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), 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, 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

 

[Muddogz]

Clark has re-signed early. It’s hard not to believe he’s not on good coin now given his form last year. I think players in= players out loses track of players resigning for more money.

All the same I think Metcalf leaving will free up a fair chunk of wedge. I’d love for us to have a crack at Mason Barber.

 

[sup42]

Thats pretty crazy really-4 of our 5 highest paid players? makes u wonder what cappy has brewing...

I presume Tanah will get similar money to Metcalf, halves are in a real shortage atm. Tanah would be a fool to take less than 800k in this market, so call that even. Barnett is where we have made some serious coin eh.
Anderson is a cheap tradesman back that wasn't the Warriors first pick, I assume we played hard ball there with Andersons people and got him for bugger all, same deal with Warbrick, no overs money for NZ transfer, and Bellamy famously pays very little for his outside backs (which is why the star ones leave the Storm).

Of course we had to pay more for Leka and those young boys moving forward, but they will be getting fair pay on what they actually are - Green horns, graduated pay scale heading upwards over three years.

I very much doubt we cheap out on our young forwards, I suspect stars like Leka got a bump up to the seven hundred plus bracket. So that would pretty much cancel out Maratas pay bracket.

All speculation but I think the cheap outside backs we have bought are really where we are winning the cap wars, because Taine will be one of the cheapest fullbacks in the NRL, Ali etc, and obviously old dogs like Roger and CNK plus Dallin must be on reduced rates.

And lets not forget Clark was cheap, Ford has been cheap (not for much longer) and AKP was a bargain pick up from outta NSW cup.

We look a lot like a Melbourne type money ball side these days with a very budget backline apart from the halfback slot and Hooker (Wade will be on good money, deserves it too), and our highest paid players at Prop forward (Barnett and JFH).

Jackson Ford was extended before he went mental and destroyed the Stats meter so he will be on good but not marquee coin.

There is certainly a lot of money floating in our system thanks to McFadden's crafty accounting and Websters ability to turn cheap players into gold. Kind of the recipe for long term top four success really.

I am only guessing but I imagine given the Warriors are building budget back lines that they will either surprise everyone and spend large on a hooker, or a fullback, I do not imagine they will do what we kinda need short term (a star Center that would make this back line an instant big threat like Farnworth or Manu) I think they will more likely stick to their model, cheap outside backs only, money for retaining halves and hookers and their stellar Forward nursery (they were not prepared to let unproven Kayliss Fatialofa go to Penrith, even though arguably we do not need him since there are so many options there, especially Bishop Neal and we could have just kept Dimtric in that back row).

But it is clear that the Warriors think their best approach to the Salary cap is to retain all of the best of their Junior forwards long term, spending the bulk there, paying large for their halfbacks, large for their hookers (for now) and as cheaply as possible for their Six, five, four, three, two and one.

 

[~Navigator~]

Warriors star offered to overseas clubs - Zero Tackle https://share.google/yuey30lFWMG9PkdF4

I don't understand why he would leave as the Warriors could offer him a 12 month contract.

 

[Noitall]

Warriors star offered to overseas clubs - Zero Tackle https://share.google/yuey30lFWMG9PkdF4

A few offered to super league. Volkman and Will Kennedy another couple of players

 

[Noitall]

All the same I think Metcalf leaving will free up a fair chunk of wedge. I’d love for us to have a crack at Mason Barber.

Unless we’ve got a fullback on the cusp, I think we need a backup. I feel like they’ve put all this time into Tuaupiki and the position is his. Feel like it’s past CNK and Doyle in nsw cup isn’t backup I wouldn’t think

 

[sup42]

Warriors star offered to overseas clubs - Zero Tackle https://share.google/yuey30lFWMG9PkdF4

I don't understand why he would leave as the Warriors could offer him a 12 month contract.

Right, so if that is accurate CHT doesn't want to play here next season.

That is his choice, he is a free agent.

Maybe the Metcalf thing burned him out. And Chanel being Chanel, he doesn't like to be stuck in a job he doesn't enjoy, I bet he would take one year contracts for the rest of his career if he could.

I was a bit like him, took on casual contracts for the freedom. Shame really, here is praying that Linane or Cassius are fit (CLeary is not ready).

 

[Cces]

Maybe CHT's manager is just doing what's in the best interests of his client?
Maybe the Warriors are yet to table an offer?

