Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Horriors2013 · Mar 8, 2026

Playdaball said:
Interesting that as the Warriors get better , players coming off contract end of this year will see their value rise for Perth , PNG and established NRL clubs.
The old saying comes to mind , “ we can’t keep them all”
… TMM, Boyd, Capewell, Berry, CHT, Nikoure come to mind plus others who may ask for a contract release .

The way Capewell is playing he may get an extension if he wants it. His level hasn't dropped. Although the best measurement will be his form 'after' origin. But I'm happy to keep him one more year to allow Laban to cement himself as the main second rower. I think he may want to go back home though.

If he stays though it may put pressure on the idea to keep Niukore. Cameron George has stated that with the loss of Barney, we're not going to snap up whoever is available in the market, we want to replace like for like as much as we can. There isn't a lot of top quality out there currently. And I don't think JFH/Ford/Vaimauga/TSS is balanced enough as a rotation. I'd like an experienced bigger body in there to solidify us. I think there's value in keeping Niukore for 2 more years until RTV comes through.

At that point you'd have a rotation of Ford/Vaimauga/TSS/RTV. Why RTV? Because he's bigger than Ford and TSS. But even that feels light on experience. So to me Niukore or an origin/international level prop is what we're looking at. Remember in the pre-season hype video, Barnett emphasized Marata as a standout in pre-season regarding the way he's stepped up leadership-wise. I think in hindsight that may have been Barney signposting his own departure and handing it over to Niukore.

So in saying that, this is what I foresee:

We have one year to make a marquee prop signing. If we can't find the right fit, we're keeping Niukore one more year until we do.

People are rightly saying Barney would most likely go Broncos for proximity reasons. But he's even closer at Newcastle and they've just acquired Dylan Brown. The only forward they've got is Saifiti and the only back I'd accept is Schiller (they won't release Sharpe as he is Dylan's other half and they won't release Ponga). If we got Schiller we'd still be on the market for a prop.

Broncos have an urgent need to replace Haas of course, so they'll be very accommodating. I think they'd throw us Willison or Karapani: maybe both? I would accept either deal then go after a top prop.

Parramatta are in desperate need too to replace Lomax as a marquee signing. But they won't let Paulo go. I'd take Penisini. And we'd still be looking for a prop. They are a real prospect because I think they'll pay top dollar for Barney.

So does Barney pick Newcastle because it's home? Does he pick Broncos so he can win a premiership? Or does he pick Parramatra for the money?

Penisini would be great for us in our troublesome centre position. Willison would add size. Schiller would bolster our backs. So would Jesse Arthur's. But then again Neame would be a great prop for us too.

I have no idea who will win out.

Ref · Mar 8, 2026

Horriors2013 said:
The way Capewell is playing he may get an extension if he wants it. His level hasn't dropped. Although the best measurement will be his form 'after' origin. But I'm happy to keep him one more year to allow Laban to cement himself as the main second rower. I think he may want to go back home though.

If he stays though it may put pressure on the idea to keep Niukore. Cameron George has stated that with the loss of Barney, we're not going to snap up whoever is available in the market, we want to replace like for like as much as we can. There isn't a lot of top quality out there currently. And I don't think JFH/Ford/Vaimauga/TSS is balanced enough as a rotation. I'd like an experienced bigger body in there to solidify us. I think there's value in keeping Niukore for 2 more years until RTV comes through.

At that point you'd have a rotation of Ford/Vaimauga/TSS/RTV. Why RTV? Because he's bigger than Ford and TSS. But even that feels light on experience. So to me Niukore or an origin/international level prop is what we're looking at. Remember in the pre-season hype video, Barnett emphasized Marata as a standout in pre-season regarding the way he's stepped up leadership-wise. I think in hindsight that may have been Barney signposting his own departure and handing it over to Niukore.

So in saying that, this is what I foresee:

We have one year to make a marquee prop signing. If we can't find the right fit, we're keeping Niukore one more year until we do.

People are rightly saying Barney would most likely go Broncos for proximity reasons. But he's even closer at Newcastle and they've just acquired Dylan Brown. The only forward they've got is Saifiti and the only back I'd accept is Schiller (they won't release Sharpe as he is Dylan's other half and they won't release Ponga). If we got Schiller we'd still be on the market for a prop.

Broncos have an urgent need to replace Haas of course, so they'll be very accommodating. I think they'd throw us Willison or Karapani: maybe both? I would accept either deal then go after a top prop.

Parramatta are in desperate need too to replace Lomax as a marquee signing. But they won't let Paulo go. I'd take Penisini. And we'd still be looking for a prop. They are a real prospect because I think they'll pay top dollar for Barney.

So does Barney pick Newcastle because it's home? Does he pick Broncos so he can win a premiership? Or does he pick Parramatra for the money?

Penisini would be great for us in our troublesome centre position. Willison would add size. Schiller would bolster our backs. So would Jesse Arthur's. But then again Neame would be a great prop for us too.

