Recruitment Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2026/2027 Recruitment and Retention Discussion​

Player	2026​	2027​	2028​	2029​	2030​
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​

✔ = Signed to Top 30, C = Club option, M = Mutual Option, P = Player option, S = Signed to supplementary list, U = Unclear

2026 Top 30: 29/30
2026 Supplementary: 2/6

2027 Top 30: 22/30
2027 Supplementary: 0/6

2027 Gains: Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), William Warbrick (Melbourne Storm)
2027 Losses: Mitchell Barnett (Brisbane Broncos), Marata Niukore (Newcastle Knights), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Wakefield Trinity)

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin
Will be off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2028 from November 1st, 2026: 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

 

[pompower]

CHT might well stay even as depth. The guy quit footy so he could go travelling; he's not your usual kind of NRL player and he loves the Warriors.

With Boyd, I'm keen to give it a few more weeks. See how it goes. No need to over-invest in a purple patch; even if it lasts, it's not like we'll be ruing it if he signs with Perth or whoever, given the talent we have coming through.

As for the rest:

• Barnett, already out the door. Replaced by Ford.
• Berry, might get another deal but if he does it'll be unders based on his track record.
• Capewell, actually wouldn't mind extending him. Awesome experience and clearly a great character to have around. Has been mostly solid in his time here too. Great role model for our young back rowers as well.
• Martin, thanks for your service.
• Niukore, fringe first grader as it is and on a hefty whack.
• Roger, heartbreaking but if he wants to go he can go. Toughest to replace out of these though, don't think Warbrick, AKP, Anderson, Mellars have his level of class.

Pretty much any way you slice it, even factoring extensions for Chanel and Boyd + the addition of Warbrick and Anderson, we're probably sitting on about ~1.5m of cap space for 2026. Beyond that you probably need to do upgrades for Egan, Ford, Healey, EIT. But there's easily room for us to make a big swing at someone for fullback, prop, or centre.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

We must have a massive amount of cap space available next year. likely we are losing 4 of our top 5 or six earners next year in capewell, niukore, RTS and Barnett. Assume it's been distributed to the young guns plus a little here and there for WW etc.

We need the cap space to resign all the juniors coming through and keep as much of the 2026 premiership winning team together as possible!

 

[CWC]

So 2027 we could look like...

1. CNK
2. AKP/Mellars/Kali
3. Anderson
4. Pompey
5. WW
6. Metcalf
7. Boyd
8. Fish
9. Egan
10. Ford
11. Leka
12. Laban
13. Clark

14. Healey
15. Demi
16. TSS
17. Gannon
18. EIT
19. TT/Linnane?

Pack depth - Fats......?debutants RTV, Salilalo, Sikuvea, Neal, Tafua....
Backs depth - Jett, Hansen, Thompson, Ali, Putoko, Tia?

I basically canned all the off contract players minus Boyd, are we happy with that depth chart? Which of the current players would you retain, or buy from market? Or none? Looks pretty risky for someone like Webby for the depth chart unless the forwards all debut this year and track like Demi or Leka....

 

[CWC]

We need the cap space to resign all the juniors coming through and keep as much of the 2026 premiership winning team together as possible!

We'll probably throw Webby a monster 20-year contract by then

 

[Wah's Up]

I'm always reluctant to upset the balance of a team, old wiser heads to guide the enthusiastic, quicker and riskier young guys.
Since Webby has taken over the older guys whom saw the Wahs as a retirement package can no longer do so as the team collective will not allow bludgers.
Shame about Barnett and Roger but please keep Capewah as his leadership is invaluable.

 

[rugged]

I hope we are also looking to extend Pompey, a bit of an unsung hero. Could easily be our most capped centre, and would be great to have him as one club man. Wouldn't mind him having the kicking duties either.

 

[Warriors4eva95]

RTS already came out in a pod ast he was on a little while ago about his next contract, he said he wouldn't want to play for another NRL team, if the Warriors weren't going to resign him, because of how passionate he is about the jersey and the culture and that he'd be going back to rugby or possibly R360 if the right offer came about or super League if worse came to worse, his not quite ready to lace up his boots

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

Someone mentioned that Leota is off contract in November.

I mean, I know he's the same age as fish. He'd be the same age as Barnett is now....

Potential reunion?

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Probably keep Dallin if so many are leaving, he's been really good again this year and other outside backs aren't exactly screaming for selection, if they're healthy

Extend CHT for 2 years for the utility role and 1st drop 6, Boyd/Metcalf/CHT trio in their prime could be amazing behind this pack. CNK transitions towards centre, TT and Linnane can rotate for FB. If Jett/Tia/Thompson suddenly going beast mode in 27 or 28 and outplays CHT we can always move him on, depends on Healey's situ as well and Metcalf's health. Inch probably have to try out FB eventually, Aussie grown up halves are stacked, they'd know the game better than a union kiwi kid who just started

Not if warbrick is coming!

 

[Ever Hopeful]

I'm not ready to lose Roger yet

I fully get the logic of letting a player go before they deteriorate, and he is on a lot for a winger. But...I don't want him to go. Part sentimentality, partly that he is just the most reliable player in all facets. With his experience, work ethic on and off the pitch, and dependability what more could you could want in a young side? I really think he'll be going strong for a while yet, so I am sad. We do need an overhaul in the backs, I just hoped it would start elsewhere first.

