Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​

-	Player	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
1	Bunty Afoa	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔	✔
4	Rocco Berry	✔	✔
5	Tanah Boyd	✔	✔
6	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔
7	Erin Clark	✔	✔	✔
8	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
9	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
10	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
11	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔
12	Tohu Harris	✔
13	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
14	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
15	Edward Kosi	✔
16	Jacob Laban	✔	✔
17	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
18	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
19	Zyon Maiu’u	✔	✔
20	Te Maire Martin	✔
21	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
22	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔
23	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
24	Adam Pompey	✔
25	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
26	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
27	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
28	Dylan Walker	✔
29	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Faitialofa	S
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Sio Kali	S
S5	Patrick Moimoi	S
S6	Tanner Stowers-Smith	S
T1	Daeon Amituanai	T
T2	Jaydee Auloa	T
T3	Kahu Capper	T	T
T4	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
T5	Augustino Filipo	T
T6	Etuane Fukofuka	T
T7	Moala Graham-Taufa	T
T8	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	?
T9	Brandon Norris	T
T10	Motu Pasikala	T	?	?
T10	Jason Salalilo	T
T11	Makaia Taufa	T
T12	Rodney Vea	T

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract (Formerly, Development), T = Train & Trial contract, ? = Wtf is up with Motu Pasikala

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 29/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6
Unconfirmed Top 30 2025: 29/30
Unconfirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 22/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Nil
2026 Losses: Nil

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Tohu Harris, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Dylan Walker

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[Boston Boy]

Didn’t realise he was that tall at 190cm. Really like this guy

I saw him play in the Warriors rugby 7s team a few years back. He was on the wing at times. He had some gas back them, was a strong runner. Is really developing nicely. Always good when your second rowers got good pace. He’s super fit and strong too.

 

[Noitall]

Bro, get someone talking to him. Even if it’s for 2027… (I know we can’t sign but tell him he will be the face of the warriors. I hope we are in his ear. Maori boy through and through). Get fish, whoever. We got snag a couple of our kids like that. He will be a superstar.

I read the Cowboys are eyeing him up.

Really impressive. Could be tug of war in rep footy if he cracks it representing Aussie schoolboys and NZ Māori

 

[Boston Boy]

Really impressive. Could be tug of war in rep footy if he cracks it representing Aussie schoolboys and NZ Māori

I think I read he went over at 15, if that’s the case he’s a kiwi. You know those country boys are pretty loyal too.
I don’t mean to be over the top but the way he accelerates reminds me a bit of Inglis.

 

[Noitall]

I saw him play in the Warriors rugby 7s team a few years back. He was on the wing at times. He had some gas back them, was a strong runner. Is really developing nicely. Always good when your second rowers got good pace. He’s super fit and strong too.

Is that where you see him staying? Half brother was at storm as a centre/wing and he’s played second row/centre/prop this year

 

[Boston Boy]

Is that where you see him staying? Half brother was at storm as a centre/wing and he’s played second row/centre/prop this year

I would probably see him as a second rower who can cover centres. Bit like Mannerings old role.

 

[WahsaurusRex]

Oh for fuck sakes lol

So there is a max of 6 supplementary/development players; According to NRL.com we have 6, but now Ieremia is a 7th?? This is the Pasikala deal all over again

- Sincerely, the mf that has to update the contract list, somehow

 

[Noitall]

I would probably see him as a second rower who can cover centres. Bit like Mannerings old role.

Seems to be the prototype of the favoured second rower to fill centre too. Similar dimensions to Berry

 

[Ozwarrior]

Potential target signings from every NRL club for Papua New Guinea expansion side​

With Papua New Guinea getting the expansion green light and Perth expected to follow, NRL team rosters are about to face unprecedented raids of their playing ranks.
Even if PNG is the only team to come into the competition as the 18th team in 2028, that’s still at least 30 roster spots that need filling.

With a new broadcast rights deal, the top-30 salary cap could be pushing $13 million and we could also see the NRL’s first $2 million-a-season marquee players.

It’s unclear yet whether the NRL’s newest team will have to abide by the November 1 transfer deadline when establishing their inaugural roster, which would mean they may not be able to make a signing for another two years.

