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	Jett Cleary	✔	S	S
9	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
10	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
11	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
12	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
13	Morgan Harper	✔
14	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
15	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
16	Edward Kosi	✔
17	Jacob Laban	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
18	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
19	Jye Linnane	✔	✔	✔	✔
20	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
21	Te Maire Martin	✔	✔
22	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
23	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔	✔
24	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
25	Adam Pompey	✔	✔	✔
26	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔	✔	✔
27	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
28	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
29	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
30	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
-	Morgan Gannon	-	✔	✔	✔
-	Haizyn Mellars	✔	✔	✔
-	Motu Pasikala	T	?	?

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

Top 30 2026: 29/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper
Can negotiate with other clubs from Nov 1, 2025 (Entering final year) : Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

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[FormerlyJamesW]

Might not be a popular opinion but I fear we will be similar with our atrack this next season but miss out on some of those fortuitous wins, potentially missing the 8

I can't disagree with anything you've said, as it's most definitely a possibility.

My optimism relies on us having not seen the ceiling of a lot of our players, this year.

Id posit that we came into this season, with a really new squad. Hopefully, the off-season gets them focused on synergizing further on attacking structures.

Anything is possible, I guess.

 

[JaggedJ]

The question then becomes, how do we fix our attack because the reality is we were an 11th or 12th best attack for the entire season. Where are our points going to come from?

I'm not sure just adding a fast winger is going to change much particularly if you continue to have a clunky attack

On it's own it won't change much, but it's a step in the right direction.

Twice last night we created overlaps for Pompey and RTS, both cut back inside when a faster player would have taken the sideline (the RTS one 50/50 but Pompey's a faster winger is gone)

This is pretty common for our wingers and I also suspect it plays a part in our centres being less willing to pass at times.

Attack is always tricky when the opposition feels comfortable that they can condense and give more space on the edges without it costing them.

 

[Noitall]

we have seen what Boyd has given us over the last 10 games. Not sure it's worth continuing with that at the start of next season is it? Or certainly not expecting different results if we do.

I think we’re going to see a bit of movement in the squad in the offseason, whether that involves Boyd I’m not sure? It’s a tough one with a backup player, because if they’re involved in wins, especially as a halve, they’re good enough to play first grade. You really need someone who’s comfortable and knows they’re the backup. Potentially TMM would be the best candidate to start the season at halfback? We missed a real opportunity against bulldogs to get a good viewing of him there, but he’d have a full preseason to prepare too

 

[Dannevegas]

I think Jayden's best position is Fullback. Under Webby. Could go to new levels. Money talks for both of them.

I’d chuck a million at him to come play fullback

Let's say we only sign AKP as a new recruit for next season, we could still form a premiership winning team provided Jett and Kali are introduced at some point during next season and perform well.

CNK and DWZ should be gone and not playing again unless injuries strike. I think Healey needs to start over Egan as well.
That means RTS needs to go back to fullback.

What does everyone think about the below 17. Any changes? Anyone else that we should recruit or bring through from Cup?

1. RTS
2. AKP
3. Ali
4. Berry
5. Kali
6. Jett/Metcalf
7. Metcalf/Jett
8. JFH
9. Healey
10. Barnett
11. Leka
12. Capewell
13. Clarke

14. TMM/Egan/CHT
15. Vaimauga
16. Laban
17. EIT

Edit: I forgot about Gannon. Where does he fit in to that team.

that’s a solid team, I think Jye Linnane is a real Smokey for the 6 spot.

Gannon can start in cup, he can earn his spot.

 

[sup42]

It took all season but last night we saw a well coached Warriors defensive pattern that could not be beaten on the edges.

This therefore is the key to next season. Webster worked it out in the end and this has to be the bench mark for next year.

We will win a lot of games if we re deploy that defence which created screens where before there were gaps, and saw the Centers sliding to the wing when the ball skipped past them to allow the Winger to stand his ground.

I can see how, with that belief in themselves, that the coaches would entertain the risk of the Khan.

If they managed to make Dallin look good last night they can slot in anyone to that system.

The key is the centers. We have to either have Leka shift there permanently or have one of Berry or Leiataua prove they can play last nights system.

Either way, Pompey must be first picked, and then probably Roger.

 

[Damo]

The key is the centers. We have to either have Leka shift there permanently or have one of Berry or Leiataua prove they can play last nights system.

