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

 

[Wrighty]

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.

Whatever happens. whether you are a Metcalf hot supporter, medium supporter, or cautious supporter, we can't release him early for 2026. If signs elsewhere for 2027 we will have our young talent coming through.

 

[Naynay]

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..

I think CHT is more likely to be lowballed and this is a way to get a higher offer. He played good this year and would like to see him resigned.

 

[Noitall]

I think CHT is more likely to be lowballed and this is a way to get a higher offer. He played good this year and would like to see him resigned.

His is a tricky one because he’s a perfect foil for Metcalf but if Metcalf isn’t here past 2026 then CHT becomes another question mark how he fits with another halfback? He’s obviously a perfect utility but the salary would be quite different between the two roles. Not sure whether he would be in other teams radar but plenty looking for halves if that’s where he wanted to continue playing?

 

[Defence]

FWIW from what I’ve heard metcalf is very happy here. We’re seen as a strong club and a good place for him to play his best footy BUT dragons are willing to pay him seven figures so we’re gonna have to be in that same ball park.
Also hearing round 10-12 pencilled in for a return- although it’s still hard to say this far out.

 

[Noitall]

FWIW from what I’ve heard metcalf is very happy here. We’re seen as a strong club and a good place for him to play his best footy BUT dragons are willing to pay him seven figures so we’re gonna have to be in that same ball park.
Also hearing round 10-12 pencilled in for a return- although it’s still hard to say this far out.

Does make me wonder though that his management obviously knows the salary to be offered, so why wait until November unless your intention is to sign somewhere else for 2027? Is there backwards and forwards over salary compared to what’s offered?

 

[Rick O’Shay]

Another thing to consider with the LM saga is that partners/wives aren't that keen on ducking and diving here and there for a couple of years contract especially with youngsters. Longevity and stability will be very important to the family.
Speaking from experience

 

[Dannevegas]

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.

You’ve Filled me with hope.

 

[Dannevegas]

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

I’d be going after Tom Duffy who’s going to the Broncs from Cowboys

 

[Riz]

Does make me wonder though that his management obviously knows the salary to be offered, so why wait until November unless your intention is to sign somewhere else for 2027? Is there backwards and forwards over salary compared to what’s offered?

Let him enjoy the honeymoon... business can wait.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

FWIW from what I’ve heard metcalf is very happy here. We’re seen as a strong club and a good place for him to play his best footy BUT dragons are willing to pay him seven figures so we’re gonna have to be in that same ball park.
Also hearing round 10-12 pencilled in for a return- although it’s still hard to say this far out.

So say he is on 700k for next year and we upgrade it, we could offer him 1 million each for 2026, 2027, 2028 meaning a new contract worth 2.3 million for the two extra years. Even 900k over two extra years with an equivalent upgrade to his contracted 2026 would break even with a 1 million a season offer from a rival.

If he is happy and we are happy, then I can't see us not having the resources to do this comfortably.

Ouch, that is a long lay-off. Our season would likely be in trouble by then with our other halves combos. All it would take would be another small niggling injury and he'd have missed half the season...

 

[sballer7]

Does make me wonder though that his management obviously knows the salary to be offered, so why wait until November unless your intention is to sign somewhere else for 2027? Is there backwards and forwards over salary compared to what’s offered?

Why wouldn't he wait? He has absolutely nothing to lose by finding out his worth on the open market, especially with a new team coming in that will be desperate for any quality they can find.

This is potentially his last shot at a big contract. Certainly can't begrudge him doing the best he can for himself and his family.

 

[Noitall]

Why wouldn't he wait? He has absolutely nothing to lose by finding out his worth on the open market, especially with a new team coming in that will be desperate for any quality they can find.

This is potentially his last shot at a big contract. Certainly can't begrudge him doing the best he can for himself and his family.

The post insinuated that the value is known at a seven figure sum? The rules are that approaches can’t be made before November 1 but it’s very unlikely that there’s full abiding and it’s not known what teams are putting on the table as the post insinuated again. Perhaps it’s speculation? That’s why I asked if there’s a backwards and forwards over salary? The way I’m seeing it is he gets the money and gets to be closer to family or he gets the money and has a better shot at a premiership and continues with the bonds he’s made

 

[mrblonde]

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.

Let's also not ignore the learnings from the Shaun Johnson PR Fuckup.
The Warriors might have been right to have adopted the attitude Shaun that they apparantly had - "We're giving you all this buck, and that bang you're showing us isn't worth that, so i f you can't convince us you've got more bang to give or say who's stopping you giving us that bang, here's less buck!", which I understand and the Warriors should always be adopting stance that with every player - but to more-or-less say that in public was not Cameron George's finest moment.
The club and Luke would be quite sensible in giving the media nada until signings are confirmed, whoever with and for however long.
The Warriors offering Luke a 2-3 season deal would show him that they believe he's got what it takes and they're not going to put on the "Luke, here's a 1 Season Contract because, well, brah, we might have to medically retire you in October! So, also, that means you and Jersey 14 need to get aquainted. Can't have you playing 7 in that scenario. Of course, if you're fine in October, we'll renew, of course we will, BRAH! For, um, 1 Season." dick move.

 

[gambler03]

I have watched Inch play, I think he will be a 6 or 1. 12 in Union has two different archetypes. You have your SBW's and then you have your Dan Carter like 12s. Inch I would compare to that 'Extra first-five' kinda 12 when he has played there. He is mianly a 10 and has played a bit of 15 as well.

 

[Inruin]

The post insinuated that the value is known at a seven figure sum? The rules are that approaches can’t be made before November 1 but it’s very unlikely that there’s full abiding and it’s not known what teams are putting on the table as the post insinuated again. Perhaps it’s speculation? That’s why I asked if there’s a backwards and forwards over salary? The way I’m seeing it is he gets the money and gets to be closer to family or he gets the money and has a better shot at a premiership and continues with the bonds he’s made

my understanding is that players can talk to other clubs anytime. They can't sign anything until the November 1st date and they can't be coerced in to breaking their contract with their current club either

 

[Five&Last]

FWIW from what I’ve heard metcalf is very happy here. We’re seen as a strong club and a good place for him to play his best footy BUT dragons are willing to pay him seven figures so we’re gonna have to be in that same ball park.
Also hearing round 10-12 pencilled in for a return- although it’s still hard to say this far out.

Yeah I think its us v Dragons

The Pezet signing for the Eels seems like a stopgap for Lorenzo Talataina to come through in 2027. Plus I don't think they can afford a 1mil half next to Moses. Iongi will be due a big upgrade soon.

I don't think Perth come into play unless they're offering stupid money like 1.3 or something. Plus I feel like they tying up everything for a play at Munster.