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

 

[SBW1]

Could Ngani sign with the Wahs?

 

[Blain]

You know whats funny? Is these players we say no to, Like Barnett (Because he was a bit of loose cannon before coming here) Fonua Blake etc.... Turned out pretty good once Webby got his hands on them.
Royce & Leniu have some fire in them. Aggressive & strong. Fast for big boys. Royce's cardio needs a major tune up. Discipline is an issue for Leniu. And although I am not keen on either. Would be interesting so see what our club culture, coaching & leaders at the club could turn them into.

Barnett and AFB were obvious guns before joining.. They were both diamonds in the rough before coming here. Barnett had big upside aside from a couple blow ups. He was always a potential weapon. AFB was a big $$ signing, he took a step up when joining for sure.

Royce Hunt, dude has never given more than 10 good NRL minutes straight... Leniu for low cash might be OK, but that wouldn't work for him or us.

 

[Blain]

Jason Salalilo replaces Mitch Barnett in the top 30 and everyone shifts up 1 in the prop pecking order. More reponsibility and playing time for Vaimauga, TSS, EIT etc.

Sikuvea has been playing prop recently in cup and will be part of the prop depth chart, he will also get more lock opportunities if Gannon misses time. RTV needs a pathway as well and Page-Wilson could surprise with a massive preseason.

We don't need any prop signings imo.

Bishop Neal replaces Marata Niukore in the top 30.

The only question mark is around Capewell. Would be great if he took a 1 year extension but I think he will opt for something longer. In that case, I actually think we can get away with replacing him in the top 30 with Sikuvea given his versatility. I also need to see how Bowden progresses in cup this year, could be a smokey if he impresses in offseason as well. Everyone below Capewell in the depth chart shifts up one. Laban and Halasima become first choice second rowers and Bishop, EIT and Kayliss are receiving more regular opportunities.

Prop is a non-issue to me, but the second row depth could be tested if Capewell leaves and Gannon isn't a reliable option.

A junior NSW Cup prop to replace an Australian rep forward, and a 18 year old to replace a NZ rep 10 year NRL player? There are a few steps in between I think. We will be seriously cashed up. There is a gap there to be filled.

 

[Five&Last]

A junior NSW Cup prop to replace an Australian rep forward, and a 18 year old to replace a NZ rep 10 year NRL player? There are a few steps in between I think. We will be seriously cashed up. There is a gap there to be filled.

That’s not at all what I was saying though.

In terms of prop, everyone moves up the chain. Vaimauga, TSS and EIT are going to have larger roles.

 

[Bay39er]

Hmm left? Our left centre do lack pace and acceleration

Deceleration is not a problem though

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Could Ngani sign with the Wahs?

Huh? I thought that was an old video from the warriorholic!

33 now bro! I dont think hes needed.

 

[sup42]

I wasn't aware there was a fullback question.

Linnane being played at left centre in cup suggests he might be looked at in the line

Named again at left center in cup of course for this week.

Whether that is to accommodate Metcalf or part of an emerging pattern where Linnane is now a center that can cover the halves?

I strongly suspect that the reasons Linnane will be our Center are pretty clear.

1. We lack in that position, we have one promising Center that has some concerning flaws (Ali is going great guns, all looking good, but his worst will take time to exorcise) and our other main stay Center is upgradeable. Berry and Roger, well Rogers gone and Berry may not stay on the park.

2. We have forever had a left edge that has failed to offer threat since the days of the Beast, yet now we have speed but no great ball player to set that up and or offer threat in of themselves.

3. Fullback is one position in a team, coverable mid game by dropping back Wingers, you need two Centers, the maths is straight forward, you need more Centers in a League teams depth chart than fullbacks.

5. Having a player of Taine's usefulness sitting in reserves so you can develop a shiny new fullback is not the best use of your resources when the rest of your backline is incomplete at Center.

6. If Linnane goes Center, you don't need to have a spare half taking up a spot on the bench, or you can still use a utility playmaker, but lean more on the hooker capable type (pretty dam handy having halves and hooking cover in more than just one man at 14.)

