Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Bevosa · Mar 22, 2026

rugged said:
Anyone have a guess on what we may have left sitting in our current year cap? One of the ways we can keep Boyd is giving him an instant bump now on the agreement of a two year extension.

People may say it is getting carried away to offer him big dollars after three performances, but I’m sold. Very complete performances with kicking, running and passing - he will cost a lot to keep but we have to do it especially with LMs inhury profile

I agree, we need to lock him in ASAP. I said in the preseason we’d end up needing all of Barney’s money to re-sign him, and he’s been absolutely outstanding. Either way, we should be in a strong salary cap position by the end of the season to give him his payday.

sup42 · Mar 22, 2026

rugged said:
Anyone have a guess on what we may have left sitting in our current year cap? One of the ways we can keep Boyd is giving him an instant bump now on the agreement of a two year extension.

People may say it is getting carried away to offer him big dollars after three performances, but I’m sold. Very complete performances with kicking, running and passing - he will cost a lot to keep but we have to do it especially with LMs inhury profile

One thing we have in our favor that the clubs who will now offer Boyd a million dollar contract don't have, is that Boyd knows he struggled outside of the Warriors environment, and that this club helped him find his power.

That is worth a lot for someone that struggled through the type of failure that Boyd has experienced his whole career.

We also have the future best forward pack in the NRL coming online for the next several seasons. A very attractive prospect for a halfback.

Certainly aside from geography the Warriors have a lot to offer Boyd.

And Boyd knows that the Warriors were careful in how they approached Metcalf's sudden market value sky rocketing, we were patient, we let Metcalf stay on less that he was 'worth' to us and basically in the end gave him what he wanted without paying more than we wanted to part with.

And in Metcalfs case, we ignored the media rumblings, the approaches of the big boys in Sydney, Webster was very cool on the subject of Metcalf when pressed before the big contract.

I expect the club will tie up Boyd if Boyd is in a personal situation to stay on in NZ longer term.

Boyd is 25, peak for a halfback starts there, and in the modern game it extends into the 30s for long kickers and distributors.

Metcalf is 27, on shakey legs, and still learning to do what Tanah Boyd can already excel at (core seven skills, especially kicking).

It is a no brainer for this club to sign Boyd, and I assume we will have the cap space to do so at a rate that Boyd would consider fair (you are going to have to pay 900k ish for Boyd assuming he goes on this season healthy- Marata and Barney money no worries).

Noitall · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
One thing we have in our favor that the clubs who will now offer Boyd a million dollar contract don't have, is that Boyd knows he struggled outside of the Warriors environment, and that this club helped him find his power.

That is worth a lot for someone that struggled through the type of failure that Boyd has experienced his whole career.

We also have the future best forward pack in the NRL coming online for the next several seasons. A very attractive prospect for a halfback.

Certainly aside from geography the Warriors have a lot to offer Boyd.

And Boyd knows that the Warriors were careful in how they approached Metcalf's sudden market value sky rocketing, we were patient, we let Metcalf stay on less that he was 'worth' to us and basically in the end gave him what he wanted without paying more than we wanted to part with.

And in Metcalfs case, we ignored the media rumblings, the approaches of the big boys in Sydney, Webster was very cool on the subject of Metcalf when pressed before the big contract.

I expect the club will tie up Boyd if Boyd is in a personal situation to stay on in NZ longer term.

Boyd is 25, peak for a halfback starts there, and in the modern game it extends into the 30s for long kickers and distributors.

Metcalf is 27, on shakey legs, and still learning to do what Tanah Boyd can already excel at (core seven skills, especially kicking).

It is a no brainer for this club to sign Boyd, and I assume we will have the cap space to do so at a rate that Boyd would consider fair (you are going to have to pay 900k ish for Boyd assuming he goes on this season healthy- Marata and Barney money no worries).

Cowboys is a team I could see having another crack at trying to sign him with Dearden 6. They tried at one stage in recent years, but was hooker they were looking at apparently. Likely depth halves and hooker or 14 is where they were looking? He could now be in consideration for their starting 7 jersey? Clifford doesn’t seem to be able to cement himself in the role

BangBro's (still banging) · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
One thing we have in our favor that the clubs who will now offer Boyd a million dollar contract don't have, is that Boyd knows he struggled outside of the Warriors environment, and that this club helped him find his power.

That is worth a lot for someone that struggled through the type of failure that Boyd has experienced his whole career.

We also have the future best forward pack in the NRL coming online for the next several seasons. A very attractive prospect for a halfback.

Certainly aside from geography the Warriors have a lot to offer Boyd.

And Boyd knows that the Warriors were careful in how they approached Metcalf's sudden market value sky rocketing, we were patient, we let Metcalf stay on less that he was 'worth' to us and basically in the end gave him what he wanted without paying more than we wanted to part with.

And in Metcalfs case, we ignored the media rumblings, the approaches of the big boys in Sydney, Webster was very cool on the subject of Metcalf when pressed before the big contract.

