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	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
13	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
14	Edward Kosi	✔
15	Jacob Laban	✔	✔
16	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
17	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
18	Zyon Maiu’u	✔	✔
19	Te Maire Martin	✔
20	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
21	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔
22	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
23	Adam Pompey	✔
24	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
25	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
26	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
27	Dylan Walker	✔
28	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
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
-	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	?
-	Motu Pasikala	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: 28/30
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, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Dylan Walker

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[CWC]

Hughes
Brown
Ronaldo
Ali
CNK/Berry/Pompey
DWZ
Taine/CNK

Release RTS & 2 halves for 2026. Do it Cappy!

Edit: Might be totally within the salary cap with Hughes/Brown/Ronaldo/Ali/Berry/DWZ/Taine+Pompey, release CNK/RTS/Boyd/Metcalf

 

[chrisnz]

Just watched dylan browns 2024 highlights and they are not what I remember he done some great things but I think if you go back and watch the full matches they paint a different story that or I have been holding some bias towards him not sure anymore lmao lots of comments from eels fans saying surprised he has highlights also.

 

[ROCCO]

Some people have been very judgemental toward Brown and his past indiscretions. Using that to decimate his character instead of focusing on the footy skillset. It reminds me of what Jesus said when he saved the prostitute from being stoned to death: "Let the man without sin cast the first stone"! Now nobody should judge D Brown for his past mistakes. Judge him on his skills and abilities and weather he can help us win our maiden premiership!

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Some people have been very judgemental toward Brown and his past indiscretions. Using that to decimate his character instead of focusing on the footy skillset. It reminds me of what Jesus said when he saved the prostitute from being stoned to death: "Let the man without sin cast the first stone"! Now nobody should judge D Brown for his past mistakes. Judge him on his skills and abilities and weather he can help us win our maiden premiership!

Could we save Brandon Smith from being stoned to death then?

 

[ROCCO]

No, because we are not Jesus. Lol.

 

[tajhay]

Some people have been very judgemental toward Brown and his past indiscretions. Using that to decimate his character instead of focusing on the footy skillset. It reminds me of what Jesus said when he saved the prostitute from being stoned to death: "Let the man without sin cast the first stone"! Now nobody should judge D Brown for his past mistakes. Judge him on his skills and abilities and weather he can help us win our maiden premiership!

Dylan Brown fits the role of the prostitute well in the current scenario.

Lets keep fictional books and religion away from this thread please.

 

[MM51]

Hughes
Brown
Ronaldo
Ali
CNK/Berry/Pompey
DWZ
Taine/CNK

Release RTS & 2 halves for 2026. Do it Cappy!

Edit: Might be totally within the salary cap with Hughes/Brown/Ronaldo/Ali/Berry/DWZ/Taine+Pompey, release CNK/RTS/Boyd/Metcalf

I look at this as a very narrow, short sighted play dropping Boyd or Metcalf, who replaces Hughes if it was to happen. You’re relying on jett to step up?

 

[doeeyedwarrior]

We don't really have anyone in the backline with enough speed to finish a long range break, and it's costing us points. (except Dallin's intercepts)

DWZ is rapid!!! I reckon Rocco will have speed if he gets a chance to stretch his legs out too

Just rewatching last season's games and early season Berry was immense (or ripe if you like a pun). So was early season Ford and Capewell. Ali is hopefully going to stay fit, RTS will get a bit more space on the wing and CNK will be back to his gun self with a good preseason (people forget he played end of season tests for the kiwis with broken ribs then did his hammy in preseason). I do think we've got a good back line, quality halves and a quick, aggressive pack. I don't think we need anything from the open market

 

[Ref]

DWZ is rapid!!! I reckon Rocco will have speed if he gets a chance to stretch his legs out too

Just rewatching last season's games and early season Berry was immense (or ripe if you like a pun). So was early season Ford and Capewell. Ali is hopefully going to stay fit, RTS will get a bit more space on the wing and CNK will be back to his gun self with a good preseason (people forget he played end of season tests for the kiwis with broken ribs then did his hammy in preseason). I do think we've got a good back line, quality halves and a quick, aggressive pack. I don't think we need anything from the open market

Isn't that more of less what Bluey said going into 2012.

That said I think we will do better than generally expected.

 

[dean]

DWZ is rapid!!! I reckon Rocco will have speed if he gets a chance to stretch his legs out too

Just rewatching last season's games and early season Berry was immense (or ripe if you like a pun). So was early season Ford and Capewell. Ali is hopefully going to stay fit, RTS will get a bit more space on the wing and CNK will be back to his gun self with a good preseason (people forget he played end of season tests for the kiwis with broken ribs then did his hammy in preseason). I do think we've got a good back line, quality halves and a quick, aggressive pack. I don't think we need anything from the open market

We have decent forwards. An okay spine and backs. We've recruited Boyd who may prove to be a bargain signing, maybe. Outside backs are slow and our spine is not even as good as the Tigers. If our young guys don't step up it will be another season like the last one.