I think we just have to pick Ali and develop his defense, kick chase, whatever it is that's missing in first grade. He would be one of our only big threats on attack and needs to be there no matter what his perceived weaknesses are

 

[3rdstriker]

It took all season but last night we saw a well coached Warriors defensive pattern that could not be beaten on the edges.

This therefore is the key to next season. Webster worked it out in the end and this has to be the bench mark for next year.

We will win a lot of games if we re deploy that defence which created screens where before there were gaps, and saw the Centers sliding to the wing when the ball skipped past them to allow the Winger to stand his ground.

I can see how, with that belief in themselves, that the coaches would entertain the risk of the Khan.

If they managed to make Dallin look good last night they can slot in anyone to that system.

The key is the centers. We have to either have Leka shift there permanently or have one of Berry or Leiataua prove they can play last nights system.

Either way, Pompey must be first picked, and then probably Roger.

Swapout jones for Tangatatoa and there you have it...

 

[Wrighty]

I think Jayden's best position is Fullback. Under Webby. Could go to new levels. Money talks for both of them.

I am on board a JC train. I would prefer him over Ponga on 2025 form. JC signed through 2026 but available Nov 1st for the 2027 season.

 

[Noitall]

Either way, Pompey must be first picked, and then probably Roger.

Even as a Pompey fan club member, he’s missed a few one on one tackles in recent times that I hope he clears up. He’s played all minutes too and across a few different roles, so understandable. Agree though he’s starting to scratch the surface

 

[John Nick]

Swapout jones for Tangatatoa and there you have it...

You are probably right but then Jones and Robinson are very good friends. Not saying it's right just it might be a hard ask

 

[snake77]

It will be interesting to see how Gannon and Linane go. Both could add a lot if their recruitment comes off.

Linane is coming off a long term injury so he may not be pushing for first grade to start the season.

Gannon if he comes off could be interesting. From the highlights it looks like he might pass covering for centre, second row and lock. Having versatility is useful with the current HIA rules. Having some versatily off the bench would make it easier to slot in an impact player like Healey on the bench.

The recruitment of Mellars and the speculation of us looking at Khan-Pereira shows the club has identified a few areas they need to strengthen.

The other thing from now until pre-season starts is to see who may move on that we aren't expecting as they are under contract. Or who we may lose from the Cup side that may have moved up to a development contract or top 30 but have a better opportunity elsewhere.

 

[jumpman5xl]

I’d chuck a million at him to come play fullback

that’s a solid team, I think Jye Linnane is a real Smokey for the 6 spot.

Gannon can start in cup, he can earn his spot.

I was thinking the 800k mark and 1.2 for Farnworth. Dreams are free

 

[Warriors55]

On it's own it won't change much, but it's a step in the right direction.

Twice last night we created overlaps for Pompey and RTS, both cut back inside when a faster player would have taken the sideline (the RTS one 50/50 but Pompey's a faster winger is gone)

This is pretty common for our wingers and I also suspect it plays a part in our centres being less willing to pass at times.

Attack is always tricky when the opposition feels comfortable that they can condense and give more space on the edges without it costing them.

That is a good point actually. It may be one of the reasons our centres are reluctant to pass. And that will be easy to defend for the opposition.

However I get the feeling players like Pompey and CNK can be ball hogs at times and it is natural for them to take the line on 80% of the time. We must be one of the worst clubs in the league for setting up our wingers. I can kind of understand when DWZ is one of the wingers but that needs to stop next year when we hopefully get someone like AKP in the team.

 

[Blain]

Jett is 2 years away minimum

If you think Jett needs at least 3 years of NSW cup to get NRL ready, then you probably think he's not good enough for NRL, and not worth that investment. He won't even be under contract with us anymore in 2 years. None of our young guys have had that sort of reserve grade time. Players generally need at least a couple of years of NRL to be decent NRL players. You could be right, I don't know. He's certainly not going to be a round 1 starter next year, but I can see him getting a shot sometime next year if he stays it and going well at NSW cup.

I don't think we can afford to have CNK and CHT in the same backline next season. I don't think Boyd is anymore than a back up 7, and TMM a back up 6. Either Jye or Cleary will need time at 6 next season IMO, we need have a look at these guys and work out our 5 year plan with our halves, because I don't think we exactly know yet.

