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​
Luke Hanson	S​
Motu Pasikala	S​	U​
Caelys-Paul Putoko	S​
Jason Salalilo	S​	U​	U​
Makaia Taufa	S​	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: 6/6

2027 Top 30: 23/30
2027 Supplementary: 0/6

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

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Kurt Capewell, 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, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Ali Leiataua, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Motu Pasikala, Adam Pompey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

 

[rugged]

Hand on heart do you think Boyd can go to another level at finals time?

Hand on heart will Luke stay fit long enough for us to get a top four finishing position?

I understand the reluctance to have all three but I think we have to sign CHT - he is the only one that actually wants the 6 jumper. For next year we could have all three while they sort out if Luke can string together a decent number of games and if Tannah is going to keep developing. I would think the overall value of our spine would still be line with most clubs.

 

[Rick O’Shay]

As much as it likely comes across as I’m hating on the guy I’d say the same of all our halves, but the more appearances, the more accustomed they will become. 2023 was a window really because of SJ’s purple patch of form and even throughout his career we weren’t exactly regulars at finals time. I’ve mentioned constantly that I back the club to make the right calls and nothings changed

Not at all. You rightly question whether he has the bottle based on what happened last year and at the time especially the Newy game where he was like a deer in the headlights.

Not sure what has happened in the off season but his play this year is exactly what a team like us needs. Some structure and the ability to create shape to utilise the skills we now have. Plus a decent kicking game.

IMO, as long as we have parity or are dominating the ruck, Boyd and CHT will be fine. The odd missed conversion will happen.

As has been asked in a few threads, what happens with Metcalf? I really have no idea but figure the brains trust will have been sweating bricks on it. Up to me, make him 14 until we see where things are heading.

Still think Healy will end up somewhere as a 13.

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

What really strikes me with retention and recruiting is the amazing job the Warrior's organisation is doing.
It's clear that a healthy ,competitive squad culture trumps alot of our conjecture. When players are genuinely "sold" on the club's ideals , regardless of exactly who plays where, you see success.
Witness Manly, Tigers , Broncos, Rabbitos turnaround and the faith in Cleary at Penrith that paid off last season despite a dire start. At the other end you've got/had good players just checking out namely Dragons and Storm.
At Nrl level we've seen that for most of our time. Hopeless Ownership organisation, and coaches and recruitment.
Isn't it fantastic just to trust in the Club and the coaches believing they'll do their best given the players throughout the grades who want to be on the journey , with a next man up policy and a club that has integrity.
Good times. So whether it's TMM, CHT, LM , TB I'm relaxed knowing that the experts are

Yes.

Same question can be asked of the whole team. If they are reaching another level it will make it easy for both halfs

Guy can't do it on his own nor should he be expected to.

Will he choke as you suggest?, maybe, however we are already seeing some subtle increases in confidence.

Nailed the conversion to win us the game on the weekend. Pretty

First three games of this season Boyd and CHT combo was on fire eh.

I am with you, in that I do not think Boyd and CHT for that matter need to find higher levels, they just need to win their moments with the ball and let the collective effort of the team put us in the big dance.

Extremely likely that anyone who wants to wear the ring is going to have to beat the Panthers. You could elevate Boyd as much as you want, but it won't match Nathan Cleary's best....to win a game like that we would have to have our forwards play the games of their lives and neutralize Cleary.

No halfback in this competition will elevate to Cleary finals level if Cleary's forwards give him free reign.

Totally agree. If Boyd is a 7 out of 10 player. I think Metcalfe is a

Not at all. You rightly question whether he has the bottle based on what happened last year and at the time especially the Newy game where he was like a deer in the headlights.

Not sure what has happened in the off season but his play this year is exactly what a team like us needs. Some structure and the ability to create shape to utilise the skills we now have. Plus a decent kicking game.

IMO, as long as we have parity or are dominating the ruck, Boyd and CHT will be fine. The odd missed conversion will happen.