 

[Dannevegas]

DWZ is rapid!!! I reckon Rocco will have speed if he gets a chance to stretch his legs out too

Just rewatching last season's games and early season Berry was immense (or ripe if you like a pun). So was early season Ford and Capewell. Ali is hopefully going to stay fit, RTS will get a bit more space on the wing and CNK will be back to his gun self with a good preseason (people forget he played end of season tests for the kiwis with broken ribs then did his hammy in preseason). I do think we've got a good back line, quality halves and a quick, aggressive pack. I don't think we need anything from the open market

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

 

[Noitall]

[/HEADING]
[HEADING=3]Beavers Headgear​

Coach​

Messages10,084

• 37 minutes ago
• 
  
• #39

Heard George on the radio on the way home this afternoon
said they haven’t had any discussions with Brown or his management, they have 4 “exciting” halves in the squad already and young guys coming through. Want to fill spots from in house but will keep big money aside for Australian players that fill a spot that is needed
Can all take that with a grain of salt though lol as on the same station last year he said they’d never spoken to Capewell and he was announced the next day








Came across this on the LU site. Interesting keeping money aside for Australian players that fill a spot, anyone else hear the interview with CG?

 

[doeeyedwarrior]

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

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

 

[Damo]

[/HEADING][/HEADING]
[HEADING=3][HEADING=3]Beavers Headgear​

Coach​

Messages10,084

• 37 minutes ago
• 
  
• #39

Heard George on the radio on the way home this afternoon
said they haven’t had any discussions with Brown or his management, they have 4 “exciting” halves in the squad already and young guys coming through. Want to fill spots from in house but will keep big money aside for Australian players that fill a spot that is needed
Can all take that with a grain of salt though lol as on the same station last year he said they’d never spoken to Capewell and he was announced the next day








Came across this on the LU site. Interesting keeping money aside for Australian players that fill a spot, anyone else hear the interview with CG?

Yes, he also basically said we won't be doing Vegas again.

 

[WA Warrior]

[/HEADING][/HEADING]
[HEADING=3][HEADING=3]Beavers Headgear​

Coach​

Messages10,084

• 37 minutes ago
• 
  
• #39

Heard George on the radio on the way home this afternoon
said they haven’t had any discussions with Brown or his management, they have 4 “exciting” halves in the squad already and young guys coming through. Want to fill spots from in house but will keep big money aside for Australian players that fill a spot that is needed
Can all take that with a grain of salt though lol as on the same station last year he said they’d never spoken to Capewell and he was announced the next day








Came across this on the LU site. Interesting keeping money aside for Australian players that fill a spot, anyone else hear the interview with CG?

I find it a little irritating, Webby already saying how happy he is with our halves and now CG.
Us as fans are not bloody stupid, we know we have one of the worst halves in the comp.
Just say we are not interested in Brown instead of talking up our B grade halves.
I totally get you have to back them but don’t talk it up.

 

[Damo]

I find it a little irritating, Webby already saying how happy he is with our halves and now CG.
Us as fans are not bloody stupid, we know we have one of the worst halves in the comp.
Just say we are not interested in Brown instead of talking up our B grade halves.
I totally get you have to back them but don’t talk it up.

He didn't talk them up like they were the next coming of Nathan Cleary, just backing his boys.

 

[WA Warrior]

He didn't talk them up like they were the next coming of Nathan Cleary, just backing his boys.

Yeah I get it. I probably have a little resentment about the CNK at FB and RTS at centre rhetoric last year.
We have weak halves, basically saying we have better in house than Brown which I disagree.
Just say we are not interested.
Just don’t make statements that don’t need to be made.
I’m probably way over thinking it

 

[Noitall]

I find it a little irritating, Webby already saying how happy he is with our halves and now CG.
Us as fans are not bloody stupid, we know we have one of the worst halves in the comp.
Just say we are not interested in Brown instead of talking up our B grade halves.
I totally get you have to back them but don’t talk it up.

Think just like the poster said in regards to Capewell to take it with a grain of salt. Really hard to say what the club have in store? Keeping big money aside must have a particular position in mind of a player they’d like to recruit?

 

[Noitall]

Yes, he also basically said we won't be doing Vegas again.

What was the reasoning for that?

 

[Fizurg]

What was the reasoning for that?

My guess would be that’s it’s a nightmare logistically.