Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment and Retention Discussion​

Player	2026​	2027​	2028​	2029​	2030​
Grant Anderson	-​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Mitchell Barnett	✔​	​
Rocco Berry	✔​
Tanah Boyd	✔​
Kurt Capewell	✔​
Erin Clark	✔​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Wayde Egan	✔​	✔​
Kayliss Fatialofa	✔​	✔​
James Fisher-Harris	✔​	✔​	✔​
Jackson Ford	✔​	✔​
Morgan Gannon	✔​	✔​	✔​
Leka Halasima	✔​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔​
Sam Healey	✔​	✔​
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	✔​	✔​	✔​
Alofiana Khan-Pereira	✔​	✔​	✔​
Jacob Laban	✔​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Ali Leiataua	✔​	✔​
Jye Linnane	✔​	✔​	✔​
Te Maire Martin	✔​
Haizyn Mellars	✔​	✔​	✔​
Luke Metcalf	✔​	✔​	✔​
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔​	✔​
Marata Niukore	✔​
Adam Pompey	✔​	✔​
Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔​	✔​	✔​
Taine Tuaupiki	✔​	✔​	✔​
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔​
Demitric Vaimauga	✔​	✔​	✔​
William Warbrick	-​	✔​	✔​	✔​
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔​	M​
Connor Bowden	U​	U​	✔​
Jett Cleary	S​	U​
Sio Kali	U​
Braelan Marsh	U​	U​	U​
Motu Pasikala	U​	U​

✔ = Signed to Top 30, C = Club option, M = Mutual Option, P = Player option, S = Signed to supplementary list, U = Unclear

2026 Top 30: 29/30
2026 Supplementary: 2/6

2027 Top 30: 22/30
2027 Supplementary: 0/6

2027 Gains: Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), William Warbrick (Melbourne Storm)
2027 Losses: Mitchell Barnett (Brisbane Broncos), Marata Niukore (Newcastle Knights), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Wakefield Trinity)

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin
Will be off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2028 from November 1st, 2026: Jett Cleary, Wayde Egan, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jackson Ford, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Ali Leiataua, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Motu Pasikala, Adam Pompey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

 

[Blain]

Wouldn't trust Moley, gets shit wrong all the time. I guess we will know in a week, but Storm might waive the cooling off period if he's not coming for money.

I think he's a pretty clear upgrade on DWZ, easily. Media is saying DWZ has an option for 2027 in the clubs favour (if its a mutual option, it's still in the clubs favour I guess). Warbrick is 29 next March, so a 2 year deal he would be 29 and 30.

 

[Theking267]

Wouldn't trust Moley, gets shit wrong all the time. I guess we will know in a week, but Storm might waive the cooling off period if he's not coming for money.

I think he's a pretty clear upgrade on DWZ, easily. Media is saying DWZ has an option for 2027 in the clubs favour (if its a mutual option, it's still in the clubs favour I guess). Warbrick is 29 next March, so a 2 year deal he would be 29 and 30.

Warbrick hasn’t played much top level league so still has his best football ahead of him. Pretty complete winger good out of yardage, good in the air & a good finisher. Only issues are the concussion concerns

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Hate to be ruthless, but if the concussions become an issue, then at his age he medically retires. Salary is off the books and we can recruit / promote.

 

[Fizurg]

At his age in his position, if the four year part is true he's probably very good value. Surely to leverage that length he's had to give up something.

 

[WahsaurusRex]

 

[Five&Last]

Wouldn't trust Moley, gets shit wrong all the time. I guess we will know in a week, but Storm might waive the cooling off period if he's not coming for money.

I think he's a pretty clear upgrade on DWZ, easily. Media is saying DWZ has an option for 2027 in the clubs favour (if its a mutual option, it's still in the clubs favour I guess). Warbrick is 29 next March, so a 2 year deal he would be 29 and 30.

A mutual option might be the dumbest thing I’ve seen.

The value of a contract is almost always going swing one way or another. Either the player outperforms his value or he underperforms and becomes overpaid.

If by some miracle he stays at the exact same value, he’s almost always going to opt out to sign something longer than 1 year.

 

[Dead Man Switch]

Long time lurker who follows league very closely in New Zealand. I see a couple of names which have surprised me so much this week that I had to sign up and post here.

Warriors have pulled of a couple of incredible talents here with NRL level ramifications in time.