As has been asked in a few threads, what happens with Metcalf? I really have no idea but figure the brains trust will have been sweating bricks on it. Up to me, make him 14 until we see where things are heading.

Still think Healy will end up somewhere as a 13.

It is nice problem for Webby to have. I also like the look of LH as well. Whilst not a world beater could develop into a handy utility.

I like Healy as well. With Eden extending his deal i am not sure where he fits into the picture longer term. As i am sure he woll want more game time.

Credit to the club in creating sone depth and competition.

 

[Noitall]

Not at all. You rightly question whether he has the bottle based on what happened last year and at the time especially the Newy game where he was like a deer in the headlights.

Not sure what has happened in the off season but his play this year is exactly what a team like us needs. Some structure and the ability to create shape to utilise the skills we now have. Plus a decent kicking game.

IMO, as long as we have parity or are dominating the ruck, Boyd and CHT will be fine. The odd missed conversion will happen.

As has been asked in a few threads, what happens with Metcalf? I really have no idea but figure the brains trust will have been sweating bricks on it. Up to me, make him 14 until we see where things are heading.

Still think Healy will end up somewhere as a 13.

I’ve created some conversation tonight at least. I’ll be really interested in the length of the extension they offer Boyd. In reality if Metcalf was fit he starts the season but Boyd has taken his opportunity and it’ll be unpopular and only my view that’s likely wrong but I see this as a bit like Sexton at bulldogs. I think the bulldogs would have liked to have kept Sexton as backup but they blew it with how it was handled bringing Galvin in and I think we’ll potentially manage a similar situation better and keep Boyd as backup with his blessing that this is how it is? If we keep Boyd as our first choice 7, I think Metcalf plays 6 and CHT backup or bench or gone? I think we still have plans for Metcalf and at $900+k per year, I don’t see him playing off the bench

 

[Sammyw]

Having 3 starting level halves isn’t really a stretch, I don’t get the concern. Plus a payrise for TB still does t have him breaking the bank. If broncs can have Reynolds hunt and mam we can have our 3. Especially considering Metcalf can’t stay fit

 

[Makasene]

Hand on heart do you think Boyd can go to another level at finals time?

No I don't think so, we have seen the best of him, and it's very good. There is no higher level for him.

He won't lift us off the canvas if the forwards are getting dominated.

But I would argue that nor should he. I think our gameplan is pretty beautiful, win the ruck, control the middle and lay a platform for Boyd to do his work, CHT chimes in when needed.

I'd argue that our success comes down to JFH, Egan, Ford, Clark, Barny, Leka, Demi - if these guys can do their job then Boyd's stock standard game looks like Joey Johns

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I'd argue that our success comes down to JFH, Egan, Ford, Clark, Barny, Leka, Demi - if these guys can do their job then Boyd's stock standard game looks like Joey Johns

Brilliantly put!

 

[Theking267]

No I don't think so, we have seen the best of him, and it's very good. There is no higher level for him.

He won't lift us off the canvas if the forwards are getting dominated.

But I would argue that nor should he. I think our gameplan is pretty beautiful, win the ruck, control the middle and lay a platform for Boyd to do his work, CHT chimes in when needed.

I'd argue that our success comes down to JFH, Egan, Ford, Clark, Barny, Leka, Demi - if these guys can do their job then Boyd's stock standard game looks like Joey Johns

Under Webby we are high floor low ceiling type of team where we dominant during the regular season. But struggle in the post season. Because bad teams can’t deal with our game plan. Come the playoffs it’s different story because the talent is even. That’s why Boyd fit’s Webby system. Metcalf is the ex factor that may struggle in the regular season playing with in the system but for us to win Metcalf is the only player that has game breaking ability

 

[Inruin]

Under Webby we are high floor low ceiling type of team where we dominant during the regular season. But struggle in the post season. Because bad teams can’t deal with our game plan. Come the playoffs it’s different story because the talent is even. That’s why Boyd fit’s Webby system. Metcalf is the ex factor that may struggle in the regular season playing with in the system but for us to win Metcalf is the only player that has game breaking ability

That's actually nonsense IMO. 2023 we were one win off the Grand Final. 2025 we outplayed the 4 time champs for long periods. We have threats now in many areas of the team. And I'm not sure how people can say Metcalf would be good in the finals considering he hasn't played any games in the finals.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Hand on heart do you think Boyd can go to another level at finals time?

