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

 

[Warriorsfan92]

He's a more well-rounded, more complete player than AKP to me. And even Mellars, who is a great corner finisher and aerial threat but would be exposed badly at everything else in first grade imo.

Think it might be too early for Norris this year though. Need to see him in cup first. He's obviously way too good for Flegg, would have like line 2+ line breaks and 7+ tackle breaks per game without fail currently from eye test

Given the way guys like Bishop Neal, Jack Thompson and Junior Sikuvea have stepped up to NSW cup this year like its nothing, I have no doubt Norris would kill it in NSW cup as he's been doing in Flegg.

He makes a lot of errors. Once he can tidy that up, he’ll be a very good player. Great kick returns, can turn nothing into something. One of the quickest at the club too.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Is he a candidate for FB once Charnze contract ends? Inch?

Norris is a winger not a fb. Inch is a 6. They’re not fullbacks. Norris potentially one day but he hasn’t played many games there. Predominantly a winger, and has filled in at centre at times. Maybe a few games at fb.

 

[sup42]

He's on the outer at the Raiders

He's a Kiwi so might be more interested in NZ

Cappy has Raiders ties and is our recruitment manager.

We're clearly hunting/revamping our backs now that our forwards pipeline is moving.

Aside from that forum maths that result in 2+2 = new centre - nothing.

There was a time where it seemed the only players Cappy could get were ex Canberra (going back to his Coaching days....so way back....and generalising here).


But to your point. If Timoko is keen and we don't sign him it will be because Cappy has the inside dirt and Timoko is not worth the risk or the price.

I mean look at the Moneyball trades McFadden is making now, picking up a Storm Winger and a Titans Winger for a backline that has defensive issues on one edge and attacking issues arguably on both flanks.

So what have we gained here? What is McFadden up to?

Neither player is the break the bank kind of buy that you pay overs for. Warbrick isn't gonna need 'living in NZ' money to attract him here. AKP is the same kettle of fish coz A) he is not wanted and a gamble for any club and B) the Warriors didn't sign him as a Minnow club looking for crumbs - we are the club most fans think are probably going to finally become a power in the NRL.

Some will automatically think that if the Storm don't want Warbrick then there must be something wrong with him. Well who cares what the Storm thinks, because they operate with a shaddy asf salary cap and have a fruit tree in their back yard with the next great NRL whatever growing on it.

One of my fears with the call to 'Xfactor up ' our backline is that we would buy someone like AKP and add 'Try's for' while adding 'Try's against'. What is the point of that? that's more of the same of what we have and if you keep going in that direction Try's against turns us into the same of smelly stinky lazy Jungle balling universally loathed hot potato Warriors.

Will Warbrick is an Elite NRL defender. One of the best in the game (arguably around third or fourth behind players Like To'o Coates etc) so when you add this signing to the AKP buy, and look at the big picture, having one great edge defender, affords you a 'project' with electric speed on the the other edge.

So considering the Calculus of Try's for and Try's against, you could strongly argue that a combination buy of Warbrick and AKP sets our floor, or baseline at where we are now (RTS defensive - Dallin Offensive).

But as far as the ceiling goes for Warbrick/AKP you're talking about a defensive Winger that can fight on our Try line in the air and actually win vs some of the NRL giants like Coates, Tupou etc. And Warbrick has great reads when it comes to the Jamming in or sliding out plays that Dallin will never dominate.

And Warbrick as others will state has a polished finishers game, an aerial game on attack (obviously) but the thing I like is when we lose Rogers stability and safety, we at least replace that with like for like.

Hoping AKP can sort his career out here, we need him, but I am sure McFadden et al have a plan if AKP goes to shit. They're not dumb.

 

[Theking267]

Norris is a winger not a fb. Inch is a 6. They’re not fullbacks. Norris potentially one day but he hasn’t played many games there. Predominantly a winger, and has filled in at centre at times. Maybe a few games at fb.