First of all - Cassius Tia is a potentially a MASSIVE get. The guy would of NRL debuted at the bulldogs if it wasn't for some RUMOURED off field discretions and then the dogs securing Lachlan Galvin. Cassius is a better natural talent than pretty much most of players on the Warriors books. His only issue is he is falling behind on where his development should be right now. Ali Leiataua and CHT should be sweating seeing this guy line up in NSW cup - because if given a look in Tia is a game breaker at any position such as Centre, Half and Lock.

Talent wise Tia has the ability to 100% be that Lachlan Galvin guy at the Warriors. He is a legit play maker - something we DO NOT HAVE right now in first grade.

Which leads me to CHT. He is solid but he will need to produce more again. Warriors will want Linnane and Tia to give them some headaches come the back end of the year for their 2027/28 roster. Both can play and both on-form would transform the Warriors back line threat playing at #6. Tia, helps himself by being able to play multiple positions but Linnane at #1 and Tia at #6 is pretty dam sexy for the future.

Secondly, BRAVO warriors!!! it looks like they secured one of the best talents around in the local game right now in Josh Tanielu. He has come from nowhere and leapfrogged Sio Kali. The warriors are not mucking around anymore. They are getting ruthless with stacking talent and giving them chances. Wow this guy can play!! A genuine strike centre! A natural runner with fantastic footwork for a bigger guy, he takes me back to the old school days of a Nigel Vagana mixed in with the Deine Mariner type traits.

Sio Kali is gifted but he is falling down the ladder and the Warriors are not waiting. This is what a development club does. Gives chances to unearth performers and superstars... you better take them or the next guy will.

Another potential headache for Ali Leiataua but I'm glad they are sticking with him because because now he has to find another level. This is a far more ruthless Warriors machine this year with their roster. Some killer calls.

Finally, don't fade or over look Caelys-Paul Putoko. Every single NRL side would sign the kid and if he was at the Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Roosters etc we would be envying them. he has talent in buckets, On his day he is a NSW cup star on his off days he is missing in action and looking ordinary. Very normal for a young kid to go through. He needs time to develop. He will play NRL.

Warrirors will give AFP and Mellars the best part of this year to develop and they will need to take it with both hands as only one of these guys will partner Warbrick next year. Will Warbrick is a weapon. An instant upgrade on the threat scale. His inclusion makes us a more dangerous team.

WOW - Warriors are stacking talent and balancing their books nicely!!!

 

[Fizurg]

A mutual option might be the dumbest thing I’ve seen.

The value of a contract is almost always going swing one way or another. Either the player outperforms his value or he underperforms and becomes overpaid.

If by some miracle he stays at the exact same value, he’s almost always going to opt out to sign something longer than 1 year.

Normally with a mutual contract the players option and the teams option will be two different amounts. So if the team takes up the option the player might get paid say $500k but if the team decide not to take up the option but then the player may choose to take up their option which might be at $300k.
They always seemed crazy to me till someone explained it to me.

 

[j_p]

Hate to be ruthless, but if the concussions become an issue, then at his age he medically retires. Salary is off the books and we can recruit / promote.

Does the nrl cover the salary or the club in that case?

 

[Jaffa J]

Long time lurker who follows league very closely in New Zealand. I see a couple of names which have surprised me so much this week that I had to sign up and post here.

Warriors have pulled of a couple of incredible talents here with NRL level ramifications in time.

First of all - Cassius Tia is a potentially a MASSIVE get. The guy would of NRL debuted at the bulldogs if it wasn't for some RUMOURED off field discretions and then the dogs securing Lachlan Galvin. Cassius is a better natural talent than pretty much most of players on the Warriors books. His only issue is he is falling behind on where his development should be right now. Ali Leiataua and CHT should be sweating seeing this guy line up in NSW cup - because if given a look in Tia is a game breaker at any position such as Centre, Half and Lock.

Talent wise Tia has the ability to 100% be that Lachlan Galvin guy at the Warriors. He is a legit play maker - something we DO NOT HAVE right now in first grade.

Which leads me to CHT. He is solid but he will need to produce more again. Warriors will want Linnane and Tia to give them some headaches come the back end of the year for their 2027/28 roster. Both can play and both on-form would transform the Warriors back line threat playing at #6. Tia, helps himself by being able to play multiple positions but Linnane at #1 and Tia at #6 is pretty dam sexy for the future.

