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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Chances of TMM or Boyd leaving for next season, worth a shout??
From the Mole so take with a grain of salt:


Remember former Warriors, Titans and Dragons halfback Paul Turner?

The Kiwi-born halfback looked like he could have been a real star when he debuted for the Warriors back in 2020 as a teenager but injuries and lack of opportunity resulted in his career stalling.

He had a successful stint with Featherstone Rovers in England last year before injury struck again, resulting in surgery on his forearm.

Now 24 years of age, Turner is in great form in the Queensland Cup for Tweed Seagulls and has attracted the attention of several NRL clubs.

A smart playmaker, he is on track for a train and trial deal with at least two interested clubs in 2026.
The Ghost of Mt Smart, he came, he saw, he conquered, then disappeared, all in one game.
 
I need to watch Laban more closely, haven't formed an opinion on him yet. What player would people say he is similar to at this stage?
I see Sup42 compared him to a Hugh McGann and I think that is a good call.

My view is that he hasn't filled out into his frame yet. When he does he will be an absolute unit, along the lines of the great Steven Kearney. Perhaps he doesn't have the chisel edge of SK, but his motor, size and skill makes me think once he is fully developed, he could be an absolute weapon.
 
Has to be something behind it. Wasnt he being offered to others clubs a while back?
Might have had some Hopoate fingers issues? I jest.

Remains a mystery to me and I'm ok with it unless he haunts us next year and beyond.
 
I see Sup42 compared him to a Hugh McGann and I think that is a good call.

My view is that he hasn't filled out into his frame yet. When he does he will be an absolute unit, along the lines of the great Steven Kearney. Perhaps he doesn't have the chisel edge of SK, but his motor, size and skill makes me think once he is fully developed, he could be an absolute weapon.
He and Leka scored a fair few meat pies in 2023 Cup side from similar kicks to last weekend. They both give me Katoa aerial threat vibes too.

Perfect for CHT’s weak ass kicks/bombs.
 
Credit where it’s due though, he put some beauties up that led to tries on the weekend
His kicking looks so unorthodox I used to think those bombs were flukes when they came off and lead to a try, but I'm starting to think he's actually a master of deception. No one expects it to work, including the opposition, but somehow it does. He's clearly a genius and we're watching rugby league poetry.
 
His kicking looks so unorthodox I used to think those bombs were flukes when they came off and lead to a try, but I'm starting to think he's actually a master of deception. No one expects it to work, including the opposition, but somehow it does. He's clearly a genius, we're watching rugby league poetry.
They were just short of the line on the weekend and enough height to give the chaser a chance
 
His kicking looks so unorthodox I used to think those bombs were flukes when they came off and lead to a try, but I'm starting to think he's actually a master of deception. No one expects it to work, including the opposition, but somehow it does. He's clearly a genius and we're watching rugby league poetry.
Those bombs are called luck!
That’s all
5th tackle options poor
My view only 😵
 
His kicking looks so unorthodox I used to think those bombs were flukes when they came off and lead to a try, but I'm starting to think he's actually a master of deception. No one expects it to work, including the opposition, but somehow it does. He's clearly a genius and we're watching rugby league poetry.

Reminded me of TMM’s impotent kick causing the hammer to flop and we scored an epic try off it last year

Wish CHT build more quads to get his long kicks deep though, he has black ferns distance most of the time
 
Credit where it’s due though, he put some beauties up that led to tries on the weekend
All season for me. He has been very accurate and the shallower height gives the opposition less time to catch/spoil. Metcalf has been good too.

CHT's weaker area is his long kicking, but I've been impressed the role he is playing this year. He has taken the line on a lot and looked quite zippy doing so. Like many before him, he is sitting in the shadows because the NRL hype train has got to make a superstar out of one player at a time. Metcalf is going great guns, but he is being ably supported by CHT, Egan and our big boys.
 
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