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), Marata Niukore (Newcastle Knights), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Wakefield Trinity)

Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, 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

 

[jonesy101]

Ew no thanks, couldn't stand to look at him and his hair every week

 

[Noitall]

View attachment 17368

Nicho’s mouthguard PNG colours

 

[Funky Ed Koosie]

Just saw a clip of NRL 360 and they were discussing Metcalf, but Anastia said it's a strange situation because CHT won't be here next year.
Wonder if it was a slip of the tongue or as a player agent he knows a lot more with with what's going on with potential player movements.

 

[snake77]

Just saw a clip of NRL 360 and they were discussing Metcalf, but Anastia said it's a strange situation because CHT won't be here next year.
Wonder if it was a slip of the tongue or as a player agent he knows a lot more with with what's going on with potential player movements.

He said that on Monday night.

Last night, he mentioned CHT talking with the Cowboys. Riccio then replied that he understands CHT will sign is close to signing.

I don't think he mentioned for how long.

 

[Funky Ed Koosie]

He said that on Monday night.

Last night, he mentioned CHT talking with the Cowboys. Riccio then replied that he understands CHT will sign is close to signing.

I don't think he mentioned for how long.

Ahhh cheers. Context is everything

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

Just saw a clip of NRL 360 and they were discussing Metcalf, but Anastia said it's a strange situation because CHT won't be here next year.
Wonder if it was a slip of the tongue or as a player agent he knows a lot more with with what's going on with potential player movements.

Nathan Cleary is coming to play 6 next to Tannah at 7

 

[timburgesstheonlyoneiknow]

I tbink the club has actually correctly on this matter. On the Nrl 360 they applauded the Warriors for making tough decisions on players for the future of the club like AFB. If someone is not happy or not committed to the cause oet them go.

 

[Theking267]

If it is that simple, that's a massive call to make in the grand scheme of things. He puts playing 7 instead of 6 above staying with this potential premiership team? He doesn't even want to fight for it? He doesn't back himself to take the jersey back?

He has played 2 games in like 10 months. There is more to this, and I think it is increased opportunities back home in Australia. Some clubs out there are desperate, and willing to put long and expensive deals infront of him right now. Over the off season when he is half way through ACL recovery, not so much. I believe this is firmly a money and contract length thing. Careers are short, Metcalf is another leg injury away from being unfulfilled potential. He is a player who relies heavily on his running game let's not forget. Strike while the iron is hot, get the bag while you can. I honestly think that's what's happened here, and I understand it. Boyd has done the exact opposite, funnily enough.

Crazy our 2 best players, who's injuries derailed our season last year, are now gone for 2027. Shit we must have a stack of cash.

The issue with Metcalf was he was only happy to play 6 for the rest of this year. So then he would become the backup halfback on 900 thousand which doesn’t make any financial sense from the Warriors perspective which is why they are happy to release him early. This will free up salary cap space so they can offer CHT a better deal and hope he signs long term.

 

[Blain]

The issue with Metcalf was he was only happy to play 6 for the rest of this year. So then he would become the backup halfback on 900 thousand which doesn’t make any financial sense from the Warriors perspective which is why they are happy to release him early. This will free up salary cap space so they can offer CHT a better deal and hope he signs long term.

We don't know that, and the way the contracts are set up does not suggest that's the case at all. They just re signed him on a big contract, I'm sure they would love to keep him and have him at 6 next season. CHT isn't contracted for us in 2027 let's not forget.

Warriors have basically said nothing on this situation, but the media release certainly didn't paint a happy picture to me of a club that has solved a "problem." I truly believe the Warriors had plans for him, and have been blindsided by Metcalf and his manager seeking a release. That's what the Sydney media are saying also let's not forget. The dude hasn't recovered from injury, is getting paid the big bucks, and isn't willing to even try to fight for a spot in the team. Weird. It makes me wonder if he has fallen out with the playing group.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

1. Metcalf signed being happy with a 'casual' obligation to play 6, but under the pretense that he'd most likely walk back in

These clauses wouldnt exist

2. The club signed Metcalf as the 7 and has changed their minds.

This is exactly what happened. Wont be written in stone but its obvious to me. Metcalf is a massive injury risk. We had to roll that dice last year, we dont now.