Secondly, BRAVO warriors!!! it looks like they secured one of the best talents around in the local game right now in Josh Tanielu. He has come from nowhere and leapfrogged Sio Kali. The warriors are not mucking around anymore. They are getting ruthless with stacking talent and giving them chances. Wow this guy can play!! A genuine strike centre! A natural runner with fantastic footwork for a bigger guy, he takes me back to the old school days of a Nigel Vagana mixed in with the Deine Mariner type traits.

Sio Kali is gifted but he is falling down the ladder and the Warriors are not waiting. This is what a development club does. Gives chances to unearth performers and superstars... you better take them or the next guy will.

Another potential headache for Ali Leiataua but I'm glad they are sticking with him because because now he has to find another level. This is a far more ruthless Warriors machine this year with their roster. Some killer calls.

Finally, don't fade or over look Caelys-Paul Putoko. Every single NRL side would sign the kid and if he was at the Broncos, Storm, Raiders, Roosters etc we would be envying them. he has talent in buckets, On his day he is a NSW cup star on his off days he is missing in action and looking ordinary. Very normal for a young kid to go through. He needs time to develop. He will play NRL.

Warrirors will give AFP and Mellars the best part of this year to develop and they will need to take it with both hands as only one of these guys will partner Warbrick next year. Will Warbrick is a weapon. An instant upgrade on the threat scale. His inclusion makes us a more dangerous team.

WOW - Warriors are stacking talent and balancing their books nicely!!!

I know Josh Tanielu played for my junior club great kid great family wish him the best he’s done well for the Vikings

 

[Billyspleen75]

"Joshua Tanielu was awarded the Fox Memorial 2025 Player of the Year award, being the first time in Bay Roskill's history that one of their players had won the award"

 

[BabylonPink]

Hate to be ruthless, but if the concussions become an issue, then at his age he medically retires. Salary is off the books and we can recruit / promote.

Do ya Frank? Do ya really?

 

[Warriorsfan92]

"Joshua Tanielu was awarded the Fox Memorial 2025 Player of the Year award, being the first time in Bay Roskill's history that one of their players had won the award"

Yep, he’s a gun, great kid too

 

[John Nick]

"Joshua Tanielu was awarded the Fox Memorial 2025 Player of the Year award, being the first time in Bay Roskill's history that one of their players had won the award"

My first club was Wesley which eventually became Roskill who then became Bay Roskill. Ended up at Point Chevalier and played with a few Blockhouse bay guys

 

[WahsaurusRex]

The Eels have tabled a $2.6 million deal for Mitch Barnett in a last-ditch bid to ambush the Broncos in the battle for the NSW Origin enforcer.

This masthead can reveal Parramatta have tabled a beefed-up, three-year deal for Barnett, while the Warriors are exploring four prospective recruits to complete a transfer deal for the departing prop.

It’s understood Broncos teenage sensation Antonio Verhoeven, Eels utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons flyer Tyrell Sloan and Manly speed demon Jason Saab have been discussed as possible Warriors transfer signings.

Barnett is being targeted by four clubs, with the Dragons, Parramatta, Manly and the Broncos locked in a bidding war for his signature after lodging preliminary expressions of interest.

The Broncos were regarded as the favourites to secure Barnett’s signature given the prop’s relationship with coach Michael Maguire, who gave the 31-year-old his NSW Origin debut in 2024.

Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett after the Broncos tabled a two-year offer worth $1.5 million, plus the provision for an option for a third season in 2029.

But Parramatta have emerged as a genuine threat. The Eels originally discussed a two-year arrangement, but have increased their offer to three years, just south of $900,000 a season, in a bid to secure the hard-running Blues bookend.

Barnett is expected to make a definitive call over the next 48 hours and sources close to negotiations believe the Broncos and Eels are now front-runners to snare the hard-running bookend.

Brisbane’s $750,000-a-season offer is not the most lucrative on the table, but Barnett is mindful of several factors, including family and the appeal of winning a premiership ring in his twilight years.

The 177-game veteran knows he would be a genuine chance of a maiden premiership ring at the Broncos, who boast a star-studded squad that broke their 19-year title drought last season.

There are concerns about Barnett’s long-term future after he snapped his ACL last year, but the Origin and Test hardman says he is itching for a comeback in his farewell season at the Warriors.

“I’m just ready to go,” Barnett said on Monday on a New Zealand league show hosted by his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.

A key factor in the transfer could be which prospective recruit is palatable to the Warriors, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player - not money - to formalise Bennett’s return to Australia.

