Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

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The forum focuses extensively on the Warriors' 2025/2026 contract situations, recruitment targets, and roster evaluations. Key discussions revolve around Marcelo Montoya's departure to the Tigers #223#230, which fans attribute to backline depth and family considerations, while debating Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's potential shift to wing. Erin Clark's signing as a middle forward #342 generates mixed reactions about his role conversion from hooker. Notable contract concerns include Bunty Afoa's uncertain future #391 and priority re-signings for young talents like Ali Leiataua. Positional debates feature strong opinions about Tohu Harris' reduced role #427, Mitch Barnett's workload management #401, and Jackson Ford's utility value #402. Recruitment speculation highlights interest in Leo Thompson #393#403 amid salary cap constraints. Critical analyses of departing players emerge, including Josh Curran's criticism of Andrew Webster #51#115932 and Jazz Tevaga's emotional exit #437. Fans consistently urge roster upgrades to address goal-kicking deficiencies and spine depth ahead of 2025.

🏷️ Tags:

Player Contracts, Outside Backs, Forward Recruitment

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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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In terms of full disclosure and being very honest about Starford

His main advantage is raw gas - he turns 25 this June so is in his prime. Starford unlike Warriors backs can burn his defender to the outside and bust him for pace.
The caveat with him is defence. Adam Pompey's tackle efficiency was 89% this year while Starford put up 81% - however that was for a worse team with a less organised defensive line (ie the wooden spoon team).
 

NZWarriors.com

If dreams are free - first door I am knocking in is Penrith. They don't really need both Casey and Jesse and we can promise first grade time to the one they don't want.
Just realised in my previous post I said the Arthur’s brothers when I meant the McLean bothers. They are very young and both blocking each others path. it’s not crazy having one of them more NRL time for a year could actually be beneficial for the panthers long term.
 
Girl Why Dont We Have Both GIF
 


Can see why everyone loves going to Japan for the easy coin. Odds of Val ever seeing a defender that squat and slow in front of him with that amount of space very unlikely in the NRL.

The defender staying out on the wing is hilarious too, talking about leaving your mate on an island. PSDT not there to teach them how to jam like he did to Jordie Barrets ribs to snuff out that overlap in the RWC final.

Hard no to Val, problem with him is the other 78 minutes outside the highlight plays.
 
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On wingers did someone mention Munro off contract? Can't see him being let go but he's a good prospect.

The other one is Allan Fitzgibbon, would never pass a no dickheads policy but he's way better than any of our cup guys and would be fastest in the squad easily.
 
Can only assume the club recognise that 'win-now' is not a reality.

No doubt we are hunting an outside back but are we realistically going to be able to sign someone that can make a material difference just 3 weeks out from the season?

My thinking is they are looking to 2026.
If we’re going to be bottom 4 anyway I'd rather see Kali and MGT and all the young blokes get a run this year for the experience, even if we get the spoon.
Actually if we do get the spoon Starford might fit in well with all his experience @Wrighty
 


Gumby

Jaws​

Seen this on a rumour mill page. Warriors are set to launch a huge bid at Big Nelson for 2026. He is contracted until 2027 however apparently warriors will see if the storm are interested in releasing him. He will earn 900k in his final season at the storm so could be a good move for both clubs. Anyways just a rumour doing the rounds but would be huge for the warriors if they could pull it off
 
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