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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Sounds like an unlikely thing to happen re; Payne Haas, but it was the Warriors who introduced him to the professional life of a footballer. I believe Haas credited the Warriors for paving the way for him into the professional world of League. Andrew McFadden was the man to do this.

If Haas was to consider a new club/environment venture, it’s not ridiculous to think that a Warriors reunion could happen. However, with the family complexities it could make the path challenging.
 
Looking at my post above
Prop Depth in order
1) JFH
2) Barnett
3) Vaimauga
4) Ford
5) Ale
6) Bunty
7) Zyon Maiu’u

Lock Depth
1) Clark
2) Walker

Second Row Depth
1) Capewell
2) Niukore
3) Halasima
4) Laban
5) Ford

I think Tohu leaving exposes us for depth at lock and 2nd row cover, Look for them to recruit a player with those skill sets.

It's only skinny if you don't back any of our young talent to be up to NRL standard. Vaimauga, Laban, Halasima and Mai'u have all had a taste and look ready to make a leap. I would back (and by the sounds of it so does the club, from what CG was saying) these guys to break through this season, rather than getting a fringe Aussie in the top 30 as a 4th in line second rower. Lock can be filled by Barnett if Clark and Walker are injured. Going and Ford would do a job if needed.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
lol absolutely not.

You don't just have 800k+ tied up like that.

They would've given him every chance to come right and he just didn't come right or got injured again in pre-season. It happens.
 
No chance at Haas, but I still struggle to work out how the 2025-2026 Brisbane side is going to be cap compliant.
They could always offload someone- maybe someone with only a year to run on their current deal- staggs for example…. The timing of his visit seems a bit more curious now.
Here’s a scenario that could rebalance the side-
Staggs to center, Pompey to an edge, Marata to middle forward.
 
Are the roosters still looking at letting go of cheese could be an alright 13.

You would have to think that if there were any possibility of Cheese ever coming here, it would have to be now.

Surprise retirement for Tohu, Cheese being told hes not wanted at the Roosters, and Dyl Walker likely not being here next year...

If it's ever going to happen, now is literally the perfect time.

Can Webby, JFH and Barney keep him in line tho...
 
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