These are the players who shape as key pawns in the Barnett trade:

ANTONIO VERHOEVEN

An explosive outside back who could be one of the future superstars of the code. The Warriors like the look of the strapping 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and spotted by Broncos scouts representing St Bede’s at a Sevens tournament two years ago.

Verhoeven is training with Brisbane’s NRL full-time squad and Michael Maguire has huge wraps on the well-built three-quarter, so it’s hard to see the Broncos letting him go.

TYRELL SLOAN

The Dragons are outsiders to snare Barnett but if they are successful, Sloan could be part of the transfer. There is no doubting Sloan’s talent. On his day, the speedy fullback or winger is a match-winner who can produce some freakish moments of tryscoring magic. But Sloan can be inconsistent and there’s been constant chatter about his future at the Red V, where he is currently off-contract. The Warriors may prefer a forward option.

JORDAN SAMRANI

Zac Lomax was originally flagged as a possible swap for Barnett but the Eels flyer has since signed with the Western Force after his protracted court battle.

Samrani made his NRL debut for the Eels last year, chalking up 13 appearances with stints on the bench, wing and centre.

The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and his utility value may have some appeal for the Warriors.

JASON SAAB

Manly are also in the hunt and Saab’s name has been thrown up as a possible player transfer. But it’s hard to see this swap coming off. Two years ago, the Sea Eagles extended the 25-year-old’s contract until the end of 2029, so he is locked in at Brookvale for the long haul. Contracts can be rubbery in the NRL but Barnett is unlikely to choose the Sea Eagles as his club of choice.

 

[Canonball]

Didnt know we had picked up Cassius Tia

from what i saw in highlights that guy has great skills - very impressive

 

[Noitall]

Josh Tanielu

My ex wife’s surname too and apparently a relative though she doesn’t know anything about him. She’s related to Presley Seumanu too

 

[Billyspleen75]

The Eels have tabled a $2.6 million deal for Mitch Barnett in a last-ditch bid to ambush the Broncos in the battle for the NSW Origin enforcer.

This masthead can reveal Parramatta have tabled a beefed-up, three-year deal for Barnett, while the Warriors are exploring four prospective recruits to complete a transfer deal for the departing prop.

It’s understood Broncos teenage sensation Antonio Verhoeven, Eels utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons flyer Tyrell Sloan and Manly speed demon Jason Saab have been discussed as possible Warriors transfer signings.

Barnett is being targeted by four clubs, with the Dragons, Parramatta, Manly and the Broncos locked in a bidding war for his signature after lodging preliminary expressions of interest.

The Broncos were regarded as the favourites to secure Barnett’s signature given the prop’s relationship with coach Michael Maguire, who gave the 31-year-old his NSW Origin debut in 2024.

Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett after the Broncos tabled a two-year offer worth $1.5 million, plus the provision for an option for a third season in 2029.

But Parramatta have emerged as a genuine threat. The Eels originally discussed a two-year arrangement, but have increased their offer to three years, just south of $900,000 a season, in a bid to secure the hard-running Blues bookend.

Barnett is expected to make a definitive call over the next 48 hours and sources close to negotiations believe the Broncos and Eels are now front-runners to snare the hard-running bookend.

Brisbane’s $750,000-a-season offer is not the most lucrative on the table, but Barnett is mindful of several factors, including family and the appeal of winning a premiership ring in his twilight years.

The 177-game veteran knows he would be a genuine chance of a maiden premiership ring at the Broncos, who boast a star-studded squad that broke their 19-year title drought last season.

There are concerns about Barnett’s long-term future after he snapped his ACL last year, but the Origin and Test hardman says he is itching for a comeback in his farewell season at the Warriors.

“I’m just ready to go,” Barnett said on Monday on a New Zealand league show hosted by his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.

A key factor in the transfer could be which prospective recruit is palatable to the Warriors, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player - not money - to formalise Bennett’s return to Australia.

These are the players who shape as key pawns in the Barnett trade:

ANTONIO VERHOEVEN

An explosive outside back who could be one of the future superstars of the code. The Warriors like the look of the strapping 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and spotted by Broncos scouts representing St Bede’s at a Sevens tournament two years ago.

Verhoeven is training with Brisbane’s NRL full-time squad and Michael Maguire has huge wraps on the well-built three-quarter, so it’s hard to see the Broncos letting him go.