I expect the club will tie up Boyd if Boyd is in a personal situation to stay on in NZ longer term.

Boyd is 25, peak for a halfback starts there, and in the modern game it extends into the 30s for long kickers and distributors.

Metcalf is 27, on shakey legs, and still learning to do what Tanah Boyd can already excel at (core seven skills, especially kicking).

It is a no brainer for this club to sign Boyd, and I assume we will have the cap space to do so at a rate that Boyd would consider fair (you are going to have to pay 900k ish for Boyd assuming he goes on this season healthy- Marata and Barney money no worries).

Agree with this one hundy! He's already doing a better job than what Metcalf can do. I would be letting CHT and Martin move on, nothing personal but they can't do what Boyd and metcalf can do.

Im sorry but metcalf needs to go back to six and just focus on opening up the game with support and pace. I think these two together can elevate this team and Webby almost said as much.

Boyd and Ford Are priority extensions for me

Matiunz · Mar 22, 2026

Boyd is certainly in a rich vein of form but I think it’s a bit premature to be rushing to chuck cash at him this soon, the same size is 3 games- let’s see if he can keep the consistency going

sup42 · Mar 22, 2026

Matiunz said:
Boyd is certainly in a rich vein of form but I think it’s a bit premature to be rushing to chuck cash at him this soon, the same size is 3 games- let’s see if he can keep the consistency going

Webster said as much in the Knights post match presser, that he is not looking ahead.

First hurdle is holding the 7 Jersey over Metcalf.

Webster listed all our halves, TMM, CHT, and Metcalf and said specifically "he has been the best player" when talking about Tanah vs the other halves (that is as close as you will ever hear an NRL coach say a player is leading the right to wear a jersey).

There is no doubt then, that all things being equal, Boyd will get the nod if he maintains till the day of judgement.

Webster handles these questions well (tbf he has rehearsed that answer already coz everyone know's Lara is going to ask that question).

Second hurdle is can Tanah maintain with the disruption that Metcalfs return at six will create? (they will train together so we will see).

I wonder what Metcalf's thoughts are on trialing at fullback for the Warriors, certainly not a demotion in the modern game if he wants to give it a crack.

View: https://youtu.be/hKLEF6Xxa3U?si=oRBfJlbe48blqBAT

Wah's Up · Mar 22, 2026

Matiunz said:
Boyd is certainly in a rich vein of form but I think it’s a bit premature to be rushing to chuck cash at him this soon, the same size is 3 games- let’s see if he can keep the consistency going

Most halves look good once the forward pack lay the platform with good momentum and gives the halves room to move.

Completion Rate · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
I wonder what Metcalf's thoughts are on trialing at fullback for the Warriors, certainly not a demotion in the modern game if he wants to give it a crack.

Not a bad idea considering its gives him the option of ball playing out the back of shape and the running option. I would just whince everytime he has a kick return.

Dead Man Switch · Mar 22, 2026

No ifs or buts.

The Warriors have to move to lock Tanah Boyd in. The Warriors have never had an elite out and out NRL half back. Stacey Jones was electric, and Shaun Johnson unbelievable with his stepping and running. Both clutch players with brilliance on their day but not match controllers.

Luke Metcalf is in the same territory as the guys above though he has been adding some more parts to his game. He would make the perfect complimenting player to Tanah Boyd.

Not getting caught up in any hype..... in this type of form - Tanah Boyd playing style is in the category of a Cooper Cronk, Ricky Stuart, Jonathan Thurston... even Andrew Johns type halfback. These guys control games like conductors through kicking and passing and because of that their teams go up levels because they dominate territory, turning packs around allowing their forwards to almost run down hill into the mid-deep stretch's of the game.

TMM, CHT have been bit part players. Serving different positions but never really truly being specialists. Wonderful servants with decent utility value.

Metcalf would have rocks in his head if he threw his toys out of the cot having to play 6. You put this guy next to the conductor and he will go up gears again, with less pressure and more room to breath and get it right.

Lock Tanah Boyd in now.

Warriors are becoming a problem!!!

Matiunz · Mar 22, 2026

Wah's Up said:
Most halves look good once the forward pack lay the platform with good momentum and gives the halves room to move.

I remember the cries of “SJ who?” When Adam K had a couple of solid games early season- fast forward 2 years and he’s in super league

sup42 · Mar 22, 2026

Dead Man Switch said:
Metcalf would have rocks in his head if he threw his toys out of the cot having to play 6. You put this guy next to the conductor and he will go up gears again, with less pressure and more room to breath and get it right.

Lock Tanah Boyd in now.

Warriors are becoming a problem!!!

They say that Luke Metcalf is a student of the game (from the horses mouth).

Probably more than anyone Metcalf can see what is going on with this team under Boyd.

As for what will he do.....

Dead Man Switch · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
They say that Luke Metcalf is a student of the game (from the horses mouth).

Probably more than anyone Metcalf can see what is going on with this team under Boyd.

