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

 

[Dead Man Switch]

I have a suspicion it may end up looking like this if the Cowboys money for CHT is great

1. TT / Linnane
2. Warbrick
3. Grant Anderson
4. Ali Leiataua
5. AFP
6. Luke Metcalf
7. Tanah Boyd

 

[WAH MAN]

Bowden seems to lack a little power or explosiveness. Got some good physical attributes. If he gets a bit more aggressive he could develop but to be fair he feels a little underwhelming at the moment.

Some of the best players bloom at different ages. We're in a positive position at present which means some players like him would benefit from slower growth than others. He appears to have the build but not the skillset and motor to shine so much. But if we let him keep cooking for a couple more years his truest value and position should be visible. No hurry.

 

[Stgeorgenz]

I’d retain Rocco. Offer him a 2 year $300k per year contract. If he gets a better deal elsewhere good luck to him. Next year we only have;

Anderson, Pompey, Ali in the centres. Having a first grade 50+ game 24 year old is worth keeping. We also don’t have a ton of young guys coming through in that position that are NRL ready

 

[CWC]

I’d retain Rocco. Offer him a 2 year $300k per year contract. If he gets a better deal elsewhere good luck to him. Next year we only have;

Anderson, Pompey, Ali in the centres. Having a first grade 50+ game 24 year old is worth keeping. We also don’t have a ton of young guys coming through in that position that are NRL ready

I’d offer in the 200s with bonus if he can plays 10-15 games this year in either grades

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

I’d retain Rocco. Offer him a 2 year $300k per year contract. If he gets a better deal elsewhere good luck to him. Next year we only have;

Anderson, Pompey, Ali in the centres. Having a first grade 50+ game 24 year old is worth keeping. We also don’t have a ton of young guys coming through in that position that are NRL ready

I’d retain Rocco. Offer him a 2 year $300k per year contract. If he gets a better deal elsewhere good luck to him. Next year we only have;

Anderson, Pompey, Ali in the centres. Having a first grade 50+ game 24 year old is worth keeping. We also don’t have a ton of young guys coming through in that position that are NRL ready

As much as i like him as a player. I would defer a decision to the back end of the season and if he can return from injury and string some games and form together I would offer him a 1 year deal with an option the financial would be on the lower of the scale. Unfortunately, he is high risk

 

[Five&Last]

A major calculation for signing new players or extending current players is also what juniors are expected to track into the first grade squad? You have to calculate making sure the path and slots are there.

The Warriors are manufacturing their future superstars.

Absolute lock ins for the NRL squad in the next two years appear to be.

Brandon Norris - Must be extremely close now to a NSW cup debut - A+ Talent
Bishop Neal - Knocking at the door already for an NRL debut later in the year - A+ Talent
Jason Salalilo - NRL ready now - A Talent
Makaia Tafua - NRL ready now - A Talent
Jett Cleary - Still in Development - B to A+ Talent
Joseph Ratcliffe - Development is ahead of his projected growth curve - On track to be our best ever home grown NRL Fullback - A+ Talent

That is 4 - 6 players with serious ability and impact that will strengthen the roster that you need to find slots in the top 30 relatively soon. All potential stars - All potential 5 - 10 year Warriors.

Then for these guys you find slots in the roster or you accept they will leave the club looking for opportunities / making room for the next wave of talent coming through.

Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi - A
Sio Kali - A+ Talent (Only issue is injury prone)
Caelys-Paul Putoko - B to A (Attacking talent A+/defensive liability C)
Jeremiah Lemana - A
Motu Pasikala - B+ to A
Nganatatafu Vake - A
Jack Thompson - A+
Jaydee Auloa - B+
Braelan Marsh - B+ to A
Christian Sikuvea - A
Kahu Capper - A
Connor Bowden - B to B+ (Needs way more development in my opinon - promoted more on basis of size)
Cooper Page-Wilson - B+
Rodney Tuipolotu-Vea - B to A
Tepatasi Laumalili - B to A
Emosi Ravosai - B to B+
Gordon Afoa- B - A

Can you see what the Warriors have built!!?? - Tell me this is not a dynasty club in the NRL over the next 10 years

