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: 20/30
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

 

[kos]

Or he’s just giving his merch away

RCG allegedly just dumped all all his Titans gear on the street verge when he exited his GC house after leaving Titans reputedly for London Broncos.

 

[Woofa]

RCG allegedly just dumped all all his Titans gear on the street verge when he exited his GC house after leaving Titans reputedly for London Broncos.

reckon hes salty? lol

 

[Blain]

Metcalf won't go to the Dragons over the Warriors for a little cash, it will come down to whether he/his wife wants to be closer to family. It's hard to get too salty or edgey over will he won't he, it's out of the clubs control. Metcalf clearly loves it here, but some things are bigger than work, I'm sure we all know how that goes. I mean Flanno or Webster.. Pretty easy decision to make on paper.

I'm hoping we'll get a media release next week with a re signing, but I'm not going to get salty with him or the club if it doesn't come.

 

[Falcon]

Feel like 2 years is a good contract for Harry Inch too. Gives enough time to show if it’s going to be a fast transition to league and whether it’s a success. I presume they’ve got a position that they’ve identified him to play?

I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s been touted to play FB based on his potential speed and link play developed in Rugby.

 

[Dippa]

The recent whispers around Luke Metcalf supposedly wanting to return home to Sydney with his young family seem to miss an important point — this situation isn’t unique, nor is it unprecedented. In fact, it’s almost a mirror image of what Mitch Barnett experienced not long ago.

When Barnett joined the Warriors, he too was navigating a career crossroads. He had a young family, (their second-born was in Auckland), and was searching for a new environment where he could reignite his career. The move to the Warriors was initially seen as a gamble, but it has since proven to be a masterstroke — both for him personally and professionally. The shift across the Tasman gave Barnett the refreshment and opportunity he needed, and it’s fair to say he’s playing the best football of his career as a result.

The same could be said for Luke Metcalf. Before joining the Warriors, his potential was evident, but opportunity was scarce. Since his arrival, he’s developed into a genuine first-grade threat — confident, creative, and increasingly central to the club’s future. To suggest he’s looking to leave now, just as he’s hitting his stride, doesn’t align with the trajectory he’s worked so hard to build. It’s also worth noting that both Metcalf and Barnett are currently in rehab together, recovering from ACL injuries. The shared grind of rehabilitation builds a unique bond — and if there’s anyone Metcalf would lean on for advice about family life and career balance in New Zealand, it’s Barnett. The two share more in common than most realise, and Barnett’s positive experience could well be a stabilising influence for Metcalf rather than a reminder of home.

Yes, family always comes first. Only Luke and his wife know what’s best for them, and any decision around their long-term future deserves respect. But it’s equally possible that the recent quiet from the club isn’t a sign of unrest — it’s a sign of respect. The Warriors may simply be giving Luke and his partner time and space following their wedding and post-celebrations before sitting down to formalise what many expect: a continued commitment to the club. Until there’s something concrete, the rumours feel like just that — speculation filling a silence. And given the parallels with Barnett’s story, perhaps Luke Metcalf’s journey is only just getting started in New Zealand, not ending.

 

[Tokyo Warrior]

Beautifully written. I hope you are right!

 

[Jaffa J]

If Pezet is going to the Broncos we should look at Coby Black

 

[Noitall]

If Pezet is going to the Broncos we should look at Coby Black

They extended CHT’s brother recently too

 

[Billyspleen75]

Eels signing Pezet for 2026 only is alarm bells for us re Metcalf

 

[Naynay]

Eels signing Pezet for 2026 only is alarm bells for us re Metcalf

I dont think so, Moses will probably play 3 more years all going well, Pezet will be brought in to cover the 6 while they decide on who does that. Dont think Metcalf will leave to play 6 to a dominant half

 

[Neo]

Eels signing Pezet for 2026 only is alarm bells for us re Metcalf

I took it to mean Munster plays next year at Melbourne then takes a big pay day with the Bears with their blessing

Edit - I see where you are coming from. Latest article has him then joining the Broncos, not returning to Melbourne as earlier speculated

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Eels signing Pezet for 2026 only is alarm bells for us re Metcalf

Explain why

 

[Riz]

The recent whispers around Luke Metcalf supposedly wanting to return home to Sydney with his young family seem to miss an important point — this situation isn’t unique, nor is it unprecedented. In fact, it’s almost a mirror image of what Mitch Barnett experienced not long ago.

When Barnett joined the Warriors, he too was navigating a career crossroads. He had a young family, (their second-born was in Auckland), and was searching for a new environment where he could reignite his career. The move to the Warriors was initially seen as a gamble, but it has since proven to be a masterstroke — both for him personally and professionally. The shift across the Tasman gave Barnett the refreshment and opportunity he needed, and it’s fair to say he’s playing the best football of his career as a result.

The same could be said for Luke Metcalf. Before joining the Warriors, his potential was evident, but opportunity was scarce. Since his arrival, he’s developed into a genuine first-grade threat — confident, creative, and increasingly central to the club’s future. To suggest he’s looking to leave now, just as he’s hitting his stride, doesn’t align with the trajectory he’s worked so hard to build. It’s also worth noting that both Metcalf and Barnett are currently in rehab together, recovering from ACL injuries. The shared grind of rehabilitation builds a unique bond — and if there’s anyone Metcalf would lean on for advice about family life and career balance in New Zealand, it’s Barnett. The two share more in common than most realise, and Barnett’s positive experience could well be a stabilising influence for Metcalf rather than a reminder of home.