Some how the club has managed to have its cake and eat it too. We signed Mets as the reigning halfback when it looked like we had no other options, and when we found another option, we managed to replace him AND punt his contract. TBH i'm kinda impressed

 

[Theking267]

We don't know that, and the way the contracts are set up does not suggest that's the case at all. They just re signed him on a big contract, I'm sure they would love to keep him and have him at 6 next season. CHT isn't contracted for us in 2027 let's not forget.

Warriors have basically said nothing on this situation, but the media release certainly didn't paint a happy picture to me of a club that has solved a "problem." I truly believe the Warriors had plans for him, and have been blindsided by Metcalf and his manager seeking a release. That's what the Sydney media are saying also let's not forget. The dude hasn't recovered from injury, is getting paid the big bucks, and isn't willing to even try to fight for a spot in the team. Weird. It makes me wonder if he has fallen out with the playing group.

Of course the club’s preference was to keep Metcalf at 6, regardless of whether he was playing 7 or 6 he was still going to get paid, but why keep a guy around who’s hoping the guy playing inside him get’s injured, particularly with CHT not being signed for 27. Which of course is going to affect the playing group. And Webby has already stated that Jett is ready for NRL. So it’s best for both parties to move on and gives the Warriors more money in the salary cap for 27.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Warriors have basically said nothing on this situation, but the media release certainly didn't paint a happy picture to me of a club that has solved a "problem." I truly believe the Warriors had plans for him, and have been blindsided by Metcalf and his manager seeking a release. That's what the Sydney media are saying also let's not forget. The dude hasn't recovered from injury, is getting paid the big bucks, and isn't willing to even try to fight for a spot in the team. Weird. It makes me wonder if he has fallen out with the playing group.

Absolutely they had big plans for him. Was leading the Daly M last year before injury. He was easily our best option.

I also think the same for CHT - he probably wasnt in our plans, and had signed a bunch of big up and coming halves. Then Chanel goes and becomes one of the best halves of rhe last 18 months haha. So, the plan changes again and we want to keep him for as long as we can.

And we all know what happened with Tanah - bought as a low risk 4th half, probably to help the Cup team and hes worked hard and is now our top guy. More changes to the plan

TMM was also out the door at the beginning of 2026, now with all the plans changing and depending on whats happening with Chanel, he might end up as the 4th half, low contract insurance policy? Guess well see.

From the outside looking in (and I appreciate it could be wrong) Luke looks like he believes he should be given the 7 without earning it for 2026, and hasnt been happy with the result. He has his money and will get a contract somewhere, but if he spits the dummy and decides to leave mid year I think it will be a big mistake on his end, as imo he likely won't be this close to a premiership again.

If he stays for 2026, at worst, if his body holds up and hes in Cup for the year, if we make the Grand Final hed be on the bench. At best (for him) theres an injury to Tanah or CHT and hes playing in a GF as a starting half.

Shut up and play!

 

[KiwiinJapan]

Give Rocco one more chance to string games. 20+, re-signed on cheap deal that reflects our commitment to him.

Release Boyd with an abundance of halves coming through

Release Capewell, too many edges coming through, he’s done his job.

Re-sign CHT on 1 year extension pending performance, again see above post about talented halves coming through but he’s still our best 6.

Release lussick, good hookers progressing well and ready

Release TMM unless he’s accepted he’s a 14, most good teams carry a utility half/hooker at 14. Could be worthy of another 1 year extension, cheap deal.

Re-sign Metcalf on 2 year extension, this is a necessity

Release Niukore. Too many edges & not worth his pay packet. I would re sign on 1 year deal for cheap if it didn’t block others playing, here for experience.

Re-sign taine, not sold on cnk & no other fullback prospects in the pipeline. Wouldn’t command huge salary and only two designated fullbacks at the club worthy of first grade.

Re-sign Roger in 1 year deal (if keen), still our best winger, and (apparently) our best player. If he wants big money, allow him to leave.

DWZ is on mutual option for 27. Release if possible, and we sign someone. At this stage he’s out 2nd best winger, I doubt that’s the case by 27.

Oh, I am glad they didn`t let Tanah go. Funny how fickle rugby league is.

 

[snake77]

It does look like the club was preparing to refresh the squad next year. Some forced, some planned.

Khan-Pereira was signed to improve depth as we were caught short for wing depth last year. He was also signed with a long term view as both of our wingers are veterans.