 

[tajhay]

I’d chuck a million at him to come play fullback

was thinking the 800k mark

Jayden is poised to sign a 5 year 4.5m extension with Titans. Cant see him leaving GC given his father's legacy at the club for a few extra(or minus as suggested lol) 100k over the term.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

If you think Jett needs at least 3 years of NSW cup to get NRL ready, then you probably think he's not good enough for NRL, and not worth that investment. He won't even be under contract with us anymore in 2 years. None of our young guys have had that sort of reserve grade time. Players generally need at least a couple of years of NRL to be decent NRL players. You could be right, I don't know. He's certainly not going to be a round 1 starter next year, but I can see him getting a shot sometime next year if he stays it and going well at NSW cup.

I don't think we can afford to have CNK and CHT in the same backline next season. I don't think Boyd is anymore than a back up 7, and TMM a back up 6. Either Jye or Cleary will need time at 6 next season IMO, we need have a look at these guys and work out our 5 year plan with our halves, because I don't think we exactly know yet.

He’s contracted in 2027 lol and he’s only had 5 or 6 nsw cup games. He might snag a few games next year, then a
Push for a start in 2027. So yeah, two years away. He hasn’t even had a full year in cup, whereas Demetric Laban etc have pushed 2 years of cup & are fighting for a bench role. I’m just being realistic.

 

[WAH MAN]

Other than outright speed everything about AKP is on the lower side of whelming.

- Non existent defence
- Crucial compounding errors
- Gets folded in yardage

About the only upside he has is his pace.

Surely we have more rounded players coming through?

They don't have 50 odd tries in 50 odd games like he does. We have pined for speed and finishing ability out wide and he fits that mould. And other than that I know absolutely zero about his character.

 

[the WARs]

That is a good point actually. It may be one of the reasons our centres are reluctant to pass. And that will be easy to defend for the opposition.

However I get the feeling players like Pompey and CNK can be ball hogs at times and it is natural for them to take the line on 80% of the time. We must be one of the worst clubs in the league for setting up our wingers. I can kind of understand when DWZ is one of the wingers but that needs to stop next year when we hopefully get someone like AKP in the team.

So many of are players are ball hogs .. would have to be the worst season for are edge attack + FB impact ... CNK 2x tries is rubbish he just isn't fast enough alongside RTS. They have lost far too much speed to be major impacting weapons, even though that RTS step is still lethal, he hasn't have the top end speed to pull away like many of the NRL teams have and we've seen scoring against us ... DWZ has more up top but has become very one-dimensional ... I can't recall many at all great tries from WAH players ... prob TT - Metcalf only decent ones...

I am very concerned that next year we are one of the slowest-running backlines only getting slower ... as they age CNK,DWZ,RTS,pomps

 

[CWC]

It’s funny even my dad told me TT was great why wasn’t he picked?

I think they have to seriously look at Roger as FB next season to give us an edge in the red zone, even if he ball hogs he’ll probably step through the defenders or create a quick PTB. I can’t see them signing AKP to put him in cup, the other wing we have Dallin, Kali, Mellars.

Problem could be can Roger run so much and still keep his explosiveness or not pull a hammy, and do we miss his second or third hit up in the set

Ali to right wing and he has support from Laban or Leka and Barney or Ford for kick and chase, might be easier to just keep up with someone alongside. Berry who could be retiring and CNK at cup to cover centres and TT to cover FB

 

[tajhay]

It’s funny even my dad told me TT was great why wasn’t he picked?

I think they have to seriously look at Roger as FB next season to give us an edge in the red zone, even if he ball hogs he’ll probably step through the defenders or create a quick PTB. I can’t see them signing AKP to put him in cup, the other wing we have Dallin, Kali, Mellars.

Problem could be can Roger run so much and still keep his explosiveness or not pull a hammy, and do we miss his second or third hit up in the set

Ali to right wing and he has support from Laban or Leka and Barney or Ford for kick and chase, might be easier to just keep up with someone alongside. Berry who could be retiring and CNK at cup to cover centres and TT to cover FB

What is with this novel idea to move Roger to fullback? He is 33 next year. Who will be fb after next year or is the idea to extend him if he goes well? He just found some consistency and form at wing and we want to move him again? Roger's playmaking skills are worse than Charnz - both of them are used as hitup merchants.