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: 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

 

[Bluecat]

Last year despite his stats, many on this forum were calling for his head.
I don't blame him if he finds himself a lucrative deal offshore.

Imagine Luai at halfback and CHT at standoff for the Chiefs for a retirement payday for Chanel

 

[Dead Man Switch]

26 - 30 Years are the PEAK years for an NRL half.

It looks roughly like this

Early development: 20–23
Ascending phase: 23–26
Peak years: 26–30
Elite longevity window: 30–33 (sometimes beyond for exceptional players)


CHT is 27 years old

So we are experiencing peak CHT right now. As a defensive first no.6

Luke Metcalf is 27 years old also.
Tanah Boyd is 25
Luke Hanson - 22
TMM - 30
Jett Cleary - 21
Jye Linnane - 20

The question is - knowing that CHT is unlikely to get a lot better from where he is but will still have about 2-3 years of this solid form left in him. How much is that worth $$$ wise?

I think it is likely for senior halves insurance that the Warriors give CHT another contract but they also will not want to break the bank on him

 

[Shauns_Johnson]

Cowboys hold secret talks with Warriors gun Chanel Harris-Tavita, putting pressure on Jake Clifford to commit to club​

Cowboys coach Todd Payten has met with a Warriors spine member as the club explores its playmaking options, turning the screws on Jake Clifford to commit to the club - or risk being squeezed out.


The Cowboys have held secret talks with Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita as Jake Clifford fights for his future at North Queensland.
This masthead can reveal Cowboys coach Todd Payten has met with Harris-Tavita as the club explores its playmaking options in the lead up to Friday night’s clash against the Bulldogs in Sydney.
The Cowboys have been impressed with Clifford’s 2026 campaign so far, prompting the club to table a two-year extension for the late-blooming five-eighth, who is off-contract at season’s end.
But with Clifford hesitating at agreeing to terms on the two-year offer, the Cowboys are considering a number of contingencies as a possible scrumbase partner for co-captain Tom Dearden next season.
Harris-Tavita is among the options. It is understood Payten has held preliminary talks with the Warriors pivot, who is a free agent and yet to secure a deal with the Kiwi outfit for 2027.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Cowboys coach Todd Payten looks on after winning the round eight NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on April 24, 2026, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The Cowboys have not tabled a deal at this stage, but their interest in Harris-Tavita has turned up the heat on Clifford to commit to the club - or risk being squeezed out by salary-cap pressures.
North Queensland football boss Micheal Luck declined to comment on the club’s pursuit of Harris-Tavita but confirmed the Cowboys are doing everything possible to retain Clifford.
“We have been impressed with Jake’s form over the opening eight weeks of the season,” Luck said.
“He worked hard to lock down his spot in the side in pre-season and he has certainly made the most of his opportunity.
“We’ve been in discussions with his management for some time and we are hopeful of getting a deal done.”
This article contains features which are only available in the web versionTake me there
Harris-Tavita is one of the most talented playmakers currently on the open market.
A veteran of 10 Tests for Samoa, the 27-year-old celebrated his 100th NRL game in last week’s win over the Dolphins and has played a key role in the Warriors’ rise to second spot after eight rounds.
Harris-Tavita had a 12-month sabbatical from the game in 2023, travelling around Europe, but has proved his playmaking class since his return to the Warriors and the NRL in 2024.
It is believed the Cowboys have met with several halves, including the impressive Harris-Tavita, whom Payten coached during his time at the Warriors before his move to Townsville.
The overtures to Harris-Tavita come at a time when Clifford is hoping to secure his future at the Cowboys.

The Cairns junior was tipped for big things when he debuted for the club in 2018, but Clifford struggled to cement a first-grade spot and was released to Newcastle before heading to England with Castleford in 2023.
Since returning home to North Queensland in 2024, Clifford has displayed more consistency and fought his way back to finish the 2025 season in the No.6 jumper.
After an outstanding 2026 pre-season, Clifford retained the five-eighth role for the premiership and has started alongside Dearden in the opening two months heading into the Bulldogs clash.
The 28-year-old plays his 98th NRL game on Friday night, but the Cowboys will have no choice but to move on if Clifford refuses to accept their two-year offer.

​

1+1+1=3 thinking but all very convenient that this gets leaked at a time where the Cows are hoping someone else takes their offer and CHT’s management are (seemingly) hoping for a decent contract offer to come their way from another club (Wahs).

 

[Naynay]

With Cht though he has always done the basics well, but he has never set the world on fire he almost goes under the radar.
Is it because it's contract year up he's putting out these efforts both offensive and defensively or is it because he's coming into his prime? All of a sudden he's become hot property.

He was solid his first year back and last year and this year he has been killing it, honestly surprised this is the first we are hearing of another club knocking

 

[3rdstriker]

Imagine Luai at halfback and CHT at standoff for the Chiefs for a retirement payday for Chanel

Wow! Could just about go all the way with the right forwards and depth.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Personally, I would have thought that CHT would be a priority resigning. Given the Metcalfe and Boyd could get “homesick” at any minute.

We’ve literally been through this a few times over the last few years with elite talent.

I also feel that CHT has a fair bit more growth as well and easily has 5-7 years in him.
I’d let TMM walk and if push came to shove, Boyd too.

A settled halves combo of CHT and Boyd/Metcalf will be crucial as the competition expands

 

[Completion Rate]

Cowboys using Chanel as a reverse Matai to pressure their own player into signing lol. Payten's a loser.
Chanel gets free profile motion. Stonks go up. But its his form thats doing the talking.
I think he'll go for a 2 year extension on a handsome figure.

