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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Brandon Norris and Sio Kali considering he stays injury free, should be seriously considered for top grade next season.
For people saying they’re too young, look at Laybutt and Purdue both teenagers, and there’s plenty more.

Something like this would be exciting

Tauapiki
Tuivasa-scheck
Kali-CNK
Leiataua
Norris-Kali
While that jersey flegg team has great attack, some of their defense is diabolical.
Theres a Bit to work on before these players are 1st grade ready.
 

NZWarriors.com

While that jersey flegg team has great attack, some of their defense is diabolical.
Theres a Bit to work on before these players are 1st grade ready.
Tbf I think Norris has been great on defense and Kali hasn’t played Flegg this year.

Some of the other guys have been pretty ordinary on defense especially Raph Sio and recently Moimoi.

Putoko is one who has all the potential in the world on attack but does need to tidy up his line defense. Didn’t look out of place defensively in his NSW cup debut though
 
Tbf I think Norris has been great on defense and Kali hasn’t played Flegg this year.

Some of the other guys have been pretty ordinary on defense especially Raph Sio and recently Moimoi.

Putoko is one who has all the potential in the world on attack but does need to tidy up his line defense. Didn’t look out of place defensively in his NSW cup debut though
Yep you're right i have to remember they are still kids but the way they're linking up on attack is just so good to watch,
Letting in 40 points against the Tigers was ordinary.
 
But seriously, hope Ali is the future.
This might be a unpopular take but just not seeing how Ali is the future. Seems to have far to many form slumps which along with injuries is the reason why he has played only had 15 FG games. He has the physical attributes to be a great player just wondering where his head space is. With Rocco made of glass I would hope we are on the look out for a quality Centre if we have no one ready for NRL in the lower grade. I would also say no to Gagai as we should not be a retirement home.
 
This might be a unpopular take but just not seeing how Ali is the future. Seems to have far to many form slumps which along with injuries is the reason why he has played only had 15 FG games. He has the physical attributes to be a great player just wondering where his head space is. With Rocco made of glass I would hope we are on the look out for a quality Centre if we have no one ready for NRL in the lower grade. I would also say no to Gagai as we should not be a retirement home.
Fair point. I think a focus on how we get him right needs to be (and I expect is) the question. Continuity has been a challenge for sure. But I think he is an attacking threat we have missed for too long in centre and capable of really good D on his day, and certainly big and strong enough to be intimidating either side of the ball. Let's not be quick to discard, I still thing he has the capability of being a top 5 centre in the league and I back Webby and co. to get him there, and he's one of my long term 'dynasty' lads to hold along with Leka, Demi and Laban. Sure he's got to front up, but let's not be too quick to throw him on the scrap heap. This year... I think they're back to easing him through. Another pre-season, he'll be solid. Another, with effort and a decent health run, he'll be gold.
 
I’d make a big play for Herbie Farnworth for 27’
Currently 25 yrs, exciting player, game breaker. 1.9m and 106kg. Best years ahead of him. It would take a big contract T if his yearly $850K is to be believed, but with younger guys coming through in smaller contracts, a marquee player on big money works with what looks to be a problematic position to fill.
 
I’d make a big play for Herbie Farnworth for 27’
Currently 25 yrs, exciting player, game breaker. 1.9m and 106kg. Best years ahead of him. It would take a big contract T if his yearly $850K is to be believed, but with younger guys coming through in smaller contracts, a marquee player on big money works with what looks to be a problematic position to fill.
Arguably the best centre in the game, certainly top 3, it would be us & most other clubs looking to sign him. Good luck…
 
I’d make a big play for Herbie Farnworth for 27’
Currently 25 yrs, exciting player, game breaker. 1.9m and 106kg. Best years ahead of him. It would take a big contract T if his yearly $850K is to be believed, but with younger guys coming through in smaller contracts, a marquee player on big money works with what looks to be a problematic position to fill.
FB money
 
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