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

 

[Cces]

Across 2024-25 Berry started 21 games & finished just 15 of these. The club appears to love him as a person but it's a business. This season has a maximum of 19 games left, he is zero chance of playing them all, but let's say he miraculously gets through 80 minutes in 16 games on the way to the GF, so 37 starts in 3 seasons (31 finishes) at $32k per game (based of an estimated 400k per year) that's a lot of money for a player who's most commonly referred to asset is kick chase

 

[Cces]

I thought I’d seen $500k but could be completely wrong?

I'm completely guessing at the 350-400. Maybe one of the SMH or Code Sport articles has said 500k, they would know better than my best guess

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

I like Rocco Berry as a player. The club has to have competition and goals to achieve. Due to injuries, and same applies to LM, TMM and CNK they may have to fall down the pecking order which may force them out.

Unfortunately Berry cannot command top dollar as others arw ahead of him in the queue, othet signings have been made and his Unfortunately injury record goes against him for a long term contract at top $$$.. Hence, any offer should be 1 year only on base money.

Realistically, if he play 7 or 8 games he maybe lucky. Same with TMM and CNK could be in danger of slipping out of favour.

This is a credit to the club for creating such a competitive environment

 

[The Undertaker]

Bye week means recruiter deals week.
Boyd clearly wants to stay. I expect that deal gets done quickly - probably 2 year extension. But that would also need to link in with CHT - probably 2 years as well. Club have to have insurance on Metcalf and Jye Linnane (who we have yet to see) who have been plagued by injury.

Capes - I wouldn’t be surprised to see another year with a club option for him - I just think we are in a prem window and he’s playing better than ever. I expect him to stay.

Rocco Berry - signing Anderson probably tells you everything. Probably only one spot in the squad for between him and Adam Pompey who can play both sides. He’s another Lukey Met - injuries may mean we let him go elsewhere. Superleague is probably the go.

I expect Kayliss and EIT to get 2 year extensions - they will line up with the Zesty boys as our future. EIT looked like he belongs in grade.

I reckon TMM goes superleague.

In terms of signings, I think a bench middle to replace Barnett and Niukore is on the shopping list to own the middle of the game when Fish and Erin are off the paddock and to work with Demi.

Anyway - I expect some answers in the next two weeks shaping up the 2027 squad.

NSW Cup is blooding generation next at the moment and some of those kids need another 12-24 months of development.

All in all, what a spot to be in!
Next week will be fun for business…

 

[Cces]

Superleague is probably the go.

Remember reports that Bunty couldn't go to Super League due to lack of recent NRL games. I don't know the ins & outs but both Berry and TMM (less so) could have the same issue

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

Bye week means recruiter deals week.
Boyd clearly wants to stay. I expect that deal gets done quickly - probably 2 year extension. But that would also need to link in with CHT - probably 2 years as well. Club have to have insurance on Metcalf and Jye Linnane (who we have yet to see) who have been plagued by injury.

Capes - I wouldn’t be surprised to see another year with a club option for him - I just think we are in a prem window and he’s playing better than ever. I expect him to stay.

Rocco Berry - signing Anderson probably tells you everything. Probably only one spot in the squad for between him and Adam Pompey who can play both sides. He’s another Lukey Met - injuries may mean we let him go elsewhere. Superleague is probably the go.

I expect Kayliss and EIT to get 2 year extensions - they will line up with the Zesty boys as our future. EIT looked like he belongs in grade.

I reckon TMM goes superleague.

In terms of signings, I think a bench middle to replace Barnett and Niukore is on the shopping list to own the middle of the game when Fish and Erin are off the paddock and to work with Demi.

Anyway - I expect some answers in the next two weeks shaping up the 2027 squad.

NSW Cup is blooding generation next at the moment and some of those kids need another 12-24 months of development.

All in all, what a spot to be in!
Next week will be fun for business…

Watching last night it is so good to see the development of the squad.

