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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One thing is he’s gone from the club, and secondly he’s gone from the commentary 🎉 no more jobs for mates.
This is big for me. No more jobs for the old boys he don’t deserve it. Happens way to much in the Warriors and Kiwis.

If a former player actually deserves a job then brilliant give them one, but every job at the Warriors and kiwis needs to be on merit and merit only
 
Terrell May to the tigers for 3 years, what a signing for them

Love May as a player. But the Mays have a horrible reputation off the field, and the rumours of why he was booted from the Roosters circulating, I don't think he's exempt. All or nothing play by the Tigers, I think it's fair to say they have the talent to succeed next season, will be interesting to see how it all plays out. A lot of strong but questionable personalities in that team and a rookie coach with a wooden spoon in his back pocket. A real make or break year for them.
 
Love May as a player. But the Mays have a horrible reputation off the field, and the rumours of why he was booted from the Roosters circulating, I don't think he's exempt. All or nothing play by the Tigers, I think it's fair to say they have the talent to succeed next season, will be interesting to see how it all plays out. A lot of strong but questionable personalities in that team and a rookie coach with a wooden spoon in his back pocket. A real make or break year for them.
I suppose any player has value, as long as you die for the jersey (the great BUNTY), tho I wish we could make a play for Nauwhahu Whyte, he's a beast, the body of a prop but the silky passing skills of a standoff, I'll even go as far to say same skillset as shane cooper (yeah nah not as good as yet - he's still young).
 
I'm not too worried about our lack of activity since Nov 1. I agree with the approach that is to first strengthen for next year - Immediate gets in Healey and Clarke are positive, Boyd too I will admit is a savvy move with virtually nothing to lose. We are not looking too far ahead.

That being said, our best business these days is done in secret. We will definitely be talking to a 2026 big fish but the reality is they are so bloody hard to land.

We did a lot of business early in extensions - that is the reality of having depth, you need to extend. Certainly I would agree that there are some players they would like to move on but can't.

Just be thankful we are not making some of these awful deals - Gutherson for 3 years on $2.5m? wtf?!!?
 
Who's in line for the remainder of these? Will Moimoi get another opportunity after an injury affected 2024? Surely Sio Kali & Eddie Ieremia-Toeava have ones lined up. Tobias Crosby or Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea a chance?
Looks like:

1. Kalani Going (confirmed)
2. Tanner Stowers Smith (confirmed)
3. Luke Hanson (reported)
4. Eddie Ieremia (nothing reported but almost a sure thing given his NSW cup appearances last year)
5. Sio Kali (nothing reported but too talented to not include, made of glass but if we don't offer him it someone else might?? Plus we need to start our wing succession planning)

The last spot hopefully they leave open and let pre-season decide. My guess it goes to one of the hookers Tafua or Auloa.

There's a lot of guys at pre-season who could compete for it though, Moimoi, Durbin, Tuipulotu-Vea all look good.
 
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Looks like:

1. Kalani Going (confirmed)
2. Tanner Stowers Smith (confirmed)
3. Luke Hanson (reported)
4. Eddie Ieremia (nothing reported but almost a sure thing given his NSW cup appearances last year)
5. Sio Kali (nothing reported but too talented to not include, made of glass but if we don't offer him it someone else might?? Plus we need to start our wing succession planning)

The last spot hopefully they leave open and let pre-season decide. My guess it goes to one of the hookers Tafua or Auloa.

There's a lot of guys at pre-season who could compete for it though, Moimoi, Durbin, Tuipulotu-Vea all look good.
I really really want us to hold onto Toby Crosby. He looks impressive
 
Love May as a player. But the Mays have a horrible reputation off the field, and the rumours of why he was booted from the Roosters circulating, I don't think he's exempt. All or nothing play by the Tigers, I think it's fair to say they have the talent to succeed next season, will be interesting to see how it all plays out. A lot of strong but questionable personalities in that team and a rookie coach with a wooden spoon in his back pocket. A real make or break year for them.
Im assuming that Benji thinks if he can get Luai and May to get the boys to buy in, he can lift them off the bottom of the table.
 
Im assuming that Benji thinks if he can get Luai and May to get the boys to buy in, he can lift them off the bottom of the table.
I don’t think they will get the spoon. They got good go forward now. The boys are abit more experienced. Would have been nice to keep Papalii but I see them coming somewhere 8-14. Great work by Benji, this is finally his team. If they don’t drastically improve and get to say 11-12 he’s gotta go.
 
Terrell May to the tigers for 3 years, what a signing for them
I
I don’t think they will get the spoon. They got good go forward now. The boys are abit more experienced. Would have been nice to keep Papalii but I see them coming somewhere 8-14. Great work by Benji, this is finally his team. If they don’t drastically improve and get to say 11-12 he’s gotta go.
You could have a reasonable team next year and get the spoon
 
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