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	Morgan Harper	✔
13	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
14	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
15	Edward Kosi	✔
16	Jacob Laban	✔	✔
17	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
18	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
19	Te Maire Martin	✔
20	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
21	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔
22	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
23	Adam Pompey	✔	✔	✔
24	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔
25	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
26	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
27	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
28	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Fatialofa	S
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	S	✔	✔
S5	Sio Kali	S
S6	Patrick Moimoi	S
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
-	Motu Pasikala	T	✔	✔

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 28/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 23/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Nil
2026 Losses: Nil

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Tanner Stowers-Smith

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[Ever Hopeful]

People also need to remember he has signed to take Tu's spot in the squad, not Montoya. He's on a 9 month deal, and all going well a junior will be ready to step into the 5th in line centre/winger spot for 2026.

I agree with the sentiment. I'd argue that Tu's top 30 spot was a parting gift when it became evident the spot was not really needed for the remainder of 2024, rather than a genuine place in the top 30 before season start.

 

[Playdaball]

I wonder if David Fusitua would have been a consideration for the back up outside back role ?

 

[The Warrior Waka]

I wonder if David Fusitua would have been a consideration for the back up outside back role ?

Would of preferred Fus over Harper tbh....

 

[Worried2Death]

I wonder if David Fusitua would have been a consideration for the back up outside back role ?

Where is Fus now?

 

[tajhay]

Where is Fus now?

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/ex-leeds-rhinos-ace-david-fusitua-linked-with-shock-rugby-union-switch-4938979

Apparently considering RU in Japan.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/ex-leeds-rhinos-ace-david-fusitua-linked-with-shock-rugby-union-switch-4938979

Apparently considering RU in Japan.

I can't think of a player that has been on our books in the last 10 years with more unrealised talent than Fus.

He was so very gifted, but the drive just didn't seem to be there.

 

[Playdaball]

Where is Fus now?

I think he’s playing RU in Qld

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Folau?

 

[afakasi247]

Would of preferred Fus over Harper tbh....

Fus is a large lad who was just as soft on D

 

[Five&Last]

Man there are some huge sooks in here. Harper is a depth signing nothing more. I'd rather have him going out there when called upon than a 19yr old kid who clearly isn't ready - you would end up doing more damage than good.

Nah I think Harper sets the record for most Fox Memorial appearances from a top 30 player in one season.

 

[The Warrior Waka]

Fus is a large lad who was just as soft on D

Yeah, But Harper's mid sized and soft on a, b, c & d!

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Yeah, But Harper's mid sized and soft on a, b, c & d!

There's a bloke at the bulldogs called Montoya that might be good

 

[run_it_str8_again]

I can't think of a player that has been on our books in the last 10 years with more unrealised talent than Fus.

He was so very gifted, but the drive just didn't seem to be there.

But we have a massive historical list of them.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

But we have a massive historical list of them.

Matt Allwood!

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Matt Allwood!

Hurrell
Hingano
Lisone
Vete
Lousi 1
Lousi 2
The list goes on

 

[afakasi247]

Yeah, But Harper's mid sized and soft on a, b, c & d!

Touché

 

[Cces]

Setu Tu getting a Top 30 spot in 2024 ahead of MGT, who actually played multiple games in the NRL, is the weirdest signing in Webster's tenure.
Almost as odd as Nathan Brown/Craig Hodges demoting Otukolo from Top 30 to a Development contract, and in turn sliding down the pecking order behind an injured Temple Kalepo, who then declined the contract .
Anyway, on recruitment targets, I hope the Puru brothers are being considered for the coming years. Hohepa is under contract for '26 but Niwhai is available from November

 

[tajhay]

Anyway, on recruitment targets, I hope the Puru brothers are being considered for the coming years. Hohepa is under contract for '26 but Niwhai is available from November

What particular reason do you think they should be considered? Because of their talent or because they have maori blood? I dont think either of them have ever been to NZ (outside of playing for NSW Cup).

 

[The Warrior Waka]

Vlog 5

View: https://youtu.be/kYg1lsdiqQk?si=PmqpfXIlyTWpTgJ1

 

[Cces]

What particular reason do you think they should be considered? Because of their talent or because they have maori blood? I dont think either of them have ever been to NZ (outside of playing for NSW Cup).

First & foremost talent. The fact that they've Māori heritage might be an easier sell for then to relocate countries though.
If Walker decides to move back to Sydney to be closer to his kids then Hohepa would be a good replacement as his skill set, particularly run to pass ratio, is closer to Walker than a Vaimauga or Halasima has shown