TYRELL SLOAN

The Dragons are outsiders to snare Barnett but if they are successful, Sloan could be part of the transfer. There is no doubting Sloan’s talent. On his day, the speedy fullback or winger is a match-winner who can produce some freakish moments of tryscoring magic. But Sloan can be inconsistent and there’s been constant chatter about his future at the Red V, where he is currently off-contract. The Warriors may prefer a forward option.

JORDAN SAMRANI

Zac Lomax was originally flagged as a possible swap for Barnett but the Eels flyer has since signed with the Western Force after his protracted court battle.

Samrani made his NRL debut for the Eels last year, chalking up 13 appearances with stints on the bench, wing and centre.

The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and his utility value may have some appeal for the Warriors.

JASON SAAB

Manly are also in the hunt and Saab’s name has been thrown up as a possible player transfer. But it’s hard to see this swap coming off. Two years ago, the Sea Eagles extended the 25-year-old’s contract until the end of 2029, so he is locked in at Brookvale for the long haul. Contracts can be rubbery in the NRL but Barnett is unlikely to choose the Sea Eagles as his club of choice.

The Eels have tabled a $2.6 million deal for Mitch Barnett in a last-ditch bid to ambush the Broncos in the battle for the NSW Origin enforcer.

This masthead can reveal Parramatta have tabled a beefed-up, three-year deal for Barnett, while the Warriors are exploring four prospective recruits to complete a transfer deal for the departing prop.

It’s understood Broncos teenage sensation Antonio Verhoeven, Eels utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons flyer Tyrell Sloan and Manly speed demon Jason Saab have been discussed as possible Warriors transfer signings.

Barnett is being targeted by four clubs, with the Dragons, Parramatta, Manly and the Broncos locked in a bidding war for his signature after lodging preliminary expressions of interest.

The Broncos were regarded as the favourites to secure Barnett’s signature given the prop’s relationship with coach Michael Maguire, who gave the 31-year-old his NSW Origin debut in 2024.

Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett after the Broncos tabled a two-year offer worth $1.5 million, plus the provision for an option for a third season in 2029.

But Parramatta have emerged as a genuine threat. The Eels originally discussed a two-year arrangement, but have increased their offer to three years, just south of $900,000 a season, in a bid to secure the hard-running Blues bookend.

Barnett is expected to make a definitive call over the next 48 hours and sources close to negotiations believe the Broncos and Eels are now front-runners to snare the hard-running bookend.

Brisbane’s $750,000-a-season offer is not the most lucrative on the table, but Barnett is mindful of several factors, including family and the appeal of winning a premiership ring in his twilight years.

The 177-game veteran knows he would be a genuine chance of a maiden premiership ring at the Broncos, who boast a star-studded squad that broke their 19-year title drought last season.

There are concerns about Barnett’s long-term future after he snapped his ACL last year, but the Origin and Test hardman says he is itching for a comeback in his farewell season at the Warriors.

“I’m just ready to go,” Barnett said on Monday on a New Zealand league show hosted by his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.

A key factor in the transfer could be which prospective recruit is palatable to the Warriors, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player - not money - to formalise Bennett’s return to Australia.

These are the players who shape as key pawns in the Barnett trade:

ANTONIO VERHOEVEN

An explosive outside back who could be one of the future superstars of the code. The Warriors like the look of the strapping 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and spotted by Broncos scouts representing St Bede’s at a Sevens tournament two years ago.

Verhoeven is training with Brisbane’s NRL full-time squad and Michael Maguire has huge wraps on the well-built three-quarter, so it’s hard to see the Broncos letting him go.

TYRELL SLOAN

The Dragons are outsiders to snare Barnett but if they are successful, Sloan could be part of the transfer. There is no doubting Sloan’s talent. On his day, the speedy fullback or winger is a match-winner who can produce some freakish moments of tryscoring magic. But Sloan can be inconsistent and there’s been constant chatter about his future at the Red V, where he is currently off-contract. The Warriors may prefer a forward option.

JORDAN SAMRANI

Zac Lomax was originally flagged as a possible swap for Barnett but the Eels flyer has since signed with the Western Force after his protracted court battle.

Samrani made his NRL debut for the Eels last year, chalking up 13 appearances with stints on the bench, wing and centre.

The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and his utility value may have some appeal for the Warriors.