I'm sure paying perhaps 200k less for his wing replacement will make the Warriors a stronger side.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

CHT might well stay even as depth. The guy quit footy so he could go travelling; he's not your usual kind of NRL player and he loves the Warriors.

With Boyd, I'm keen to give it a few more weeks. See how it goes. No need to over-invest in a purple patch; even if it lasts, it's not like we'll be ruing it if he signs with Perth or whoever, given the talent we have coming through.

As for the rest:

• Barnett, already out the door. Replaced by Ford.
• Berry, might get another deal but if he does it'll be unders based on his track record.
• Capewell, actually wouldn't mind extending him. Awesome experience and clearly a great character to have around. Has been mostly solid in his time here too. Great role model for our young back rowers as well.
• Martin, thanks for your service.
• Niukore, fringe first grader as it is and on a hefty whack.
• Roger, heartbreaking but if he wants to go he can go. Toughest to replace out of these though, don't think Warbrick, AKP, Anderson, Mellars have his level of class.

Pretty much any way you slice it, even factoring extensions for Chanel and Boyd + the addition of Warbrick and Anderson, we're probably sitting on about ~1.5m of cap space for 2026. Beyond that you probably need to do upgrades for Egan, Ford, Healey, EIT. But there's easily room for us to make a big swing at someone for fullback, prop, or centre.

For me.....

RTS and Dal go, Then AKP and Warbrick take over.

Cut Berry and accept Anderson.

Agree Barnett and Ford.

Capewell and Niukore gone and Leka and Laban step up with Fatialofa and Toeava getting game time.

While we lose a lot of leadership, Harris will have Klokstad, Metcalf and Boyd, Egan, Clark, Ford. That's enough experience in key positions to bring through some young guns.

We should also have a bit of cap for an experienced player if need be.

 

[Rick O’Shay]

So listening to Webby on the news tonight, Rog going to Wakefield is only a thought at the moment?

He may stay.

 

[Citygirl]

We're getting alot of bittersweet news at the moment.
I'd prefer we kept him for a year.

Or he went to Japan union.

Or back to the Roosters.

Wakefield seems a bit below his stature.

If it's what he wants then good on him. Hopefully a good pay day, opportunity to live on the other side of the world, new experiences and cultures with Europe on your doorstep. I'd jump at the chance

 

[cock_o]

So listening to Webby on the news tonight, Rog going to Wakefield is only a thought at the moment?

He may stay.

You would have to think it would depend on if WW is a done deal or not

 

[Horriors2013]

And Dallin.

I don't know about cleaning out all the old heads, only ones remaining are Fish, Egan and CNK. Maybe really ask if Cape can prop and stay for another 2 years.

I think Demi will prop and Marata if still here. I think Webby thinks like me: Halasima the shock troop from the bench, Laban/Capewah second row this year. I'm thinking Capewah will want to go home next year and Marata will want to stay as long as possible. I could see us throwing Marata a year contract next year, then TSS, RTV, Salalilo take over in 2028 as Fish leaves. Halasima will own the second row with Laban next year. In about 2 years I'd say Neale takes the 13 to become our Jason Taumalolo.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

I think Demi will prop and Marata if still here. I think Webby thinks like me: Halasima the shock troop from the bench, Laban/Capewah second row this year. I'm thinking Capewah will want to go home next year and Marata will want to stay as long as possible. I could see us throwing Marata a year contract next year, then TSS, RTV, Salalilo take over in 2028 as Fish leaves. Halasima will own the second row with Laban next year. In about 2 years I'd say Neale takes the 13 to become our Jason Taumalolo.

Leka is starting in the second row alongside Laban as you mentioned. Doesnt seem destined for the bench at all

 

[Garry Saloon]

Leka is starting in the second row alongside Laban as you mentioned. Doesnt seem destined for the bench at all

He's starting because Capewell is injured. Game 1 he came off the bench.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

I hope we are also looking to extend Pompey, a bit of an unsung hero. Could easily be our most capped centre, and would be great to have him as one club man. Wouldn't mind him having the kicking duties either.

Didn't he start at the chooks? I agree though. He has been an unsung hero. Could have easily done a Bronson Xerri and demanded a release when we first brought RTS back and were trying to make him a centre. He is also bigger than most our forwards- massive human being.

 

[Damo]

Didn't he start at the chooks? I agree though. He has been an unsung hero. Could have easily done a Bronson Xerri and demanded a release when we first brought RTS back and were trying to make him a centre. He is also bigger than most our forwards- massive human being.

Never played for them in first grade. Agree with the sentiment overall though. I remember him being much maligned due to some defensive issues, it definitely takes a while for centres to get used to first grade and he's a prime example of it.

Probably why sticking with Leiataua in the long term will be worth it imo.

 

[ToiletDuck]

I'd be keen on Roger for another year. He's playing well, reliable on the wing, good carries and looks occasionally beats the first defender to make some extra yards.

We've got a bit of an experience and leadership drain in the loss of Barnett +/- Capewell. Add RTS to that and it'd be noticeable I reckon, young guys thriving at present in part because we've got such great experience around them. But he may want a bit of a European holiday to finish up his career.