, but you can see how having hookers like Healy and Marsh will make a difference to players like Lennox Tuiloma and others in terms of making them better players, while making them easier to pick by the coaches since they can show their full ability with this Australian platform McFadden has created.

    Therefore as it stands we may not actually be looking at cutting any of our young hookers.
     
    Last edited:
    Cces said:
    No surprises. Signing Harper, and then the reluctance to play him, will go down as one of our weirdest signings of all time
    View attachment 14497
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    Especially weird considering he was playing as well, or better, than one could expect from him - while we had such a large number of outside backs out injured.

    I agree with it, but it is sad to see Bunty leave the club, it’s a shame he never went up a level - his earlier seasons were probably even better than his last.

    Kosi I hoped would have had a bit more of a redemption arc, but I hope he finds a home under Wayne’s arm.

    Tom Ale is a strange one, very interested to hear why he was overlooked for first grade entirely this year. But don’t really disagree too much letting him go, if any I would have kept him.

    MGT looks class in NSW Cup, but underwhelmed me a little in first grade. Hope he kicks on though.
     
    Makasene said:
    Because there is no way you could find and entice a guy to move country for the rest of the season.

    Harper was what he was, a depth signing for the rest of the year.

    In the end, Capewell was favoured (followed by Leka).
    Click to expand...
    Agreed! I never quite got the Harper backlash. A 50+ FG player in NZ on a one year contract to help mentor backline players in our fairly young reserve grade side (which dominated) seems a good choice. Realistically, he was, what like 6-7th on our centre depth chart - if he just showed good habits and attitude for the young boys, I’d take that as a W.
     
    Dannevegas said:
    He’s a perfect back up Pompey. I’ve always said this but he’s just far too slow to be a first choice back for us imo. He’d be the easiest centre to defend against. If we don’t sign anyone new( which we should) and Berry and Leiataua are fit miraculously, they’ll be starting
    Click to expand...

    Pompey this season has been the most threatening outside back we have.

    People refuse to acknowlege his Try's, he reverse passes, his offloads, his stepping.

    He has had a break out year and performed better than anything the other options have period.

    He starts in my team.

    He was almost scoring a Try a game coming into the finals. Pretty much everything you want from a center when you add all that on top of his defence.
     
    Tookey 2.0 said:
    Yeah huge what if scenario. In theory, Tanah's game suits Webby's game plan quite well so it wouldn't be outside of the realms of possibility that Metcalf and Tanah could be 6 and 7, however I do think after the year that Chanel has had, he's easily the front runner.

    I think Tanah next to Metcalf would be great to watch, as long as we have a few other key pieces in motion - I think you want Leka on Tanah's side, Rocco chasing those bombs and if he's got AKP on the wing there, he's got several attacking options on top of what Metcalf can do...
    Could be as good as what CHT created this year
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    If the Warriors are to be a top 4 side, Tanah Boyd should be nowhere near the first choice 17. You have a reliable defender in CHT at 6 until one of the juniors demands selection, or something good comes onto the market.

    Boyd is in that Schneider, Weaver, Volkman bracket of back up halves (albeit he has 78 NRL games against his name)
     
    The Warrior Waka said:
    Sheesh. Ya picked a broken spine there. Turbo has 90 year old knees. Metcalf is heading that way too. Egan has pavlova shoulders. And CHT's legs have dementia, Can't find where they left its speed.

    Still, With Turbos knees gone. Hes probably still faster than CNK.
    Click to expand...
    They’ve been talking about multiple clubs approaching Reuben Garrick in November, but Tolu Koula has a player option in 2027 meaning he can be approached in November also. I’d love for us to go for him as our fullback
     
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