Yes, family always comes first. Only Luke and his wife know what’s best for them, and any decision around their long-term future deserves respect. But it’s equally possible that the recent quiet from the club isn’t a sign of unrest — it’s a sign of respect. The Warriors may simply be giving Luke and his partner time and space following their wedding and post-celebrations before sitting down to formalise what many expect: a continued commitment to the club. Until there’s something concrete, the rumours feel like just that — speculation filling a silence. And given the parallels with Barnett’s story, perhaps Luke Metcalf’s journey is only just getting started in New Zealand, not ending.

Finally a bit of sense being spoken!

 

[Hitro]

The recent whispers around Luke Metcalf supposedly wanting to return home to Sydney with his young family seem to miss an important point — this situation isn’t unique, nor is it unprecedented. In fact, it’s almost a mirror image of what Mitch Barnett experienced not long ago.

When Barnett joined the Warriors, he too was navigating a career crossroads. He had a young family, (their second-born was in Auckland), and was searching for a new environment where he could reignite his career. The move to the Warriors was initially seen as a gamble, but it has since proven to be a masterstroke — both for him personally and professionally. The shift across the Tasman gave Barnett the refreshment and opportunity he needed, and it’s fair to say he’s playing the best football of his career as a result.

The same could be said for Luke Metcalf. Before joining the Warriors, his potential was evident, but opportunity was scarce. Since his arrival, he’s developed into a genuine first-grade threat — confident, creative, and increasingly central to the club’s future. To suggest he’s looking to leave now, just as he’s hitting his stride, doesn’t align with the trajectory he’s worked so hard to build. It’s also worth noting that both Metcalf and Barnett are currently in rehab together, recovering from ACL injuries. The shared grind of rehabilitation builds a unique bond — and if there’s anyone Metcalf would lean on for advice about family life and career balance in New Zealand, it’s Barnett. The two share more in common than most realise, and Barnett’s positive experience could well be a stabilising influence for Metcalf rather than a reminder of home.

Yes, family always comes first. Only Luke and his wife know what’s best for them, and any decision around their long-term future deserves respect. But it’s equally possible that the recent quiet from the club isn’t a sign of unrest — it’s a sign of respect. The Warriors may simply be giving Luke and his partner time and space following their wedding and post-celebrations before sitting down to formalise what many expect: a continued commitment to the club. Until there’s something concrete, the rumours feel like just that — speculation filling a silence. And given the parallels with Barnett’s story, perhaps Luke Metcalf’s journey is only just getting started in New Zealand, not ending.

I see that Cliff Thompson (Wellbeing Manager at the club) was the celebrant at their wedding and is "one of our favourite people" according Metcalf's missus instagram. More positive news for the resign campaign.

 

[Fizurg]

I think Metcalf not testing the market would be crazy. Hes hot right now and may never have this much swing coming into contract negotiations ever again. As someone with young kids i understand the value that having a local support network brings. But then is that worth more than dropping back to a bottom 8 club?

SBW played 12 in union mainly.

Im never a fan of us fans overly speculating on young players especially when it comes to position changes. But could Inch become a hooker?

 

[skinnydippng]

Amidst all the Lukey Met talk, seen people on here saying CHT will test the market too, do we think he’s even in talks with the club to extend? Haven’t seen anything anywhere about other clubs being interested at least..

 

[WAH MAN]

Amidst all the Lukey Met talk, seen people on here saying CHT will test the market too, do we think he’s even in talks with the club to extend? Haven’t seen anything anywhere about other clubs being interested at least..

Who do we have to replace him with? Seriously I mean

 

[WAH MAN]

I think Metcalf not testing the market would be crazy. Hes hot right now and may never have this much swing coming into contract negotiations ever again. As someone with young kids i understand the value that having a local support network brings. But then is that worth more than dropping back to a bottom 8 club?

SBW played 12 in union mainly.

Im never a fan of us fans overly speculating on young players especially when it comes to position changes. But could Inch become a hooker?

Whether he does or not needs to be asked alongside how far away is he from first grade debut? If at all.

 

[Muddogz]

Considering Metcalf waited out a year in reserves at Cronulla I’m sure he’ll play out the season here if he signs for another club. That would give another year for the likes of Cleary, Thompson, Inch and Hanson if he’s still here to develop.

Metcalf is a very good player, but he’s played 66 games in five years across Cronulla and the Warriors. He’s had a number of serious leg injuries and will be 28 when his new contract starts.

His major strength is his speed and support play which will be on the decline as he ages possibly more so given the injuries he’s had.

I’d still rather he re-signs with us, but if he’s on good money it’s a big risk that we won’t get value from his contract.

 

[cock_o]

So these are the 10 players off contract at the end of 2026.

1. Luke Metcalf 26 yo
2. Chanel Harris-Tavita 26
3. Rocco Berry 24
4. Taine Tuaupiki 25

5. Freddy Lussick 24
6. Kurt Capewell 32
7. Marata Niukore 29
8. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 32
9. Tanah Boyd 25
10. Te Maire Martin 29

I would look to re sign the first 4.
I think the last 6 will be gone.