RTS they stated they'd be keen for him to stay but realistically would have been planning for him to move on after the R360 speculation. Seen discussions on here about DWZ and CNK potentially moving on.

Barnett was unplanned. But the club had notice to work around it. Niukore is also leaving leaving.

The names listed above as leaving or potentially leaving are all experienced but also up there in age.

The media talk about this year being the Sharks' last shot with their current squad. The same could be said about us we already have two outside backs on the way.

I haven't looked at who is off contract. Hopefully, the fact that we are doing well on the field means we are an attractive destination. We have some cap space to look at adding some talent or making sure some of our guys are locked up.

 

[KiwiinJapan]

We don't know that, and the way the contracts are set up does not suggest that's the case at all. They just re signed him on a big contract, I'm sure they would love to keep him and have him at 6 next season. CHT isn't contracted for us in 2027 let's not forget.

Warriors have basically said nothing on this situation, but the media release certainly didn't paint a happy picture to me of a club that has solved a "problem." I truly believe the Warriors had plans for him, and have been blindsided by Metcalf and his manager seeking a release. That's what the Sydney media are saying also let's not forget. The dude hasn't recovered from injury, is getting paid the big bucks, and isn't willing to even try to fight for a spot in the team. Weird. It makes me wonder if he has fallen out with the playing group.

I honestly don`t care who leaves at this point. Webby has showen that he can take almost any player and make them a star. That is the benefit of having a good coach. How many players have come to the Warriors since Webby was in charge and had stellar seasons.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

I honestly don`t care who leaves at this point. Webby has showen that he can take almost any player and make them a star. That is the benefit of having a good coach. How many players have come to the Warriors since Webby was in charge and had stellar seasons.

Id go as far to say Webby is one of, if not the best coaches to get the best out of players.

Storm have had an elite spine for 20+ years and tend to find bit players who can fit in around those star players. Hardly shocking when the bit players end up playing well.

Weird that Luke wants to be part of that group, but

Roosters - tend to pay unders for proven stars, so often end up with elite players at reasonable prices.

Is there any coach in the last 5 years that have demonstrated that they can take rookies, non established players and established players and have all of them improve.... its pretty mad.

A lot of those players when they leave us dont end up getting back to the heights they did with us. AFB, Curran, and to a lesser extent Jazz, Bunty, Ale, Montoya all seem worse off after their stints with us..

 

[CWC]

Id go as far to say Webby is one of, if not the best coaches to get the best out of players.

Storm have had an elite spine for 20+ years and tend to find bit players who can fit in around those star players. Hardly shocking when the bit players end up playing well.

Weird that Luke wants to be part of that group, but

Roosters - tend to pay unders for proven stars, so often end up with elite players at reasonable prices.

Is there any coach in the last 5 years that have demonstrated that they can take rookies, non established players and established players and have all of them improve.... its pretty mad.

A lot of those players when they leave us dont end up getting back to the heights they did with us. AFB, Curran, and to a lesser extent Jazz, Bunty, Ale, Montoya all seem worse off after their stints with us..

I agree, just saying Lussick is going well under uncle ivan, and maybe Shibasaki under Mage would be an example of Webolutionizing a fringe player?

 

[Beastmode]

To become an Australian citizen by conferral, you must have lived in Australia on a valid visa for at least 4 years immediately before applying.

That has nothing to do with taxes

 

[KiwiinJapan]

Id go as far to say Webby is one of, if not the best coaches to get the best out of players.

Storm have had an elite spine for 20+ years and tend to find bit players who can fit in around those star players. Hardly shocking when the bit players end up playing well.

Weird that Luke wants to be part of that group, but

Roosters - tend to pay unders for proven stars, so often end up with elite players at reasonable prices.

Is there any coach in the last 5 years that have demonstrated that they can take rookies, non established players and established players and have all of them improve.... its pretty mad.

A lot of those players when they leave us dont end up getting back to the heights they did with us. AFB, Curran, and to a lesser extent Jazz, Bunty, Ale, Montoya all seem worse off after their stints with us..

Yes. I knew that when AFB left, he would not be as good at the Sharks. I think that players that just want a paycheck and not really work tend to be the ones who leave (apart from Barnett).

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Nathan Cleary is coming to play 6 next to Tannah at 7

No we will repeat what we did to metcalf and tannah will move on because he thinks he's the 7! Its all starting to make sense.