 

[Shauns_Johnson]

Cowboys using Chanel as a reverse Matai to pressure their own player into signing lol. Payten's a loser.
Chanel gets free profile motion. Stonks go up. But its his form thats doing the talking.
I think he'll go for a 2 year extension on a handsome figure.

He’s in the form of his life going into his prime earning years. No chance he signs anything less than a three year deal and probably wants at least four

 

[KPWarrior]

If it's just the club letting him test the market, it's a pretty smart move, both parties will know where they stand, then it's up to CHT what his preferences are, I can't see him going to another club for a big payday, and why the Cowboys? they've been nowhere for years, and Payton's gotta be on shaky ground.

I think we'll put a fair deal in front him and he'll take it!

 

[Shauns_Johnson]

He was solid his first year back and last year and this year he has been killing it, honestly surprised this is the first we are hearing of another club knocking

I’m sure he’s actually speaking to other clubs. They just don’t all have another 6 they’re trying to encourage to re-sign

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

If the club has gone with Boyd Over CHT then I'm okay with it, and Imo it's the right decision.

There have been far more winners than losers under the two Andy's.

#trusttheprocess
# trustwebby
#trustcappy

 

[LeagueJunkie]

Yep totally. This masthead reports that a secret meeting happened between parties a and b. In that secret meeting that nobody knows about and nobody talked about after, this masthead was told by nobody that Chitty is a Cowboy.

This masthead sounds like a right dickhead

 

[Horriors2013]

26 - 30 Years are the PEAK years for an NRL half.

It looks roughly like this

Early development: 20–23
Ascending phase: 23–26
Peak years: 26–30
Elite longevity window: 30–33 (sometimes beyond for exceptional players)


CHT is 27 years old

So we are experiencing peak CHT right now. As a defensive first no.6

Luke Metcalf is 27 years old also.
Tanah Boyd is 25
Luke Hanson - 22
TMM - 30
Jett Cleary - 21
Jye Linnane - 20

The question is - knowing that CHT is unlikely to get a lot better from where he is but will still have about 2-3 years of this solid form left in him. How much is that worth $$$ wise?

I think it is likely for senior halves insurance that the Warriors give CHT another contract but they also will not want to break the bank on him

Good post. Can't argue with this. We’re spoilt for halves - this dilemma just crept up on us slowly. I think Webby is totally trying to let nature runs its course and see who is left. I can't even make a call on Tanah/Metcalf/CHT. I love them all.

To go on a tangent for a bit, I hear Knights fans complaining about resigning Ponga, as he has played on average 10 games a year.

I think Warriors are similarly divided about Metcalf. We love him when he's fit and has a few games under his belt. But with lengthy stints on the sideline, the question must be asked if we're getting value for money. Nothing against Luke personally. But look at how that situation has hampered Knights in the past. You commit a large portion of your cap in injured players and it's inevitable you're going to lose quality.

I wonder if clubs are going to start paying less for injured players?

Would you pay $6-700k for Tanah who plays 20-24 games, or $900k for Metcalf who plays 10-15 games?

Last year we were saying Metcalf ALL DAY! But long absences make some Warriors fans forget that.

My opinion, Metcalf/CHT are our winning combination, and Linnane/Cleary/Hanson/Thompson are more than adequate cover. Not that Tanah is inferior, more that Metcalf has a bit more X-factor in his running which can be what wins a GF. And he's a couple years on in terms of his stage in his career.

I think one more year for Tanah at our club, then PNG will swoop on him. I'm predicting a one-year extension at maybe $500k, then he'll go partner Luai at PNG. And that will be great for rugby league.

 

[Horriors2013]

If it's just the club letting him test the market, it's a pretty smart move, both parties will know where they stand, then it's up to CHT what his preferences are, I can't see him going to another club for a big payday, and why the Cowboys? they've been nowhere for years, and Payton's gotta be on shaky ground.

I think we'll put a fair deal in front him and he'll take it!

That's a realistic take. I agree. He's a Warriors for life player I think.

 

[Makasene]

Our playoff record is poor though. 1 out of 4 and closest loss is by 16
View attachment 17146

3 losses to the last 2 premiers. Hardly poor.

0 out of 1 in the prior 12 years, that is poor.

 

[Victor_Radley's_Scrotum]

Chanel's the kinda guy that I'd hate to see play for anyone else. Also the kind of guy to knock you out then run train on your missus, just ask Josh King. Up da Wahs.

 

[CWC]

Feels this will be a case of cow fans discuss getting CHT for a few days then news break CHT extends for multiple years

 

[Cces]

3 losses to the last 2 premiers. Hardly poor.

What's a better way to describe a 25% success rate?

 

[skinnydippng]

Feels this will be a case of cow fans discuss getting CHT for a few days then news break CHT extends for multiple years

please
i would give my left nut* for him to stay much like he sacrificed his for this club


*i don’t have one anyway but the thought counts

we can give the cows one lightly broken te maire martin who was good for them!

 

[Warriorsitsouryear]

Is there a world where all three can stay?

Boyd and metcalf in the halves, CHT play lock or 14?

I feel like CHT would be okay with slotting in anywhere needed.

I think CHT in a 13 jersey would be okay. Move Clark to front row and keep Vaimauga on the bench for the time being.

Chanel left centre next year.