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​
Luke Hanson	S​
Motu Pasikala	S​	U​
Caelys-Paul Putoko	S​
Jason Salalilo	S​	U​	U​
Makaia Taufa	S​	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: 6/6

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

 

[Canonball]

Reports CHT wants a one year deal and his agent is speaking with Aussie clubs. PNG Chiefs enter the competition 2028.

Maybe he wants to get a one year contract in Aus (2027) to establish himself as an Australian tax resident. He then signs a big contract with the PNG Chiefs for 2028 onwards and will be eligible for tax free $$$.

that's the only read which makes sense ... really don't think he leaves us though - vibes read

 

[skinnydippng]

Code sports reporting Tanah re-signs to end of 2029

 

[WAH MAN]

Code sports reporting Tanah re-signs to end of 2029

Come on Warriors. Put it up if it's legit

 

[tajhay]

The Dally M leader board is not really a good measure of reality. I really don't think Metcalf was that amazing last year. Personally I feel Erin Clarke was our best most weeks.
Is there anywhere or any stat masters that can compare CHT to Metcalf last season, and CHT to Boyd this season?

CHT & Metcalf last season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B0%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=122&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B1%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

CHT & Boyd this season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=472&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

 

[CWC]

CHT & Metcalf last season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B0%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=122&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B1%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

CHT & Boyd this season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=472&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

Too complicated for my 4pm brain but looks like CHT is on the trajectory to top both Boyd and Mets next year

 

[CWC]

Code sports reporting Tanah re-signs to end of 2029

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Someone has access to code sport? ^

Hope it's true can't see it debunked from here, that's our 7 for the long term and he either retire with us being an elite or Jett/Thompson overtakes him in 3-4 years so we're all good. The $$ will be interesting.

 

[jonesy101]

I'm really pleased with this news as he patiently waited in reserve grade to earn his spot, appears very committed to the club and has gone about everything the right way.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Maybe he wants to get a one year contract in Aus (2027) to establish himself as an Australian tax resident. He then signs a big contract with the PNG Chiefs for 2028 onwards and will be eligible for tax free $$$.

But I would assume he’s an NZ citizen so if he moved to PNG he would not be an Australian tax resident.

 

[Buzz Killington]

CHT & Metcalf last season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B0%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=122&period_mode%5B%5D=specific&period_years%5B1%5D%5B%5D=2025&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

CHT & Boyd this season

https://nzwarriors.com/mpt/players/compare?players%5B%5D=9&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=472&period_mode%5B%5D=current&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all&players%5B%5D=&period_mode%5B%5D=all

Hmmm its interesting. Luke gets some high scores. But the low ratings are a little screwed. Like when CHT got KOed. His rating will be low as. Its not that he played bad. He got injured. I think the most important difference between this season and last is that we are scoring points. Last year we were like +1 or something?

 

[defensivebomb]

err... probably because he also wants to win a premiership?

 

[WAH MAN]

View attachment 17320

err... probably because he also wants to win a premiership?

Oh. So the Dragons then?

 

[Blain]

That doesnt seem to be the equation tho hey?

Metcalf has stated hes happy to play 6 short term, and while thats open to everyone's guess I believe he means hes happy to play 6 this year until theres an injury to Boyd, or his form overtakes Boyds. Even if hes here nek year and beyond sounds like Luke wants to be the main man with the 7 on his back.

Chanel for a year would literally be perfect for us because of all the young half potential on our books and if were going to get something out of them I imagine 2027/2028 is when we do it so Chanel staying around for 2027 would be great. And if he continues the same way until the end of 2027 I can see him getting a fat contract somewhere...that would be 3 years as one of the better performing halves in the comp.

What I am hinting at it It could very well be the equation, and I think it will no doubt come into play when discussing Luke's future with the club.

Metcalf is contracted for next year, and the year after. Boyd sounds to have been re signed. CHT is off contract November. They both are reliant on each other IMO - I don't think either would stick around to play second fiddle in 2027. For example, do you think Metcalf will be happy with the Warriors saying "all good mate, you're in our plans" then re sign CHT and Boyd? I very highly doubt it, unless Metcalf is a starter.

If the thought was CHT and Boyd are our halves combo going forward, and CHT says I will only sign a one year deal, would you say see you later to Metcalf? Or would you have a tough conversation with Luke, saying you and Boyd are our guys moving forward, and tell CHT thanks, but no thanks?

What ever happens, I can't see Boyd, Metcalf and CHT all at the Warriors in 2027. If Chanel only wants a one year deal and doesn't want to commit to the team long term, I would prefer to move forward with Boyd and Metcalf.

If Chanel is happy to play back up/utility for 2027, then cool he's a good guy to re sign in that role.

 

[CWC]

View attachment 17320

err... probably because he also wants to win a premiership?

I wouldn't be dissing South right now though lol, they dismantled the sharks without Mitchell and Wighton and with an average halves pairing lol

 

[CWC]

What I am hinting at it It could very well be the equation, and I think it will no doubt come into play when discussing Luke's future with the club.