They did play Norris at Fullback for the first trial in his cameo. But that was probably because Lemana was injured who was named as flegg fullback ahead of Joseph Ratcliffe who was moved to the halves

 

[WAH MAN]

There was a time where it seemed the only players Cappy could get were ex Canberra (going back to his Coaching days....so way back....and generalising here).

But the truth of it is that McFadden has become a known figure to player agents in the NRL and is a serious name in the player trading market (it helps having a top four culture behind your brand eh and a history of the head coach turning players into Origin prospects).

But to your point. If Timoko is keen and we don't sign him it will be because Cappy has the inside dirt and Timoko is not worth the risk or the price.

I mean look at the Moneyball trades McFadden is making now, picking up a Storm Winger and a Titans Winger for a backline that has defensive issues on one edge and attacking issues arguably on both flanks.

So what have we gained here? What is McFadden up to?

Neither player is the break the bank kind of buy that you pay overs for. Warbrick isn't gonna need 'living in NZ' money to attract him here. AKP is the same kettle of fish coz A) he is not wanted and a gamble for any club and B) the Warriors didn't sign him as a Minnow club looking for crumbs - we are the club most fans think are probably going to finally become a power in the NRL.

Some will automatically think that if the Storm don't want Warbrick then there must be something wrong with him. Well who cares what the Storm thinks, because they operate with a shaddy asf salary cap and have a fruit tree in their back yard with the next great NRL whatever growing on it.

One of my fears with the call to 'Xfactor' (bullshit fan word bah humbug) where was I 'Xfactor up ' our backline is that we would buy someone like AKP and add 'Try's for' while adding 'Try's against'. What is the point of that? that's more of the same of what we have and if you keep going in that direction Try's against turns us into the same of smelly stinky lazy Jungle balling universally loathed hot potato Warriors (sorry had a flash back....not my fault....I blame the Xfactor tab I just dropped).

Will Warbrick is an Elite NRL defender. One of the best in the game (arguably around third or fourth behind players Like To'o Coates etc) so when you add this signing to the AKP buy, and look at the big picture, having one great edge defender, affords you a 'project' with electric speed on the the other edge.

So considering the Calculus of Try's for and Try's against, you could strongly argue that a combination buy of Warbrick and AKP sets our floor, or baseline at where we are now (RTS defensive - Dallin Offensive).

But as far as the ceiling goes for Warbrick/AKP you're talking about a defensive Winger that can fight on our Try line in the air and actually win vs some of the NRL giants like Coates, Tupou etc. And Warbrick has great reads when it comes to the Jamming in or sliding out plays that Dallin will never dominate.

And Warbrick as others will state has a polished finishers game, an aerial game on attack (obviously) but the thing I like is when we lose Rogers stability and safety, we at least replace that with like for like.

Hoping AKP can sort his career out here, we need him, but I am sure McFadden et al have a plan if AKP goes to shit. They're not dumb.

War Brick had to learn a bit of spacing in the sevens and comes with ups and downs. Lofi has ups and downs. Bricky is ready. Lofi is getting ready. We have them both for next year and it's exciting what "could be".

Agreed on Lofi having many tries against and that matters for sure and is why he hasn't debuted thus far. But Webby is doing well to have him hover around the game day squad.

 

[snake77]

Warbirck will help get our sets started like our current back three.

He will be a handy target for kicks to the corner.

Things do tend to happen around him.

 

[Muddogz]

I would view Warbrick as the replacement for DWZ given he’s a right winger. I think the plan with AKP is to give him a year to work on the flaws in his game with the view to replace RTS next season. I think Anderson is plan B if AKP doesn’t improve and the young options don’t pan out.

 

[Warriorsfan92]

They did play Norris at Fullback for the first trial in his cameo. But that was probably because Lemana was injured who was named as flegg fullback ahead of Joseph Ratcliffe who was moved to the halves

Yes exactly. Lemana ranked highly by the club as a fb.

 

[CWC]

Yes exactly. Lemana ranked highly by the club as a fb.

Is he 17? So he could debut at like 19?

 

[Hitro]

https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2026/03/31/warbrick/

 

[Theking267]

Yes exactly. Lemana ranked highly by the club as a fb.