However, there are currently fewer than 40 players signed to long-term deals with their existing clubs, which puts players in prime position to cash in on the free agency frenzy and tax exemptions on the table to entice them to join the new PNG franchise.

Here’s how your club is placed to survive an expansion raid.

Off limits: Demitric Vaimauga, James Fisher-Harris

Marquees: None

Midrange: Ali Leiataua (2027), Bunty Afoa (2025), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2026), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2027), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2025), Dylan Walker (2025), Edward Kosi (2025), Erin Clark (2027), Jackson Ford (2027), Jacob Laban (2026), Kurt Capewell (2026), Luke Metcalf (2026), Marata Niukore (2026), Mitchell Barnett (2027), Rocco Berry (2026), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2026), Tanah Boyd (2026), Leka Halasima (2027), Te Maire Martin (2025), Tohu Harris (2025), Tom Ale (2025), Wayde Egan (2027), Zyon Maiu’u (2026)

Young guns: Taine Tuaupiki (2026), Jett Cleary (2027)

Roster report: Only two players locked in long-term, one of which is Fisher-Harris, a drawcard for any player. The Warriors have a stack of quality first-graders coming off contract, so they’ll need to be busy because their roster could easily be picked apart.

Safety rating: D

 

[Noitall]

Potential target signings from every NRL club for Papua New Guinea expansion side​

With Papua New Guinea getting the expansion green light and Perth expected to follow, NRL team rosters are about to face unprecedented raids of their playing ranks.
Even if PNG is the only team to come into the competition as the 18th team in 2028, that’s still at least 30 roster spots that need filling.

With a new broadcast rights deal, the top-30 salary cap could be pushing $13 million and we could also see the NRL’s first $2 million-a-season marquee players.

It’s unclear yet whether the NRL’s newest team will have to abide by the November 1 transfer deadline when establishing their inaugural roster, which would mean they may not be able to make a signing for another two years.

However, there are currently fewer than 40 players signed to long-term deals with their existing clubs, which puts players in prime position to cash in on the free agency frenzy and tax exemptions on the table to entice them to join the new PNG franchise.

Here’s how your club is placed to survive an expansion raid.

Off limits: Demitric Vaimauga, James Fisher-Harris

Marquees: None

Midrange: Ali Leiataua (2027), Bunty Afoa (2025), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2026), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2027), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2025), Dylan Walker (2025), Edward Kosi (2025), Erin Clark (2027), Jackson Ford (2027), Jacob Laban (2026), Kurt Capewell (2026), Luke Metcalf (2026), Marata Niukore (2026), Mitchell Barnett (2027), Rocco Berry (2026), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2026), Tanah Boyd (2026), Leka Halasima (2027), Te Maire Martin (2025), Tohu Harris (2025), Tom Ale (2025), Wayde Egan (2027), Zyon Maiu’u (2026)

Young guns: Taine Tuaupiki (2026), Jett Cleary (2027)

Roster report: Only two players locked in long-term, one of which is Fisher-Harris, a drawcard for any player. The Warriors have a stack of quality first-graders coming off contract, so they’ll need to be busy because their roster could easily be picked apart.

Safety rating: D

"Another announcement": Immediate expansion may not be finished for NRL

18 teams are locked in for 2028, but that may not be all.

www.zerotackle.com

Sounds like there’s potential it may not only be the PNG bid announced? Potentially Perth. That’s two trips for us if they eventuate that require some lengthy travel

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Potential target signings from every NRL club for Papua New Guinea expansion side​

With Papua New Guinea getting the expansion green light and Perth expected to follow, NRL team rosters are about to face unprecedented raids of their playing ranks.
Even if PNG is the only team to come into the competition as the 18th team in 2028, that’s still at least 30 roster spots that need filling.

With a new broadcast rights deal, the top-30 salary cap could be pushing $13 million and we could also see the NRL’s first $2 million-a-season marquee players.

It’s unclear yet whether the NRL’s newest team will have to abide by the November 1 transfer deadline when establishing their inaugural roster, which would mean they may not be able to make a signing for another two years.

However, there are currently fewer than 40 players signed to long-term deals with their existing clubs, which puts players in prime position to cash in on the free agency frenzy and tax exemptions on the table to entice them to join the new PNG franchise.

Here’s how your club is placed to survive an expansion raid.