7. The most important point, so far Linnane is thriving at left center, especially on defence, I know it is early days, which is why it is pleasing to see the club try it on for a bit.

Last thoughts, well he looks left and right when he runs, so will drop a ball back on the inside, this of course gives that left edge the possibility of unlocking two of the teams best offensive players AKP and Halasima, I think the latter is where the club are scratching this itch hardest, they can see Halasima is boxed on attack because of NRL teams tip sheets with his name near the top.
There is no other player in our team that could bring all of that outside of shifting CHT to center (easily surpases Linnane in defence imo, and is a fair match for him ball playing wise - for now) but that ain't gonna happen.
Sometimes it is useful having a Center that can kick a nice grubber at the end of Sets, toe it through for a very fast winger - admittedly it is a nice to have, rather than critical....but then if you have issues with the kicking game of your Stand off, then it becomes more than a nice to have, it becomes a bit of a life line. But a Center who can kick like a half, because they are a half, well, that becomes more than a defensive end to a set, it is a threat.

So for those fretting about fullback and Linnane, just remember, unlocking AKP and Halasima with a link player is probably pretty high on this coaching groups planning.

 

[Brightman]

but the second row depth could be tested if Capewell leaves and Gannon isn't a reliable option.

Fatz becomes a shoe-in..

 

[The Undertaker]

I expect two major signings to come. One at middle (if JFH goes down in 2027, who is our leader) and one at fullback/centre. No idea who.

Berry too fragile and he’s one injury away from not being extended next year, CNK is good but it seems Taine has overtaken him and he may want to go to super league - plus losing RTS means we need a good player there. Linnane is being groomed for 2027 for sure so we may already have it..

I expect Capewell to stay, TMM to stay for at least 2027. Primarily for leadership and culture. Capes hasn’t missed a beat and he’s too good to let go right now.

What are our marquee options for 2027 and beyond?

 

[Damo]

Could Ngani sign with the Wahs?

His body is stuffed, would be a stupid signing. Can't see it happening

 

[Worriers]

I expect two major signings to come. One at middle (if JFH goes down in 2027, who is our leader) and one at fullback/centre. No idea who.

Berry too fragile and he’s one injury away from not being extended next year, CNK is good but it seems Taine has overtaken him and he may want to go to super league - plus losing RTS means we need a good player there. Linnane is being groomed for 2027 for sure so we may already have it..

I expect Capewell to stay, TMM to stay for at least 2027. Primarily for leadership and culture. Capes hasn’t missed a beat and he’s too good to let go right now.

What are our marquee options for 2027 and beyond?

Who (that is recruitable) fills that JFH role anyway? We have clark and (if resigned) capewell. I don't see any marquee middle signing on the horizon with the stock we have at the moment, maybe a jacko ford re-signing if anything.

 

[3rdstriker]

His body is stuffed, would be a stupid signing. Can't see it happening

Its the sort of thing the Warriorholic would report on even if it isn't actually happening just for clicks.

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Didn't realize Seyfarth has been told he's able to look elsewhere.

Given Gannons issues, and with Capewell likely looking for longer than a year, I wonder if he could be a an option for us for a few years.

Has over 100 games experience, has the height were looking for, has an offload and a bit of ball playing skills, and has played 13, edge, prop and off the bench. On the outter at Wests so would be relatively cheap too...should get a bit of change out of Capewell contract. We were interested last time he was off contract too

And best of all? His name first quite well. Alex SeyWah-th.

Get it Cappy!

 

[BabylonPink]

Didn't realize Seyfarth has been told he's able to look elsewhere.

Given Gannons issues, and with Capewell likely looking for longer than a year, I wonder if he could be a an option for us for a few years.

Has over 100 games experience, has the height were looking for, has an offload and a bit of ball playing skills, and has played 13, edge, prop and off the bench. On the outter at Wests so would be relatively cheap too...should get a bit of change out of Capewell contract. We were interested last time he was off contract too

And best of all? His name first quite well. Alex SeyWah-th.

Get it Cappy!

Not hot enough for mine.
I like his enthusiasm but seriously mate? Red hair?

