Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment and Retention Discussion​

Player	2026​	2027​	2028​	2029​	2030​
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	✔​	✔​	✔​
Freddy Lussick	✔​
Te Maire Martin	✔​
Haizyn Mellars	✔​	✔​	✔​
Luke Metcalf	✔​	✔​	✔​
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔​	✔​
Marata Niukore	✔​
Adam Pompey	✔​	✔​
Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔​	✔​	✔​
Taine Tuaupiki	✔​
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔​
Demitric Vaimauga	✔​	✔​	✔​
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔​	✔​
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: 30/30
2026 Supplementary: 1/6

2027 Top 30: 21/30
2027 Supplementary: 0/6

2027 Gains: Nil
2027 Losses: Nil

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Will be off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2028 from November 1st, 2026: Mitchell Barnett, Erin Clark, 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

 

[Leon Black]

If he spent a decent chunk of off season post international duty practicing the art of catching and passing at high speed he would be worth it.

At 20 he can add to his muscle memory and develop both a pass and a kick if necessary. Now keep in mind this is just my off season chat. Not definitely going to happen

No need Kayliss Fatialofa is the one they should and need to develop into an elite centre. He has all the weapons to succeed

 

[WAH MAN]

No need Kayliss Fatialofa is the one they should and need to develop into an elite centre. He has all the weapons to succeed

Hope he kicks on this season coming. We will need him to cover Berry and Leiataua.

 

[Makasene]

I think people are being far too harsh on Tanah and his performance. His kicking game was spot on for the most part, and his running game was excellent, he consistently straightened the attack and made several line breaks, often without any support.

Yes, he failed to close out a few games, and those moments stood out, which is probably why he’s copping so much criticism. But the real problem for this team at the back end of the season was our paper-thin right edge defense, which was conceding most of our points each game. Tanah was part of that edge, sure, but unless we fix that, there’s no chance we’ll push for a top four finish no matter who's our 7.

You have perfectly summed up why he is an invaluable depth half but not someone you give the keys to the kingdom to.

 

[Makasene]

I understand this yet, in the end, Luke didn't test the market did he? And good on him I say

I'm not convinced this was all made up. It is common knowledge that managers are dealing in the back alley...

I would think the news back was that Dragons would be the only ones to match.

No thanks the reply.

 

[Inruin]

You have perfectly summed up why he is an invaluable depth half but not someone you give the keys to the kingdom to.

I think Tannah has good goal kicking and organizes the team well but lacks the x factor most want. Luke is almost the opposite of that.

The problem they aren't sustainable results wise if Tannah doesn't have a good support crew with xfactor it doesn't end well. Conversely relying on Lukes xfactor isn't going to be enough to cover for his lack of organisation and goal kicking - some might point at our results earlier this season but I think we are unlikely to get that lucky again and the last few games with Luke at 7 are more likely performances.

 

[DanthemanV2]

Based solely on my Mark 1 eyeball tesr. The players I think could add to the squad, Drinkwater, although defence can be sketchy, Averillo, covers Centre and Wing. David Fafita, new start out of the goldfish bowl. Ray Stone, tough bastard and rekiable.

Drinkwater would be such a good buy for us. I’ve always rated him.

 

[Makasene]

I think Tannah has good goal kicking and organizes the team well but lacks the x factor most want. Luke is almost the opposite of that.

The problem they aren't sustainable results wise if Tannah doesn't have a good support crew with xfactor it doesn't end well. Conversely relying on Lukes xfactor isn't going to be enough to cover for his lack of organisation and goal kicking - some might point at our results earlier this season but I think we are unlikely to get that lucky again and the last few games with Luke at 7 are more likely performances.

I just don't think it's that simple.

I have to back the x-factor guy who has proven his clutch countless times.

That's what the clubs doing.

 

[Inruin]

I just don't think it's that simple.

I have to back the x-factor guy who has proven his clutch countless times.

That's what the clubs doing.

Countless? Not sure about that.