Off limits: Demitric Vaimauga, James Fisher-Harris

Marquees: None

Midrange: Ali Leiataua (2027), Bunty Afoa (2025), Chanel Harris-Tavita (2026), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (2027), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2025), Dylan Walker (2025), Edward Kosi (2025), Erin Clark (2027), Jackson Ford (2027), Jacob Laban (2026), Kurt Capewell (2026), Luke Metcalf (2026), Marata Niukore (2026), Mitchell Barnett (2027), Rocco Berry (2026), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2026), Tanah Boyd (2026), Leka Halasima (2027), Te Maire Martin (2025), Tohu Harris (2025), Tom Ale (2025), Wayde Egan (2027), Zyon Maiu’u (2026)

Young guns: Taine Tuaupiki (2026), Jett Cleary (2027)

Roster report: Only two players locked in long-term, one of which is Fisher-Harris, a drawcard for any player. The Warriors have a stack of quality first-graders coming off contract, so they’ll need to be busy because their roster could easily be picked apart.

Safety rating: D

I could see Niukore moving to PNG. He's not looking like he will be here much longer than the end of his contract with the warriors.

 

[Falcon]

Ieremia-Toeava extends contract

Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has One New Zealand Warriors contract extended by two years to 2026.

www.warriors.kiwi

The ‘Silent Assassin’ .. top 30 in ‘26.
If he can put on 8-10kgs in the next couple of years look out! (1.9m Tall)

 

[Teets]

I read the Cowboys are eyeing him up.

Yep, he's Cowboys.

He got picked up out of a Under 13s Maoris tourney, so hopefully he didn't hit Aussie before turning 13 or it might to be the old Origin v Kiwis tug or war all over again.

 

[Boston Boy]

Yep, he's Cowboys.

He got picked up out of a Under 13s Maoris tourney, so hopefully he didn't hit Aussie before turning 13 or it might to be the old Origin v Kiwis tug or war all over again.

That's sad, but still, we can get in his ear and stay close. We might be able to help him get homesick
You can't really blame the Warriors for missing him at 13, but maybe we could have caught him as he transitioned into other contracts. Looks a star to me.
It will be hard to get under the Cowboys nose nowadays. Imagine losing, Ponga, Hammer, Hughes, Kiakau.....when they all were happy to stay...... Now that's crazy!

 

[cock_o]

Gee thats alot of back rowers in the 2026 top 30.
Kurt Capewell
Jackson Ford
Jacob Laban
Leka Halasima
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

 

[Noitall]

Gee thats alot of back rowers in the 2026 top 30.
Kurt Capewell
Jackson Ford
Jacob Laban
Leka Halasima
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Could be looked at that Laban and Ford could play prop if needed and EIT can play centre or potentially a middle at a pinch as well as their preferred second row? Could see Ford perhaps being solely a middle too?

 

[Milking!]

Could be looked at that Laban and Ford could play prop if needed and EIT can play centre or potentially a middle at a pinch as well as their preferred second row? Could see Ford perhaps being solely a middle too?

Be interesting to see if any of those names are in the mix as a possible lock by ‘26 as well.

 

[Milking!]

The ‘Silent Assassin’ .. top 30 in ‘26.
If he can put on 8-10kgs in the next couple of years look out! (1.9m Tall)

Awesome to see another young gun with huge raps signing on.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Gee thats alot of back rowers in the 2026 top 30.
Kurt Capewell
Jackson Ford
Jacob Laban
Leka Halasima
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Is it though? That’s 5. Two start, one of the bench & then any injury leka is in or Eddie is debuting..

 

[Noitall]

Awesome to see another young gun with huge raps signing on.

Feeling like our future pack or at least the vision for the future pack seems to be identifying itself. Thought Leiataua was highly regarded at the club, which I think he is but was surprised at the length of the Vaimauga extension and how much they obviously see him as their future. Listening to all he said on getting his extension I’m not surprised now

 

[Milking!]

Feeling like our future pack or at least the vision for the future pack seems to be identifying itself. Thought Leiataua was highly regarded at the club, which I think he is but was surprised at the length of the Vaimauga extension and how much they obviously see him as their future. Listening to all he said on getting his extension I’m not surprised now

I have to stop getting carried away imagining hypothetical ‘26, ‘27 forward packs … but if we could get Leo Thompson …