Metcalf is contracted for next year, and the year after. Boyd sounds to have been re signed. CHT is off contract November. They both are reliant on each other IMO - I don't think either would stick around to play second fiddle in 2027. For example, do you think Metcalf will be happy with the Warriors saying "all good mate, you're in our plans" then re sign CHT and Boyd? I very highly doubt it, unless Metcalf is a starter.

If the thought was CHT and Boyd are our halves combo going forward, and CHT says I will only sign a one year deal, would you say see you later to Metcalf? Or would you have a tough conversation with Luke, saying you and Boyd are our guys moving forward, and tell CHT thanks, but no thanks?

What ever happens, I can't see Boyd, Metcalf and CHT all at the Warriors in 2027. If Chanel only wants a one year deal and doesn't want to commit to the team long term, I would prefer to move forward with Boyd and Metcalf.

If Chanel is happy to play back up/utility for 2027, then cool he's a good guy to re sign in that role.

This kinda triangle gets pretty complicated too, Boyd clearly is the 7 now, and Mets' management just called for a please explain cuz he doesn't want to be a long term 6, and Chanel MAYBE wants only a 1-year deal (they might announce he signs a 4 year deal tonight lol).

Would be quite a story if we end up with Boyd/TMM pair next year 2025's Cup partners and both literally put their heads down and did all the club asked of them for the last 18 months.

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

This kinda triangle gets pretty complicated too, Boyd clearly is the 7 now, and Mets' management just called for a please explain cuz he doesn't want to be a long term 6, and Chanel MAYBE wants only a 1-year deal (they might announce he signs a 4 year deal tonight lol).

Would be quite a story if we end up with Boyd/TMM pair next year 2025's Cup partners and both literally put their heads down and did all the club asked of them for the last 18 months.

I'd be interested to see TMM back out there.

Also, I know it was only one game, but I thought Hanson filled in well for CHT, against the knights. Nothing spectacular, but he didn't appear to be detremental.

I'd obviously rather CHT stayed, but we're not ENTIRELY screwed if he leaves.

 

[skinnydippng]

could the CHT wanting a 1 year deal thing just be hinging on the boyd and metcalf situation? ie maybe wahs haven’t offered anything/or haven’t offered what he wants - if metcalf were to leave and wahs offer a bit more to CHT as a result maybe he’d stay?

 

[Dead Man Switch]

View attachment 17318

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Someone has access to code sport? ^

Hope it's true can't see it debunked from here, that's our 7 for the long term and he either retire with us being an elite or Jett/Thompson overtakes him in 3-4 years so we're all good. The $$ will be interesting.

MASSIVE for the Warriors if true. Gives us a controlling half heading into his prime and elite kicking/passing game. Im 100% sure the leadership group were considered in this process. This is exactly what dominant clubs are built on. BIG win for the Warriors he has chosen his long term future here.

This will entice other players who want to improve their careers to come here.

Come on Lukey fight to stay here and win a premiership.

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

Luke Metcalf’s future at the Warriors is set to come under fresh scrutiny after it emerged that in-form halfback Tanah Boyd had agreed to stay at the club until the end of 2029.

Boyd has been locked in talks with the Warriors over a new deal and this masthead understands that they have reached an agreement that will keep him in New Zealand for another three years – he was contracted until the end of 2026.

The 25-year-old Boyd has been one of the Warriors stars this season, leading the club to seven wins from their nine games.

He has had 11 try assists, eight line break assists and 24 try involvements over that time, leaving coach Andrew Webster with little choice but to retain him in the No.7 jersey despite Metcalf’s return from long-term injury.

Metcalf starred at halfback for the Warriors last season, leading the Dally M medal voting before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

He returned in round four and started at five-eighth alongside Boyd against the Wests Tigers and Cronulla. He then sat on the bench for tne entire half against Parramatta, leading to speculation that his management could seek clarity around his future.

Metcalf only signed an extension with the Warriors at the end of last season but his camp is expected to hold talks with the club over his future in coming weeks, a move that is likely to be watched closely by expansion teams Perth and PNG.

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[roguei]

But I would assume he’s an NZ citizen so if he moved to PNG he would not be an Australian tax resident.

Only need to spend about 183 days in AU to automatically become a AU tax resident. I would think even less if you went through the process manually. So could imagine spending a one year stint next year in AU would make sense if he wanted to join PNG the year after when it all kicks off.

Now if CHT is unlikely to be here next year. Should we be blooding that metcalf boyd combo earlier if that's our long term vision. Or is it best to let it playout till next year and allow metcalf/boyd a full preseason.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Only need to spend about 183 days in AU to automatically become a AU tax resident. I would think even less if you went through the process manually. So could imagine spending a one year stint next year in AU would make sense if he wanted to join PNG the year after when it all kicks off.

Yes, but Aus tax residency applies to foreigners in Aus or Aus citizens in foreign countries. It doesn't apply to foreign citizens in foreign countries.