 

[~Navigator~]

I presume Tanah will get similar money to Metcalf, halves are in a real shortage atm. Tanah would be a fool to take less than 800k in this market, so call that even. Barnett is where we have made some serious coin eh.
Anderson is a cheap tradesman back that wasn't the Warriors first pick, I assume we played hard ball there with Andersons people and got him for bugger all, same deal with Warbrick, no overs money for NZ transfer, and Bellamy famously pays very little for his outside backs (which is why the star ones leave the Storm).

Of course we had to pay more for Leka and those young boys moving forward, but they will be getting fair pay on what they actually are - Green horns, graduated pay scale heading upwards over three years.

I very much doubt we cheap out on our young forwards, I suspect stars like Leka got a bump up to the seven hundred plus bracket. So that would pretty much cancel out Maratas pay bracket.

All speculation but I think the cheap outside backs we have bought are really where we are winning the cap wars, because Taine will be one of the cheapest fullbacks in the NRL, Ali etc, and obviously old dogs like Roger and CNK plus Dallin must be on reduced rates.

And lets not forget Clark was cheap, Ford has been cheap (not for much longer) and AKP was a bargain pick up from outta NSW cup.

We look a lot like a Melbourne type money ball side these days with a very budget backline apart from the halfback slot and Hooker (Wade will be on good money, deserves it too), and our highest paid players at Prop forward (Barnett and JFH).

Jackson Ford was extended before he went mental and destroyed the Stats meter so he will be on good but not marquee coin.

There is certainly a lot of money floating in our system thanks to McFadden's crafty accounting and Websters ability to turn cheap players into gold. Kind of the recipe for long term top four success really.

I am only guessing but I imagine given the Warriors are building budget back lines that they will either surprise everyone and spend large on a hooker, or a fullback, I do not imagine they will do what we kinda need short term (a star Center that would make this back line an instant big threat like Farnworth or Manu) I think they will more likely stick to their model, cheap outside backs only, money for retaining halves and hookers and their stellar Forward nursery (they were not prepared to let unproven Kayliss Fatialofa go to Penrith, even though arguably we do not need him since there are so many options there, especially Bishop Neal and we could have just kept Dimtric in that back row).

But it is clear that the Warriors think their best approach to the Salary cap is to retain all of the best of their Junior forwards long term, spending the bulk there, paying large for their halfbacks, large for their hookers (for now) and as cheaply as possible for their Six, five, four, three, two and one.

I don't think TB would be looking like that, give him a modest up grade and show our faith in him , I think he's a happy man.

 

[Popdukes]

l know it is extremely unlikely, but Farnworth fits our two most critical needs in centre and fullback. They'd have to be enquiring.

• Today at 8:47 AM
• 
  
• #1,316

Warriors have freed up now close to 1.5 mil with Barnett & Metcalf leaving.
Rumour is they're going after Manu. If Metcalf leaves early, they will try get Manu for this season before June 30.









This one’s popped up again

I thought we were a “BUILT NOT BOUGHT” club now?

Not that I would complain if either of them were to come

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

I’d be shocked if Tanah was on marquee money. Negotiations started 3-4 weeks before this Metcalf saga started so surely we weren’t in a position to offer him that? Also the fact that he was never going to test the open market would have played into our favour in terms of not having to fight off any competition offering him more.

 

[sup42]

I don't think TB would be looking like that, give him a modest up grade and show our faith in him , I think he's a happy man.

Well everyone and his dog knows what Luke Metcalf was upgraded to approximately.

That is the market value the Warriors place in that Jersey then for players they value.

Tanah becomes more valuable to the Warriors on field than Luke Metcalf.

That is the maths of it.

Tanah would expect his family to be placed in the same level of financial security as the Metcalf's.

The NRL is looking for halfbacks like Tanah right now, the Dragons just proved they have the coin spare, Bulldogs too (The clubs that were bidding for Metcalf have to pay parity with his market value or they will be in breach of the cap since the Warriors held the registered contract with the NRL and Metcalf sought the release).

Also at time of signing Tanah the Warriors were facing a potential scenario where they have no locked in halves for next season.

Those are the reasons I said he would be a fool to accept less than eight hundred thousand (a decent backrower gets seven hundred) at that price the Warriors would be pretty happy, they save money.