As for what will he do.....

Yeah apparently the guy is very clever - super switched on. What a combo these two could make.

sup42 · Mar 22, 2026

Wah's Up said:
Most halves look good once the forward pack lay the platform with good momentum and gives the halves room to move.

Which is why Boyd's ability to kick us out of trouble in three games in a row is exceptional and 100% on him and not the forward pack (every game he has kicked us out of the shit when we have been on the back foot).

I kinda wish Berry was fit right now to see what that kick chase can do to strangle teams with Boyd's massive boot.

The thing about Berry is that the sight of him flying down the field would encourage others to join in like Barney and Kurt or Dal.

Ali pisses me off every game he leaves that work undone given he has more pace/at least on par for speed with Berry (last week he ran for the catcher twice so there is hope Webster is getting through to him).

Noitall · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
Webster said as much in the Knights post match presser, that he is not looking ahead.

First hurdle is holding the 7 Jersey over Metcalf.

Webster listed all our halves, TMM, CHT, and Metcalf and said specifically "he has been the best player" when talking about Tanah vs the other halves (that is as close as you will ever hear an NRL coach say a player is leading the right to wear a jersey).

There is no doubt then, that all things being equal, Boyd will get the nod if he maintains till the day of judgement.

Webster handles these questions well (tbf he has rehearsed that answer already coz everyone know's Lara is going to ask that question).

Second hurdle is can Tanah maintain with the disruption that Metcalfs return at six will create? (they will train together so we will see).

I wonder what Metcalf's thoughts are on trialing at fullback for the Warriors, certainly not a demotion in the modern game if he wants to give it a crack.

View: https://youtu.be/hKLEF6Xxa3U?si=oRBfJlbe48blqBAT

I could listen to Webster all day because you learn so much from what he says and it not just waffle. You can tell he genuinely cares about the players playing under him and I don’t think I’ve seen JFH smile so much as this whole preseason and early stages, he seems genuinely happy and invested

Dead Man Switch · Mar 22, 2026

sup42 said:
Which is why Boyd's ability to kick us out of trouble in three games in a row is exceptional and 100% on him and not the forward pack (every game he has kicked us out of the shit when we have been on the back foot).

I kinda wish Berry was fit right now to see what that kick chase can do to strangle teams with Boyd's massive boot.

The thing about Berry is that the sight of him flying down the field would encourage others to join in like Barney and Kurt or Dal.

Ali pisses me off every game he leaves that work undone given he has more pace/at least on par for speed with Berry (last week he ran for the catcher twice so there is hope Webster is getting through to him).

I agree with you on Ali. I really had high hopes he will turn into a star centre (and he still might) but he is not looking at the moment that he is on that upward trajectory. Though that easily could be an illusion.

Because Webster has shown he wants his players to develop the fundamentals of their game (takes 12 - 24 months to fully establish )in their positions until it is automatic... and then they begin to unleash the x-factor parts.

He is a smart coach!!

I think we are watching that with Ali - he certainly has more gears he can call on, but he has looked lethargic at times.

John Nick · Mar 22, 2026

Dead Man Switch said:
I agree with you on Ali. I really had high hopes he will turn into a star centre (and he still might) but he is not looking at the moment that he is on that upward trajectory. Though that easily could be an illusion.

Because Webster has shown he wants his players to develop the fundamentals of their game (takes 12 - 24 months to fully establish )in their positions until it is automatic... and then they begin to unleash the x-factor parts.

He is a smart coach!!

I think we are watching that with Ali - he certainly has more gears he can call on, but he has looked lethargic at times.

I thought Ali's endeavor has lifted a little in the last 2 games
Thoughts?

juju · Mar 22, 2026

All the talk of rush signing a Boyd extension. It might be Webby we might need to upgrade at this rate.
Its no fluke at this point.

MrFrankWhite · Mar 22, 2026

How is Ali better in the air than Dal? Does my head in

sup42 · Mar 22, 2026

juju said:
All the talk of rush signing a Boyd extension. It might be Webby we might need to upgrade at this rate.
Its no fluke at this point.

Looking at how calm and confident Webster has been this year it is pretty obvious that Alpha has had the conversation about jobs for life.

And why wouldn't you.

When is the next best coach in the NRL coming along looking to move to NZ?

THIRTY YEARS?????

Dead Man Switch · Mar 22, 2026

juju said:
All the talk of rush signing a Boyd extension. It might be Webby we might need to upgrade at this rate.
Its no fluke at this point.

No fluke. Club with a development plan/factory.

Why would Webster leave a development club like this now? So many incredible talents about to come online .... Bishop Neal, Makaia Tafua, Jett Cleary, Haizyn Mellars, Brandon Norris, Jye Linnane, Jason Salalio, Jeremiah Lemana, Sio Kali, Caelys-Paul Putoko, Nganatatafu Vake, Harry Inch, Jack Thompson, Tyson Hansen and Christian Sikuvea... just to name some!!

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

Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

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