Hand on heart, do you think metcalf could get through a finals series?

 

[Theking267]

Hand on heart, do you think metcalf could get through a finals series?

We have the ability to manage him and nurse him through to the finals with the depth we have in the halves.

 

[Theking267]

That's actually nonsense IMO. 2023 we were one win off the Grand Final. 2025 we outplayed the 4 time champs for long periods. We have threats now in many areas of the team. And I'm not sure how people can say Metcalf would be good in the finals considering he hasn't played any games in the finals.

We do have threats across the board but Webby puts the system above individual players ex factor.

 

[Tokyo Warrior]

Hand on heart not many would’ve thought Boyd could get to his current level. There is no reason why he can’t go up a gear at the back end of the season based on reps and team familiarity.

 

[Cces]

That's actually nonsense IMO. 2023 we were one win off the Grand Final. 2025 we outplayed the 4 time champs for long periods.

Our playoff record is poor though. 1 out of 4 and closest loss is by 16

 

[CWC]

In the current situation Metcalf is the type of player you put on the 6th man bench and use him to break a deadlock or when you're 12 behind with 15min to go in a playoff

 

[Cces]

In the current situation Metcalf is the type of player you put on the 6th man bench and use him to break a deadlock or when you're 12 behind with 15min to go in a playoff

Having Jackson Ford go 80 might give us that luxury but utilizing Metcalf in that role would mean Egan has to go 80 or there's no minutes for our #17 (Laban/TSS).
Discussion for another thread, but how much better would it be if you could spread your 8 interchanges across 5 players doesn't seem like tactics have changed despite the extra 2 blokes

 

[Fizurg]

Personally I think having three halves that are proven at NRL level is amazing and shouldn't break the cap. The team has a genuine 7 a genuine 6 and a player who's proven to be able to play 6 and 7 to a high level. Metcalf looked out of place in his two games this season but i don't think its a stretch to say when fit and firing he's the best 6 in the squad. Give Boyd and Metcalf the chance to gel in the halves and the team is suddenly a real title threat. CHT is an ideal player to have on a six man bench and when injuries occur can step straight into 6.
Of course this all comes down to Metcalf's form coming right and him and Boyd finding a structure that works. But to me its worth the gamble.

 

[3rdstriker]

Hand on heart not many would’ve thought Boyd could get to his current level. There is no reason why he can’t go up a gear at the back end of the season based on reps and team familiarity.

Yep I mean he's gone up a gear from last year so why not another.

 

[Theking267]

In the current situation Metcalf is the type of player you put on the 6th man bench and use him to break a deadlock or when you're 12 behind with 15min to go in a playoff

I think CHT can cover hooker off the bench and halves if there are injuries. Think the one that misses out is Healey. CHT can take that TMM role off the bench

 

[CWC]

Having Jackson Ford go 80 might give us that luxury but utilizing Metcalf in that role would mean Egan has to go 80 or there's no minutes for our #17 (Laban/TSS).
Discussion for another thread, but how much better would it be if you could spread your 8 interchanges across 5 players doesn't seem like tactics have changed despite the extra 2 blokes

You can only use 4 players still, so you'd still give Healey, and say Demi and Barney their normal minutes as Ford plays 80 like you said (5+ interchanges, Webby's only been using 7 lately I think, Leka/Cape been given 80 quite a bit), and save the last player depending on the game situation ie injuries or falling behind needing x-factor etc

I liked having TT as the 5/6th bench man as the wild card and Metcalf could try this role if we're sticking with Boyd/CHT combo, Webby's team this week kinda happens to give room to trial it too