 

[Cces]

4 years at $600k average. 400k next season, 500k following, then 700k, 800k.

You can't be serious. Committing 2.4 million dollars into Rocco Berry based on what? His most consistent season was 2023 when he played 16 games. 800k ÷ 16 = 50k per game.
The club have already poured close to 2M into him for not much return on their investment

 

[CWC]

Bye week means recruiter deals week.
Boyd clearly wants to stay. I expect that deal gets done quickly - probably 2 year extension. But that would also need to link in with CHT - probably 2 years as well. Club have to have insurance on Metcalf and Jye Linnane (who we have yet to see) who have been plagued by injury.

Capes - I wouldn’t be surprised to see another year with a club option for him - I just think we are in a prem window and he’s playing better than ever. I expect him to stay.

Rocco Berry - signing Anderson probably tells you everything. Probably only one spot in the squad for between him and Adam Pompey who can play both sides. He’s another Lukey Met - injuries may mean we let him go elsewhere. Superleague is probably the go.

I expect Kayliss and EIT to get 2 year extensions - they will line up with the Zesty boys as our future. EIT looked like he belongs in grade.

I reckon TMM goes superleague.

In terms of signings, I think a bench middle to replace Barnett and Niukore is on the shopping list to own the middle of the game when Fish and Erin are off the paddock and to work with Demi.

Anyway - I expect some answers in the next two weeks shaping up the 2027 squad.

NSW Cup is blooding generation next at the moment and some of those kids need another 12-24 months of development.

All in all, what a spot to be in!
Next week will be fun for business…

We have 4 second rowers outside the 17 with Neal to come, Laban & EIT Webby might turn them into props like Barney, Ford and Demi

Next year Leka/Fats/Gannon our 2nd row and introducing Neal gradually, keeping Cape increases depth and maintain experience depending on what they prefer

 

[Buzz Killington]

Our recruitment position must be becoming more and more attractive by the week. Do you want to become the best player you possibly can? Then, sign with the Warriors. If Ford and Boyd are Dally M contenders, then it really says a lot about the education players receive here. They need to milk this point for all it is worth!

 

[CWC]

Our recruitment position must be becoming more and more attractive by the week. Do you want to become the best player you possibly can? Then, sign with the Warriors. If Ford and Boyd are Dally M contenders, then it really says a lot about the education players receive here. They need to milk this point for all it is worth!

SJ dally m, Barney SOO, Clark kiwis/dally m, Ford dally m, Egan always in SOO conversation, Boyd top 2 half of comp, Metcalf dally m, Healey getting noticed, AKP exploding, DWZ career best scoring seasons, CHT top 10 halves….

 

[juju]

SJ dally m, Barney SOO, Clark kiwis/dally m, Ford dally m, Egan always in SOO conversation, Boyd top 2 half of comp, Metcalf dally m, Healey getting noticed, AKP exploding, DWZ career best scoring seasons, CHT top 10 halves….

AFB has regressed at the Sharks from some dominant performances at the warriors too

 

[Wrighty]

Our recruitment position must be becoming more and more attractive by the week. Do you want to become the best player you possibly can? Then, sign with the Warriors. If Ford and Boyd are Dally M contenders, then it really says a lot about the education players receive here. They need to milk this point for all it is worth!

Well the only reason we have AKP is that he wanted to be a playoff bound club according to my memory of his interviews. We were the big top performing club who got a good player from a lower performing club in this case.
@Cces what was Capewell's story did he sign with us to be part of a winning club or did he come here with us at a low ebb?

 

[snake77]

Well the only reason we have AKP is that he wanted to be a playoff bound club according to my memory of his interviews. We were the big top performing club who got a good player from a lower performing club in this case.
@Cces what was Capewell's story did he sign with us to be part of a winning club or did he come here with us at a low ebb?

He was at the Broncos who eliminated us in 2023. They went on to play in the Grand Final.

It would have been a case of the Broncos looking to push some of their younger guys and getting time off the bench. Or a longer contract at the end of his career with the Warriors.

