Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

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📝 Summary:

The forum centers on the Warriors' 2025/2026 roster planning, with significant focus on roster adjustments and player roles. Discussions highlight Erin Clark's signing #342 as a key middle-forward addition for defensive grit, though some skepticism about his ideal position persists #343. Backline restructuring dominates the dialogue, particularly Marcelo Montoya's likely departure to the Tigers for family reasons #88#232, prompting debates about shifting Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to wing despite concerns over his positional fit #13#240. Fan sentiment emphasizes securing Ali Leiataua's long-term deal #192 and explores Taine Tuaupiki's viability at fullback #50#288.
Controversy arises around Josh Curran's critical exit interview, where users #69 interpret his remarks as unprofessional while acknowledging his on-field value. Recruitment targets like Leo Thompson #108 and development signings such as Sam Healey #202 suggest strategic futureproofing. Forward pack balance remains contentious, with members debating Tohu Harris's reduced role #427, Jackson Ford's utility value #404, and dissatisfaction with Marata Niukore's output relative to salary #86#378. The analysis concludes that cap management and injecting pace into the outside backs are critical priorities moving forward.

🏷️ Tags:

Recruitment Strategy, Player Contracts, Backline Restructuring

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Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion
C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Top 30 2025: 30/30
Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Top 30 2026: 26/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

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



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I just wouldn't be racing out to sign a halfback for next season. Certainly not any of the ones mentioned. Tanah Boyd? Bloody hell we are desperate.

We need to accept next year for what it is and go all in for some Nov 1 pieces for 2026.
 
I think Boyd behind our pack will be a lot different from Boyd behind the Titans pack. Not against a Boyd signing as going in with 3 halves is not idea for 2025 especially if we end up having an injury toll like this year. He would have more time behind our pack. Last year we had no issues getting to the opposition 20 but we couldn't convert so hopefully a new half could change that.
 
How much money do we think we have currently?
I'd give Ben Hunt a 2 year 1.8 mill ($1 mill nek year, 800k 2026) contract.

Immediately puts us into finals contention. We're still going to have a dominant pack next year and we all saw what a top half can do behind a good pack with SJ last year. Hunt would have 35+ try assists with our pack
 
I think Boyd behind our pack will be a lot different from Boyd behind the Titans pack. Not against a Boyd signing as going in with 3 halves is not idea for 2025 especially if we end up having an injury toll like this year. He would have more time behind our pack. Last year we had no issues getting to the opposition 20 but we couldn't convert so hopefully a new half could change that.
Actual Titans fan here (can you believe it we actually exist? lol), Tanah Boyd's problem isn't that he was behind a non-dominant pack (not even accurate) and didn't have time to work with.. his problem is that he's deer-in-the-headlights literally every single time he has stepped onto the park, as a result has neglected his running game if he even had one in the first place, no real long-kicking game, and his short kicking game isn't much better, and just doesn't have the vision to resort to any secondary attacking option if he can't get his kick away. Tackles okay though I guess.

I think his best value is as an experienced play-making backup 9/maybe plays some 14, he's more suited to a hooker role than the halves anyway. I reckon you'd be better off grabbing Tommy Weaver and hiding him behind JFH and co.

Also, while i'm here, someone tell Webby to please feel free to go ahead and secure your centre depth by acquiring Brian Kelly, he's a monster talent if you squint really hard and would be a huge asset to your footy club ;)
 
I’m ok with Tanah Boyd signing should it eventuate.

Reasoning includes:
We’re currently a half short, and have others who are susceptible to injury.

TB is an above average goal kicker and we are well short there, frustratingly we scored more tries and still lost games at least twice last year.

He is defensively sound, if not aggressive. We like that, especially early in the season when it has a more significant impact in yielding the W.

He looks likely to be able to transition into hooker cover, either temporarily or more permanently when the preferred longer term halved options are ready.

He is a game manager and would compliment either of our other running pivot options.

Perhaps somewhat optimistically, I’d like to think a pre-season with us, with Webby & 2xSJ specialist halves coaches supporting, may yield a better quality result than a Titans pre season with Des, Foz or Holbrook were ever able to.

Finally, a ‘second chance’ change of scenery scenario often bodes well for capable players, and I think TB is already more established than James Maloney was when he first landed.

Yes - an astute signing in my view.
 
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