JASON SAAB

Manly are also in the hunt and Saab’s name has been thrown up as a possible player transfer. But it’s hard to see this swap coming off. Two years ago, the Sea Eagles extended the 25-year-old’s contract until the end of 2029, so he is locked in at Brookvale for the long haul. Contracts can be rubbery in the NRL but Barnett is unlikely to choose the Sea Eagles as his club of choice.

Interesting list of potential swaps. This morning Fox Sports said he should make a decision in the next 48 hours, and that Broncos were the favourites.
Verhoeven is my preferred option out of those 4. Or maybe it prompts the Broncos to prioritize Verhoeven and then we target one of their other backs with Kiwi links

 

[CWC]

The Eels have tabled a $2.6 million deal for Mitch Barnett in a last-ditch bid to ambush the Broncos in the battle for the NSW Origin enforcer.

This masthead can reveal Parramatta have tabled a beefed-up, three-year deal for Barnett, while the Warriors are exploring four prospective recruits to complete a transfer deal for the departing prop.

It’s understood Broncos teenage sensation Antonio Verhoeven, Eels utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons flyer Tyrell Sloan and Manly speed demon Jason Saab have been discussed as possible Warriors transfer signings.

Barnett is being targeted by four clubs, with the Dragons, Parramatta, Manly and the Broncos locked in a bidding war for his signature after lodging preliminary expressions of interest.

The Broncos were regarded as the favourites to secure Barnett’s signature given the prop’s relationship with coach Michael Maguire, who gave the 31-year-old his NSW Origin debut in 2024.

Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett after the Broncos tabled a two-year offer worth $1.5 million, plus the provision for an option for a third season in 2029.

But Parramatta have emerged as a genuine threat. The Eels originally discussed a two-year arrangement, but have increased their offer to three years, just south of $900,000 a season, in a bid to secure the hard-running Blues bookend.

Barnett is expected to make a definitive call over the next 48 hours and sources close to negotiations believe the Broncos and Eels are now front-runners to snare the hard-running bookend.

Brisbane’s $750,000-a-season offer is not the most lucrative on the table, but Barnett is mindful of several factors, including family and the appeal of winning a premiership ring in his twilight years.

The 177-game veteran knows he would be a genuine chance of a maiden premiership ring at the Broncos, who boast a star-studded squad that broke their 19-year title drought last season.

There are concerns about Barnett’s long-term future after he snapped his ACL last year, but the Origin and Test hardman says he is itching for a comeback in his farewell season at the Warriors.

“I’m just ready to go,” Barnett said on Monday on a New Zealand league show hosted by his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.

A key factor in the transfer could be which prospective recruit is palatable to the Warriors, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player - not money - to formalise Bennett’s return to Australia.

These are the players who shape as key pawns in the Barnett trade:

ANTONIO VERHOEVEN

An explosive outside back who could be one of the future superstars of the code. The Warriors like the look of the strapping 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and spotted by Broncos scouts representing St Bede’s at a Sevens tournament two years ago.

Verhoeven is training with Brisbane’s NRL full-time squad and Michael Maguire has huge wraps on the well-built three-quarter, so it’s hard to see the Broncos letting him go.

TYRELL SLOAN

The Dragons are outsiders to snare Barnett but if they are successful, Sloan could be part of the transfer. There is no doubting Sloan’s talent. On his day, the speedy fullback or winger is a match-winner who can produce some freakish moments of tryscoring magic. But Sloan can be inconsistent and there’s been constant chatter about his future at the Red V, where he is currently off-contract. The Warriors may prefer a forward option.

JORDAN SAMRANI

Zac Lomax was originally flagged as a possible swap for Barnett but the Eels flyer has since signed with the Western Force after his protracted court battle.

Samrani made his NRL debut for the Eels last year, chalking up 13 appearances with stints on the bench, wing and centre.

The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and his utility value may have some appeal for the Warriors.

JASON SAAB

Manly are also in the hunt and Saab’s name has been thrown up as a possible player transfer. But it’s hard to see this swap coming off. Two years ago, the Sea Eagles extended the 25-year-old’s contract until the end of 2029, so he is locked in at Brookvale for the long haul. Contracts can be rubbery in the NRL but Barnett is unlikely to choose the Sea Eagles as his club of choice.

With all that money they should just build a children's hospital in Papakura

Webby playing 5D chess here transforming an ok second rower into an elite leader and bring out an auction when he has to leave

 

[CWC]

So the bulldogs kid are we looking at him as a half or FB? We've got so many aussie halves competing for spots lol, surely 1 of them is groomed for FB?