Yes, we have young back rowers coming through but they were a bit further off when he signed. His signing was to add some experience. Both in game and to help raise standards on the training field.

 

[Ever Hopeful]

AFB has regressed at the Sharks from some dominant performances at the warriors too

The club can legitimately be seen as a place that will make you a better player. That has never been the case in the past 30 years. Even 2002 was more a influx of super talent combined with a couple of wily old dogs. It didn't end up being sustainable.

Cleary got a lot from limited resources with the help of a few bright talents, but he didn't really add much to his players.

This is a time where you have got to remind yourself to sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope Webster does a Bellamy and stays for 25 years. Interesting that it was Agar and McFadden that convinced Webby to look at Ford. It is a good team of people running the club.

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

Cleary got a lot from limited resources with the help of a few bright talents, but he didn't really add much to his players.

The club is, quite clearly, in the best place it's ever been.

Timing, personale, rulesets, social perception. There's a lot that's had to fall into place and even more work that's had to be done.

This is a time where you have got to remind yourself to sit back and enjoy the ride...and hope Webster does a Bellamy and stays for 25 years. Interesting that it was Agar and McFadden that convinced Webby to look at Ford. It is a good team of people running the club.

Agreed.

The more I think about it, the luckier I feel as a fan, that we're here right now.

We are entering a golden age. Shits about to get REAL good, I can feel it.

 

[snake77]

Players coming here and improving is not just a benefit for our recruitment. There would be flow on effects to our retention.

Guys feel wanted here.

If you were struggling somewhere else and have started to perform under Webster. You would want to assess the club you are going to. Some coaches a few bad games and you could be blamed, dropped and end up down on confidence like before coming here under Webster.

Yes, we will lose guys. It is the nature of the recruitment market and our club developing juniors. Also the market with clubs having more cap space available, third parties etc.

Guys moving on will need to assess why they turned things around here and if that will continue.

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

Players coming here and improving is not just a benefit for our recruitment. There would be flow on effects to our retention.

Guys feel wanted here.

If you were struggling somewhere else and have started to perform under Webster. You would want to assess the club you are going to. Some coaches a few bad games and you could be blamed, dropped and end up down on confidence like before coming here under Webster.

Yes, we will lose guys. It is the nature of the recruitment market and our club developing juniors. Also the market with clubs having more cap space available, third parties etc.

Guys moving on will need to assess why they turned things around here and if that will continue.

Agree, you look at Ford, Boyd and AKP was not maybe every one pick of signings but they have all been worth it. Kudos to the Warriors scouting and nurturing teams

 

[Rick O’Shay]

I expect with our new found success that we will see a lot more 3rd party deals done.

Nothing sells stuff like winning

 

[The Warrior Waka]

If Boyd signs with us longer than 1 year, we're going to be perplexed again. If CHT signs with Cowboys, we're going to be disappointed. I don't want to make a choice. Just keep them all please!

Now I think we'd be wise to sign all 3. With Metcalf's injury history we'd need Boyd & CHT. CHT is the only legit 6 out of the 3. Boyd & Mets are battling for the 7 jersey. Altho, Mets can play 6 too.

CHT could make a deadly utility off of the bench. And cover halves , hooker centre & FB. Probably 13 too. Both Boyd (7,6,9) Mets(6,7,1) can be bench utilities dependent on form out of the 3.

Mets is the superior goal kicker out of the 3. Boyd needs alot of work with his goal kicking. CHT is our defensive rock.

Keeping all 3 means we will lose TMM & Healy. And maybe CNK & Tuaupiki. And have to bring up a junior who is a cheaper option(Ratcliffe), Having 3 halves on big money.

Egan is essential for his trickery and game smarts. Losing Healy would suck. We have Tafua who is of similar ilk close to a debut. CHT who can do a good enough job covering Egan.

Some sacrifices need to be made. Cleary is not ready. We need all 3.