Plus they want to play Lemana and Ratcliffe together hence why Ratclife was moved to the half’s. Be interesting to see were they play this week in flegg with Kali out.

 

[The Warrior Waka]

Plus they want to play Lemana and Ratcliffe together hence why Ratclife was moved to the half’s. Be interesting to see were they play this week in flegg with Kali out.

Ratcliffe reminds me of Walsh. A ball playing fb with mean footwork and good speed. Lemana has similar attributes just not as polished with the ball in hand. Lemama is also a better defender. I could see this working out nicely.

They better not get to complacent tho. Kaian Olsen is nipping at their heels.

 

[Dead Man Switch]

The hype in Aussie is beginning to build for Bishop Neal - 'Warriors Unearth the next SBW'

Teen prodigy’s statement after Seibold sacking; Warriors unearth next SBW — Ressies Wrap

Teen prodigy’s statement after Seibold axe; next SBW unearthed — Ressies Wrap

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[CWC]

The hype in Aussie is beginning to build for Bishop Neal - 'Warriors Unearth the next SBW'

Teen prodigy’s statement after Seibold sacking; Warriors unearth next SBW — Ressies Wrap

Teen prodigy’s statement after Seibold axe; next SBW unearthed — Ressies Wrap

www.foxsports.com.au

Need that hyphenated name, Bishop Neal W - BNW

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Chances of Warbrick being Nielsen 2.0?

 

[Worried2Death]

Damn, missed out on the big Dutch Tongan west coaster.

Broncos Secure Verhoeven on Three-Year Deal

Young outside back Antonio Verhoeven has signed a three-year, contract with the Club, securing his future at Red Hill through to the end of 2029.

www.broncos.com.au

 

[Cces]

Chances of Warbrick being Nielsen 2.0?

Highly unlikely. Warbrick will arrive here at 28 with about 80 NRL caps, which is almost identical in age & caps to Nielsen, but Warbrick will probably have more than double the amount of NRL tries & a silver medal from the Olympics.

 

[Shogun]

Will Warbrick reveals why he signed with the Warriors​

Warbrick will join the Warriors from the 2027 season.​

Kye Ferreira
WRITER | March 31, 2026 - 2:04pm

Will Warbrick went to Melbourne alone, in the shadow of a pandemic, chasing a dream.

Now, almost five years later, Warbrick will head home after the 2026, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

The New Zealand Warriors have secured one of the NRL's most exciting outside backs, with Warbrick confirming he will join the club.

It's a signing that makes football sense, but the story behind it runs much deeper.

"I think it's just the opportunity now to be back home in New Zealand and closer to my family," the Storm winger told the media.

"I moved here just five years ago. I think COVID was still a thing. We were at the back end of COVID, so there was a lot unknown.

"It's been a great five or so years. I've loved it. I love being here, but for me, my main priority is my family."

Circumstances have changed, life has a way of shifting perspectives, a new relationship, more mileage on the clock, and suddenly, the things that seemed secondary started moving to the front of the queue.

"I was more worried about Melbourne Storm and my career. I've got a partner now, and she's from New Zealand as well," Warbrick revealed.

"As you get older and your scenario changes, you start having different priorities and things in life.

"That's what led to my decision, really, in the end."

There's no bitterness in those words, no sense of running away from something.

Just a man running towards the people who matter the most.

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Highly unlikely. Warbrick will arrive here at 28 with about 80 NRL caps, which is almost identical in age & caps to Nielsen, but Warbrick will probably have more than double the amount of NRL tries & a silver medal from the Olympics.

Beautiful! I'm sold - get the man on the next plane!

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Damn, missed out on the big Dutch Tongan west coaster.

Broncos Secure Verhoeven on Three-Year Deal

Young outside back Antonio Verhoeven has signed a three-year, contract with the Club, securing his future at Red Hill through to the end of 2029.

www.broncos.com.au

Dude's a fucking unit aye! Would've been keen as to land him. Nevermind, Reece Walsh it is.