 

[Muddogz]

Unless we’ve got a fullback on the cusp, I think we need a backup. I feel like they’ve put all this time into Tuaupiki and the position is his. Feel like it’s past CNK and Doyle in nsw cup isn’t backup I wouldn’t think

I think Tuapiki is a good player, but how much improvement does he have in him? It’s such a crucial position. If you look back it’s Walsh, Edwards, Papenhzuizen, Tedesco, Slater, Barba, Inglis, Boyd, Minichello and Stewart are the last 10 fullbacks to win a comp. I don’t think Tuapiki is going make that grade.

 

[JaggedJ]

Super League would be a great option for CHT. So easy to move around different countries in your down time, sounds like he'd thrive there.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Oh well again! If CHT doesn't want to be here then he can fuck off also. Im so sick of this shit. Why for once can't players see that there is somthing happening here.

I wouldnt give him a one year deal here. Either he's committed or he can go now!

 

[~Navigator~]

Well everyone and his dog knows what Luke Metcalf was upgraded to approximately.

That is the market value the Warriors place in that Jersey then for players they value.

Tanah becomes more valuable to the Warriors on field than Luke Metcalf.

That is the maths of it.

Tanah would expect his family to be placed in the same level of financial security as the Metcalf's.

The NRL is looking for halfbacks like Tanah right now, the Dragons just proved they have the coin spare, Bulldogs too (The clubs that were bidding for Metcalf have to pay parity with his market value or they will be in breach of the cap since the Warriors held the registered contract with the NRL and Metcalf sought the release).

Also at time of signing Tanah the Warriors were facing a potential scenario where they have no locked in halves for next season.

Those are the reasons I said he would be a fool to accept less than eight hundred thousand (a decent backrower gets seven hundred) at that price the Warriors would be pretty happy, they save money.

But you forget TB signed while LM was still apart of the team

 

[sup42]

But you forget TB signed while LM was still apart of the team

Well we don't actually have official confirmation yet do we?

And we assume that deal was done with the news a awash with the Metcalf situation....either way, Boyd would be a fool to accept less pay than a guy he is doing the same job as - and better.

Boyd isn't a junior, he is an NRL half back, out of form, revived career in spectacular fashion, approaching one hundred games, so coming into his prime and his age is on his side. Why would he take less than someone like Kurt Capewell even?

 

[~Navigator~]

Well we don't actually have official confirmation yet do we?

And we assume that deal was done with the news a awash with the Metcalf situation....either way, Boyd would be a fool to accept less pay than a guy he is doing the same job as - and better.

Boyd isn't a junior, he is an NRL half back, out of form, revived career in spectacular fashion, approaching one hundred games, so coming into his prime and his age is on his side. Why would he take less than someone like Kurt Capewell even?

Yes we do The announcement that Tanah had signed a contract, before Metcalf lost his shit and asked to speak to management, I am 1 for the team not for your self Luke is going to find it very hard to line up with his ex team mates, Team first is what I believe in.

 

[Noitall]

I think Tuapiki is a good player, but how much improvement does he have in him? It’s such a crucial position. If you look back it’s Walsh, Edwards, Papenhzuizen, Tedesco, Slater, Barba, Inglis, Boyd, Minichello and Stewart are the last 10 fullbacks to win a comp. I don’t think Tuapiki is going make that grade.

I’d probably agree, though I do think his best is ahead of him. Just looking at our squad though, Tuaupiki is our best fullback currently I reckon. Someone like Barber would be a project I reckon with him unable to break into the cowboys team

 

[Cces]

Luke is going to find it very hard to line up with his ex team mates,

Hopefully he & his current team mates just go about their jobs to the best of their abilities

 

[The Warrior Waka]

Unless we’ve got a fullback on the cusp, I think we need a backup. I feel like they’ve put all this time into Tuaupiki and the position is his. Feel like it’s past CNK and Doyle in nsw cup isn’t backup I wouldn’t think

I don't think Ratcliffe is to far away from making a first grade debut in the next few years. I love the potential of him and Olsen.
Problem i have with someone like Mason Barber. Is he is young. Which could force one of our own young pups, Ratcliffe, Olsen or Lemana out of the club to seek further opportunities. Yes, Lemana is playing centre now. But he has the ability to be a great FB as well.

Barber would be a mean acquisition tho.