 

[Cces]

Didn't realize Seyfarth has been told he's able to look elsewhere.

Previous rumours in 2023/24 of us interested in him too. A wee bit of crossover with him & Webster at the Tigers

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Not hot enough for mine.
I like his enthusiasm but seriously mate? Red hair?

Yeah man it was hard to overlook for me too, but I was thinking if Gannon ended up leaving then its a one in, one out type scenario for the men who have been kissed by fire

 

[Tookey 2.0]

Previous rumours in 2023/24 of us interested in him too. A wee bit of crossover with him & Webster at the Tigers

I think it would be a good shout. Hes that height and body shape weve been looking for, and with the usual Webby 20% improvement I think wed actually be struggling to leave him out of the 17 each week, even with our exciting juniors.

Hes also contracted to Tigers until the end of 2028, so im guessing Tigers will be willing to pay freight to move him on.

If hes going to be in Cup, as a replacement for FG when injuries take place surely the Wahs are a better option for him....could end up with a premiership, and with Webbys track record of improving those middle of the road players surely hed have to consider it. Could set himself up for a nice payday somewhere for his last 2 or 3 year contract if hes playing well with us, as opposed to languishing in Cup the next 2 years

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Fuck Sayfarth! Just saying.

 

[WAH MAN]

Leadership wise, it is wise to have Capewell stay. We need leaders who can verbalise their messages on field. Our young blokes are developing but they basically need another finals baptism to increase their ability to perform under pressure and lead others. Demetric and Tanner will be leadership material next season I speculate.

 

[CWC]

Named again at left center in cup of course for this week.

Whether that is to accommodate Metcalf or part of an emerging pattern where Linnane is now a center that can cover the halves?

I strongly suspect that the reasons Linnane will be our Center are pretty clear.

1. We lack in that position, we have one promising Center that has some concerning flaws (Ali is going great guns, all looking good, but his worst will take time to exorcise) and our other main stay Center is upgradeable. Berry and Roger, well Rogers gone and Berry may not stay on the park.

2. We have forever had a left edge that has failed to offer threat since the days of the Beast, yet now we have speed but no great ball player to set that up and or offer threat in of themselves.

3. Fullback is one position in a team, coverable mid game by dropping back Wingers, you need two Centers, the maths is straight forward, you need more Centers in a League teams depth chart than fullbacks.

5. Having a player of Taine's usefulness sitting in reserves so you can develop a shiny new fullback is not the best use of your resources when the rest of your backline is incomplete at Center.

6. If Linnane goes Center, you don't need to have a spare half taking up a spot on the bench, or you can still use a utility playmaker, but lean more on the hooker capable type (pretty dam handy having halves and hooking cover in more than just one man at 14.)

7. The most important point, so far Linnane is thriving at left center, especially on defence, I know it is early days, which is why it is pleasing to see the club try it on for a bit.

Last thoughts, well he looks left and right when he runs, so will drop a ball back on the inside, this of course gives that left edge the possibility of unlocking two of the teams best offensive players AKP and Halasima, I think the latter is where the club are scratching this itch hardest, they can see Halasima is boxed on attack because of NRL teams tip sheets with his name near the top.
There is no other player in our team that could bring all of that outside of shifting CHT to center (easily surpases Linnane in defence imo, and is a fair match for him ball playing wise - for now) but that ain't gonna happen.
Sometimes it is useful having a Center that can kick a nice grubber at the end of Sets, toe it through for a very fast winger - admittedly it is a nice to have, rather than critical....but then if you have issues with the kicking game of your Stand off, then it becomes more than a nice to have, it becomes a bit of a life line. But a Center who can kick like a half, because they are a half, well, that becomes more than a defensive end to a set, it is a threat.

So for those fretting about fullback and Linnane, just remember, unlocking AKP and Halasima with a link player is probably pretty high on this coaching groups planning.

Have you seen his long kicks? It’s interesting to me that he’s plugged at LEFT centre and he happens to have pace and pass

Anderson’s probably that centre/wing utility we need next year as well. Roger’s tragic but I wonder if Cappy actually foresee the risk….(copium from me )