I have no idea who will win out.

Niukore has been underwhelming the whole time he has been here.
Experience while great to have, should not supersede quality when picking the team.
If he gets a recall post injury, surely it is as a prop only and he needs to turn back the clock to his Parra days.
The way TSS has been going Niukore might have to wait for someone to be injured.

SJ2k · Mar 8, 2026

Why TF would we entertain keeping Niukore, would be madness. Maybe on absolute minimum and he can be a depth vet for a while. Dude's a passenger. Capewells an interesting one, especially with Barney going. Look at the effort plays from capewell compared to that bum Niukore. Incredible contrast. Terrible contract with Niukore, I can see the club has learned from it though. Probably why we haven't over paid to get in a half decent back and just rolled with things.

Fark we must have a huge war chest for next year, but with all these new clubs and the difficulties of recruiting to NZ, I don't know how we spend it. Likely we extend most of the squad that's up, if they keep playing like this. 100% on board to extend CHT given our cap situation.

Noitall · Mar 8, 2026

SJ2k said:
Why TF would we entertain keeping Niukore, would be madness. Maybe on absolute minimum and he can be a depth vet for a while. Dude's a passenger. Capewells an interesting one, especially with Barney going. Look at the effort plays from capewell compared to that bum Niukore. Incredible contrast. Terrible contract with Niukore, I can see the club has learned from it though. Probably why we haven't over paid to get in a half decent back and just rolled with things.

Fark we must have a huge war chest for next year, but with all these new clubs and the difficulties of recruiting to NZ, I don't know how we spend it. Likely we extend most of the squad that's up, if they keep playing like this. 100% on board to extend CHT given our cap situation.

It’s getting hard to know where to fit everyone? Early signs of the pathways teams form suggests a majority of the cream of the crop is in the system and coming through. A contract like Niukore’s is where a young gun could offer as much for a portion of the price? I do recall him being one that Barnett singled out too that’s impressed him in preseason, that may be conveniently contract year but I’m interested to see and Barnett leaving end of the year could provide him as a middle forward replacement option? Interest from Perth could also mean negotiations are deep? Early on but Capewell’s effort is irreplaceable currently and a great example for the young guys, and again Barnett leaving could see his leadership being retained as vital? I would imagine he and Webster are quite open with one another? RTS also for similar reasons I would be retaining and CHT’s early form, I would also lean towards extending him looking like he’s improved on last year where I was impressed with him then. People like TMM’s injury could be really bad timing with others taking their opportunities?

Tookey 2.0 · Mar 8, 2026

Noitall said:
It’s getting hard to know where to fit everyone? Early signs of the pathways teams form suggests a majority of the cream of the crop is in the system and coming through. A contract like Niukore’s is where a young gun could offer as much for a portion of the price? I do recall him being one that Barnett singled out too that’s impressed him in preseason, that may be conveniently contract year but I’m interested to see and Barnett leaving end of the year could provide him as a middle forward replacement option? Interest from Perth could also mean negotiations are deep? Early on but Capewell’s effort is irreplaceable currently and a great example for the young guys, and again Barnett leaving could see his leadership being retained as vital? I would imagine he and Webster are quite open with one another? RTS also for similar reasons I would be retaining and CHT’s early form, I would also lean towards extending him looking like he’s improved on last year where I was impressed with him then. People like TMM’s injury could be really bad timing with others taking their opportunities?

What would you offer CHT $$ wise.

The last year he's played like one of the best 6's in the comp and started 2026 off really well. Another 2 or 3 games like this and I think his asking price is going to sky rocket. I feel it's an extremely tricky situation - we have a bunch of great halves coming through, but its very unlikely any of the rookies are going to emulate what CHT is doing in their first year, so were going to be in net loss situation potentially.

For me, I'm a bird in hand kinda guy. Id offer a 2 year contract to CHT and make the younger guys earn it and take the 6 jumper off him.

kos · Mar 8, 2026

Tookey 2.0 said:
What would you offer CHT $$ wise.

The last year he's played like one of the best 6's in the comp and started 2026 off really well. Another 2 or 3 games like this and I think his asking price is going to sky rocket. I feel it's an extremely tricky situation - we have a bunch of great halves coming through, but its very unlikely any of the rookies are going to emulate what CHT is doing in their first year, so were going to be in net loss situation potentially.

For me, I'm a bird in hand kinda guy. Id offer a 2 year contract to CHT and make the younger guys earn it and take the 6 jumper off him.

I would make it a three year deal for Chanel
Halves coming through
Cleary way off and probably goes back to Aus
Hansen ditto
Jack Thompson early in 2/3 years away
The rugby convert from the Crusaders is an interesting one realistically 1.5/3 years away

I base my view on watching Cleary play a few nsw cup games he’s got a good kicking game but needs more time under the belt and will he get homesick after another winter in the rain capital of the world

Dannevegas · Mar 8, 2026

There’s a rumour that Barnett will go broncos this year and exchange we’ll get Arthers and Te-Kura.
Something looked off with Barnett in the team song, could be something.

