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.

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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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Because we already offered him that contract.

But its not though, you've just decided thats the criteria. No player agent in the world would advise his client to structure his contract demand based on estimated healthy time on the field.
Happy to disagree. I haven't decided that's the criteria I'm saying if he's not willing to prove himself and is seeking long term very high reward guarantees now (on the back of a limited 2025 highlight reel) then the club has every right to think twice about whether he genuinely wants to remain a Warrior or he's in it purely for the money (which is fine if both sides understand that). However, I believe Webby and the club would be more hesitant under those circumstances especially given the investment they have made so far in him.
The Club has worked hard for balance and exiting folks who don't align. Holding the club to ransom may well tarnish the harmony they are working hard to embed.
It's not long since we experienced AFB's situation....

Just my opinion tho.
 

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Happy to disagree. I haven't decided that's the criteria I'm saying if he's not willing to prove himself and is seeking long term very high reward guarantees now (on the back of a limited 2025 highlight reel) then the club has every right to think twice about whether he genuinely wants to remain a Warrior or he's in it purely for the money (which is fine if both sides understand that). However, I believe Webby and the club would be more hesitant under those circumstances especially given the investment they have made so far in him.
The Club has worked hard for balance and exiting folks who don't align. Holding the club to ransom may well tarnish the harmony they are working hard to embed.
It's not long since we experienced AFB's situation....

Just my opinion tho.
In today's world everyone is entitled to do what is best for themselves and their families. Footy life is short.
Are you really suggesting that he is holding the club to ransom.
I hope I have misread or misunderstood your message
 
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We were winning with metcalf but we also had barney then. We weren't exactly seeing the world on fire on attack even then but Metcalf definitely made our attack better. But we were winning games with defence not by high scoring. His in game kicking was OK but improving, especially bombs near the line. He didn't have a long kick nor was he a good goal kicker.
CHT and TMMs kicking isn't any better. So we need someone else to pair with any of them to fill the gaps.
Those gaps mean he is not elite.
But he is the best we have.
If he could stay on the park he would be better than brown, but brown is over paid.
Ezra mam is supposedly on 800k. Luai supposedly over a million (1.2?)
Kodi N is probably similar skillset and he is 650k.
Hughes is on 1.09M but next level.

So 755k is probably about right price.
 
In today's world everyone is entitled to do what is best for themselves and their families. Footy life is short.
Are you really suggesting that he is holding the club to ransom.
I hope I have misread or misunderstood your message
Nope, not suggested anywhere in my message. He's entitled to do what he wishes, likewise the club based on LM's perceived value and effect on the wider squad. What I am advocating for is some patience from both sides while the effect of his injuries play out and his genuine value can be established. That seems fair all around to me.
 
Nope, not suggested anywhere in my message. He's entitled to do what he wishes, likewise the club based on LM's perceived value and effect on the wider squad. What I am advocating for is some patience from both sides while the effect of his injuries play out and his genuine value can be established. That seems fair all around to me.
Cheers mate
Cleared that up
His value like everything else in life is how much someone else is willing to pay.
Market value and he is entitled to do the best for him and family
Any thing else we ramble on about is pure conjecture.
 
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