Time will tell. There has to be a huge improvement in our attack for us to be anywhere near being legitimate contenders.

 

[The Undertaker]

Ok people - thinking caps on.
We technically have 30 signed with a couple likely to leave us next year, if not before.

Start of pre season is weeks away.

Are there any new signings coming in, or any players leaving between now and the start of 2026 season?

My prediction because I like a crystal ball gaze now and then:

* Tino Fa’asualemeau for Marata Niukore - tino going to market November 1. Given influx of GC players thriving under Webby, wouldn’t be surprised if Tino seriously considers us. Imagine him JfH and Mitch on rotation. Dream world stuff. I could see a player swap here. Remember that Wahs are now seen as a genuine premiership contender given track record over last 3 years. Tino wants to play for a top club. We are on the way up. Keep an eye on this one.

Jesse Arthur’s for DWZ. Big call here but DWZ has regressed and the right hand edge needs to tighten up. Arthurs has been with us before. I could see DWZ departing if we could secure him to take a payday in Superleague or head to the Bears in 2027. Arthurs also could be a great centre and play the Rocco role. Given our lord and saviour Rocco Berry is a walking injury, the club may hedge their bets on this guy.

I expect CHT to re-sign for one year with a plan to take the 14 role, allowing Linnane to work towards becoming the 6 long term.

Also I expect Kurt Capewell to get another year because he’s a great clubman and transition to a bench role - shorter stints esp in middle of the game.

Thoughts?

 

[Wrighty]

Couple of comments on random topics

1) Haiyzin Mellars looks like a good get. Only 10 NSW cup games but 8 tries in those games. That is a top effort. Also his tackle efficiency is 86%. That is really strong for his position.

2) Centre remains a concern for next year. Who exactly are our centres. Pompey, Berry but how many games will he play, Will they trust Leiataua and will 2026 be his breakthrough year. As others have mentioned we can't keep putting Capewell there.

3) I have made my peace with CNK being our Fullback for the next 2 years. I am really pleased he is playing the Pacific Championship as all season long he has looked short of a gallup and out of form. Needs some time in the middle as we say in cricket. So hopefully these games do him a world of good in terms of ironing out some issues and playing at an elite level. I thought he was poor in the first half last week but actually quite strong in the second half. No he is not good at offence but he is what he is, he makes metres on hit ups which helps us win the grind. Which is what Webster ball is based on.

Our team is not set for next year however. We have everything we need except for a solution at centre. Are we banking on Rocco being healthy?

 

[Completion Rate]

I personally think Linnane will be tried at fullback for the cup side in 26.

 

[Noitall]

Ok people - thinking caps on.
We technically have 30 signed with a couple likely to leave us next year, if not before.

Start of pre season is weeks away.

Are there any new signings coming in, or any players leaving between now and the start of 2026 season?

My prediction because I like a crystal ball gaze now and then:

* Tino Fa’asualemeau for Marata Niukore - tino going to market November 1. Given influx of GC players thriving under Webby, wouldn’t be surprised if Tino seriously considers us. Imagine him JfH and Mitch on rotation. Dream world stuff. I could see a player swap here. Remember that Wahs are now seen as a genuine premiership contender given track record over last 3 years. Tino wants to play for a top club. We are on the way up. Keep an eye on this one.

Jesse Arthur’s for DWZ. Big call here but DWZ has regressed and the right hand edge needs to tighten up. Arthurs has been with us before. I could see DWZ departing if we could secure him to take a payday in Superleague or head to the Bears in 2027. Arthurs also could be a great centre and play the Rocco role. Given our lord and saviour Rocco Berry is a walking injury, the club may hedge their bets on this guy.

I expect CHT to re-sign for one year with a plan to take the 14 role, allowing Linnane to work towards becoming the 6 long term.

Also I expect Kurt Capewell to get another year because he’s a great clubman and transition to a bench role - shorter stints esp in middle of the game.

Thoughts?