Don’t know how I feel about te-Kura, but Arthers would be a good get, straight into right centre.
Or if Ali and Berry come good, he’s a good winger.

I mean if you’re child’s health is priority why wouldn’t you just leave asap??

MrFrankWhite · Mar 8, 2026

Dannevegas said:
I mean if your child’s health is priority why wouldn’t you just leave asap??

Everyone needs to stop speculating on this part. It’s kinda gross. No one need to know precisely what’s wrong with the kid to justify the personnel moves in their head.

There’s 1000s of different health conditions requiring 1000s of different interventions. Could be daily, weekly, monthly, or just monitored by a very particular specialist.

Warriorsfan92 · Mar 8, 2026

Whilst I do want Arthur’s, and te kura is a great up and coming player, the reality is we would be swapping an international & origin prop, our captain, for 2 players who can’t even crack the starting 17 for the broncos.

We have leverage. We don’t need to be bullied on this. Unless mitch situation has changed dramatically, then we may have our hand forced out of empathy, but if we can wait we can do a lot better than these 2 imo.

Arthur’s & Willison, and it’s a deal.

Bevosa · Mar 8, 2026

If Barnett wants to go, I would take that deal.
Arthurs at right center moves the needle for us straight away.
Te Kura is a great prospect although injury prone. He is young and has the body shape we have been looking for.
Both Kiwis.
I think expecting a better deal than this is going to end in tears.

Blain · Mar 8, 2026

The rumour sounds like a load of shit. But Te Kura would be intriguing, would offer some size we are missing. But he isn't a rock up ready NRL guy. Arthurs, meh. Not sure what he would add other than depth. If he was still playing centres like he was a few years back, then yeah. Deane Mariner is a guy we would love.

Both of those guys aren't worth an early release, and that's why I think this is a load of shit after listening to Barney and the club over the last week.

Bay39er · Mar 8, 2026

Dannevegas said:
There’s a rumour that Barnett will go broncos this year and exchange we’ll get Arthers and Te-Kura.
Something looked off with Barnett in the team song, could be something.

Don’t know how I feel about te-Kura, but Arthers would be a good get, straight into right centre.
Or if Ali and Berry come good, he’s a good winger.

I mean if you’re child’s health is priority why wouldn’t you just leave asap??

And if you were a compassionate employer why would you retain them for a further season?

tajhay · Mar 8, 2026

I feel like people judge Arthars on how he plays at the broncos where has dynamic players around him. They forget how he played when he did play for the Warriors when he was here. He does not move the needle much at all. I would rather develop Berry/Ali, players who are already here and are probably be cheaper too. They both just need to work on getting fit and in Ali's case learning how to tackle.

Hitro · Mar 8, 2026

kos said:
I would make it a three year deal for Chanel
Halves coming through
Cleary way off and probably goes back to Aus
Hansen ditto
Jack Thompson early in 2/3 years away
The rugby convert from the Crusaders is an interesting one realistically 1.5/3 years away

I base my view on watching Cleary play a few nsw cup games he’s got a good kicking game but needs more time under the belt and will he get homesick after another winter in the rain capital of the world

Forgetting linnane

Wahs_Ultras · Mar 8, 2026

Broncos- We’ll give you a development player and QCup player and you give us an origin/test player in return.

Broncos can get fkd with that offer. Unless they give us Willison, it’s a big no from me.

Five&Last · Mar 8, 2026

tajhay said:
I feel like people judge Arthars on how he plays at the broncos where has dynamic players around him. They forget how he played when he did play for the Warriors when he was here. He does not move the needle much at all. I would rather develop Berry/Ali, players who are already here and are probably be cheaper too. They both just need to work on getting fit and in Ali's case learning how to tackle.

On top of Ali/Berry, would rather try develop Kali, Norris or any of our U21 outside backs

We know what Arthars is at this point. There's no unhidden gem there that we're about to uncover.

Riz · Mar 8, 2026

Seriously, Kayliss Fatialofa at centre improves us massively. I don’t think Arthars is what we need.

BangBro's (still banging) · Mar 8, 2026

If we went back to parramatta, Will Penisini wouldn't be that bad either?

Wahs_Ultras · Mar 8, 2026

BangBro's (still banging) said:
If we went back to parramatta, Will Penisini wouldn't be that bad either?

I’d even take Shibisaki. He’s off-contract but I believe the broncos want to re-sign him

1995warriorsfan · Mar 8, 2026

To add to the rumors.

#BREAKING

The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly offered NSW Blues representative Mitchell Barnett a 2 year deal said to be worth around $750,000 a season.

Player	2026	2027	2028	2029
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

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