All the talent just doesn't fit our roster

WINDOW
2027		2028
Rocco Berry - 26	Grant Anderson	Wayde Egan - 27	KEEP/Tafua?
Tanah Boyd - 26	KEEP	Jackson Ford - 27	KEEP
Kurt Capewell - 26	?	Samuel Healey - 27	KEEP
Chanel Harris-Tavita- 26	KEEP	Ali Leiataua - 27	KEEP
Marata Niukore - 26	Bishop Neal?	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad - 27	Brandon Norris
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck - 26	Will Warbrick	Adam Pompey - 27	Kali / Lemana / Potoko
Te Maire Martin - 26	Jett Cleary?	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak - 27	Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi?
Mitchell Barnett	Jason Salalio?	Kayliss Fatialofa - 27	KEEP
Jett Cleary - 27	KEEP

I don't see much of a quality first grader in Putoko currently. Hasn't handled the step up to NSW cup well at all on the defensive side of the ball. Some of his misses and air grabs on D have been absolutely woeful. I wonder how long they persist with him with our currently Flegg outside back group killing it at the moment. It's definitely time to give someone else a turn.

I hope the club is fast tracking this backline:

1. Ratcliffe
2. Norris
3. Kali
4. Lemana
5. Pasikala

Center back up: Vake
Wing back up: Tauafiafi-Iutoi

Putoko, Doyle, Mellars and Amituanai is a seriously depressing backline for NSW cup when we have the above guys in Flegg who have way higher ceilings and, in most cases, playing at a better level.

 

[The Warrior Waka]

I don't see much of a quality first grader in Putoko currently. Hasn't handled the step up to NSW cup well at all on the defensive side of the ball. Some of his misses and air grabs on D have been absolutely woeful. I wonder how long they persist with him with our currently Flegg outside back group killing it at the moment. It's definitely time to give someone else a turn.

I hope the club is fast tracking this backline:

1. Ratcliffe
2. Norris
3. Kali
4. Lemana
5. Pasikala

Center back up: Vake
Wing back up: Tauafiafi-Iutoi

Putoko, Doyle, Mellars and Amituanai is a seriously depressing backline for NSW cup when we have the above guys in Flegg who have way higher ceilings and, in most cases, playing at a better level.

I like this backline bro. The only thing I'm worried about is they're all short. So the bombs on the last might be a problem. But I prefer them to our current cup side. Especially Doyle, Amituanai & a defensively frail Putoko. Who have been mud.

 

[Boston Boy]

I don't see much of a quality first grader in Putoko currently. Hasn't handled the step up to NSW cup well at all on the defensive side of the ball. Some of his misses and air grabs on D have been absolutely woeful. I wonder how long they persist with him with our currently Flegg outside back group killing it at the moment. It's definitely time to give someone else a turn.

I hope the club is fast tracking this backline:

1. Ratcliffe
2. Norris
3. Kali
4. Lemana
5. Pasikala

Center back up: Vake
Wing back up: Tauafiafi-Iutoi

Putoko, Doyle, Mellars and Amituanai is a seriously depressing backline for NSW cup when we have the above guys in Flegg who have way higher ceilings and, in most cases, playing at a better level.

Yep definitely some gems in that 5. The best is Kali, he could be anything. He is basically the back version of Leka, it just seems like he needs to mature a little but if he can get over his propensity to get injured, he is a potential super star. Wicked fend, got explosive pace and has power. Sometimes maverick players need a little extra attention and development but when they come right they will be special. I do not want to see any other outside back signed as we have to make room for a couple of these young ones.

 

[Five&Last]

I like this backline bro. The only thing I'm worried about is they're all short. So the bombs on the last might be a problem. But I prefer them to our current cup side. Especially Doyle, Amituanai & a defensively frail Putoko. Who have been mud.

In my opinion, Norris is the best player in the air at the club (him and Mellars then daylight). He's out leaping everyone and has become a key aerial target. Despite being like 6'0-6'1, I'd be comfortable with Norris marking up against 6'5 wingers.

We don't really have any tall rangy outside backs coming through that are actually good. Mellars hasn't been that impressive to me. Amituanai is just not good at all. There's Soane Ma'asi who's tall but was reasonably quiet this year. Connor Bowden has moved into second row. Alexander Pua has some height on the wing in SG ball and had a really strong season.

Kali, Pasikala, Lemana and HTI are all around 6'0. Vake slightly shorter. Not ideal but the they are producing right now atleast.