What would you be willing to pay Tino? He’s after a big salary if reports are legitimate, and already on good money at $1.2 million per season. Really interested to know what’s going on with Niukore? Selected for Cook Islands and then fell off the face of the earth. Perhaps he picked up an injury at their training

 

[Noitall]

3) I have made my peace with CNK being our Fullback for the next 2 years. I am really pleased he is playing the Pacific Championship as all season long he has looked short of a gallup and out of form. Needs some time in the middle as we say in cricket. So hopefully these games do him a world of good in terms of ironing out some issues and playing at an elite level. I thought he was poor in the first half last week but actually quite strong in the second half. No he is not good at offence but he is what he is, he makes metres on hit ups which helps us win the grind. Which is what Webster ball is based on

Watching clips of Kiwis and Warriors, CNK seems to have a massive leadership voice and perhaps that’s going a long way to him staying at fullback? Certainly can’t knock him on effort, if he can find that 2023 form again we’ll be better served

 

[WAH MAN]

I think Tannah has good goal kicking and organizes the team well but lacks the x factor most want. Luke is almost the opposite of that.

The problem they aren't sustainable results wise if Tannah doesn't have a good support crew with xfactor it doesn't end well. Conversely relying on Lukes xfactor isn't going to be enough to cover for his lack of organisation and goal kicking - some might point at our results earlier this season but I think we are unlikely to get that lucky again and the last few games with Luke at 7 are more likely performances.

We don't have to choose either or. We still have both. If it makes sense then drop Chanel to 14 and have Tanah try 6. Because Metcalf is the closest thing to marquee we have and ain't losing his jersey soon unless injury visits him again.

 

[JaggedJ]

Ok people - thinking caps on.
We technically have 30 signed with a couple likely to leave us next year, if not before.

Start of pre season is weeks away.

Are there any new signings coming in, or any players leaving between now and the start of 2026 season?

My prediction because I like a crystal ball gaze now and then:

* Tino Fa’asualemeau for Marata Niukore - tino going to market November 1. Given influx of GC players thriving under Webby, wouldn’t be surprised if Tino seriously considers us. Imagine him JfH and Mitch on rotation. Dream world stuff. I could see a player swap here. Remember that Wahs are now seen as a genuine premiership contender given track record over last 3 years. Tino wants to play for a top club. We are on the way up. Keep an eye on this one.

Jesse Arthur’s for DWZ. Big call here but DWZ has regressed and the right hand edge needs to tighten up. Arthurs has been with us before. I could see DWZ departing if we could secure him to take a payday in Superleague or head to the Bears in 2027. Arthurs also could be a great centre and play the Rocco role. Given our lord and saviour Rocco Berry is a walking injury, the club may hedge their bets on this guy.

I expect CHT to re-sign for one year with a plan to take the 14 role, allowing Linnane to work towards becoming the 6 long term.

Also I expect Kurt Capewell to get another year because he’s a great clubman and transition to a bench role - shorter stints esp in middle of the game.

Thoughts?

Tino no chance imo. Just don't see it happening. I think Niukore will find himself either in the middle or NSW Cup next year by mid season.

Arthurs is a decent player but I'm not a fan of just because too many of our players are exactly that.

DWZ I agree with.

CHT I agree he'll shift to a 14 role, if he's willing to stay for that of course

Capewah I agree again. Webby can be conservative at times so losing the experience of Niukore and Capewah at the same time might lead to a one year extension to stagger it out.

 

[JaggedJ]

Countless? Not sure about that.

Time will tell. There has to be a huge improvement in our attack for us to be anywhere near being legitimate contenders.

The biggest improvement in our attack needs to come from fullback.

At the moment there's not a lot of threat coming from there.

 

[John Nick]

The biggest improvement in our attack needs to come from fullback.

At the moment there's not a lot of threat coming from there.

Absolutely. I would like to see Linnane given a crack at fullback for the trials. Reckon he could be the answer

 

[WAH MAN]

Absolutely. I would like to see Linnane given a crack at fullback for the trials. Reckon he could be the answer

Have you seen a bit of him at his best John? Would like to know what he's like outside serious injuries