 

[Five&Last]

Yep definitely some gems in that 5. The best is Kali, he could be anything. He is basically the back version of Leka, its just seems like he needs to mature a little but if he can get over his propensity to get injured, he is a potential super star. Wicked fend, got explosive pace and has power. Sometimes maverick players need a little extra attention and development but when they come right they will be special. O would not want to see any other outside backs signed as we need to bring through a couple of these young ones.

Yep, he's bullying opposite outside backs in Flegg at the moment. No one can touch him. Just way too good for that level. If not for injuries, he would be playing first grade right now in my opinion.

 

[Noitall]

Mason Barber is someone we should be looking at and is keen to leave cowboys for an opportunity with Purdue taking over fullback from next year

 

[Worriers]

In my opinion, Norris is the best player in the air at the club (him and Mellars then daylight). He's out leaping everyone and has become a key aerial target. Despite being like 6'0-6'1, I'd be comfortable with Norris marking up against 6'5 wingers.

We don't really have any tall rangy outside backs coming through that are actually good. Mellars hasn't been that impressive to me. Amituanai is just not good at all. There's Soane Ma'asi who's tall but was reasonably quiet this year. Connor Bowden has moved into second row. Alexander Pua has some height on the wing in SG ball and had a really strong season.

Kali, Pasikala, Lemana and HTI are all around 6'0. Vake slightly shorter. Not ideal but the they are producing right now atleast.

Not sure what happened to mellars but he left the field injured in the first half and didn’t come back on. Hopefully there is an opportunity for Norris if haze is out for an extended period.

 

[Boston Boy]

Mason Barber is someone we should be looking at and is keen to leave cowboys for an opportunity with Purdue taking over fullback from next year

Don't get me started bro. It's an exaggeration to say a Ponga/Inglis mix as that is almost impossible but he is truly a talent and I would go all in on him with a big offer. I think he would be the final piece and make our backline so deadly.

 

[Hitro]

Don't get me started bro. It's an exaggeration to say a Ponga/Inglis mix as that is almost impossible but he is truly a talent and I would go all in on him with a big offer. I think he would be the final piece and make our backline so deadly.

Can anyone post the codesports article on him?

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fcowboys-have-already-lost-one-fullback-for-2027-they-now-risk-losing-another-in-teen-sensation-mason-barber%2Fnews-story%2Ff731d632e637c82cad64a10924129edb&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-1-NOSCORE

 

[WAH MAN]

Mason Barber is someone we should be looking at and is keen to leave cowboys for an opportunity with Purdue taking over fullback from next year

With Drinky going the dragons doesn't he get closer to his preferred position?

 

[Warriorsfan92]

I don't see much of a quality first grader in Putoko currently. Hasn't handled the step up to NSW cup well at all on the defensive side of the ball. Some of his misses and air grabs on D have been absolutely woeful. I wonder how long they persist with him with our currently Flegg outside back group killing it at the moment. It's definitely time to give someone else a turn.

I hope the club is fast tracking this backline:

1. Ratcliffe
2. Norris
3. Kali
4. Lemana
5. Pasikala

Center back up: Vake
Wing back up: Tauafiafi-Iutoi

Putoko, Doyle, Mellars and Amituanai is a seriously depressing backline for NSW cup when we have the above guys in Flegg who have way higher ceilings and, in most cases, playing at a better level.

I think Harry is rated higher than Norris by the club

 

[The Warrior Waka]

With Drinky going the dragons doesn't he get closer to his preferred position?

How old is Barber ? 19 - 20? I reckon Ratcliffe is the next in line to take the FB spot for us and the same age. And hes a gun!

 

[Warriorsfan92]

How old is Barber ? 19 - 20? I reckon Ratcliffe is the next in line to take the FB spot for us and the same age. And hes a gun!

Ratcliffe is a very very good player.

 

[WAH MAN]

How old is Barber ? 19 - 20? I reckon Ratcliffe is the next in line to take the FB spot for us and the same age. And hes a gun!

Dunno much about either of them to be fair. Just that one is with us and the other is not.

 

[Dead Man Switch]

Ratcliffe is a very very good player.

Agreed, supremely gifted - Saw someone else mention it... he looks like the Warriors own Reece Walsh. He will be a legit threat at fullback. Aussies commentators will be blown away. Barber is a talent but if I'm keeping one... its Ratcliffe.