NRLW Warriors NRLW 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors NRLW 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​

-	Player	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
	Laishon Albert-Jones			M
	Kaiyah Atai
	Shakira Baker			C
	Michaela Brake
	Harata Butler			M
	Emily Curtain
	Makayla Eli
	Metanoia Fotu-Moala		C	M
	Matekino Gray
	Mya Hill-Moana
	Tysha Ikenasio
	Felili Kia
	Lavinia Kitai
	Apii Nicholls
	Capri Paekau			C
	Emmanita Paki
	Maarire Puketapu
	Payton Taikamoana
	Kalyn Takitimu-Cook
	Lavinia Tauhalaliku			C
	Lydia Turua-Quedley
	Tyra Wetere
	Danii Gray	D

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, D = Development contract

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 22/28
Confirmed Development 2025: 1/4
Unconfirmed Top 30 2025: 22/28
Unconfirmed Development 2025: 1/4

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 13/28
Confirmed Development 2026: 0/4

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[Ever Hopeful]

Those Kiwis aren't too keen to play for a NZ team aye.

Not getting back the majority of the big players from the original Warriors NRLW was a bit worrying.
Not luring really good Kiwi talent from other sides was not surprisingly, but I thought we'd do better.
A lack of succes swith NZ Rugby players is curious. I wonder if this has been encouraged by Union. "Yes, earn some money playing league, as long as it is not for our rugby audience competition in NZ - the Warriors?"

 

[Noitall]

Ian Bourke is coming out of retirement to help Ron Griffiths with the Warriors NRLW side - but only attending all their games and giving advice to Griffiths based on that

 

[WahsaurusRex]

I have heard that Mele Hufanga will be granted a release from her last year with the Broncos and will be coming over for this season.

Not exactly the half that the team still needs, but a great get nonetheless if it is true

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

I have heard that Mele Hufanga will be granted a release from her last year with the Broncos and will be coming over for this season.

Not exactly the half that the team still needs, but a great get nonetheless if it is true

Will she be playing in the halves though? She’s been in the centres at the broncos?

 

[WahsaurusRex]

Will she be playing in the halves though? She’s been in the centres at the broncos?

Maybe I didn’t word it best- Priority one needs to be getting a half, but here they are (potentially) signing a centre instead

Not to say Cappy isn’t trying to, or as a slight on Mele, but the team needed to sign a 7, like yesterday

 

[Cces]

The half this side needs is right here in NZ! Last year's NZ U18 Clubs & Linwood Keas', Lialanie (Binky) Muamua.

 

[Canadian_Warriors_Fan]

 

[Teets]

I still reckon the real one they should chase long term is Maia Davis. She was awesome in the halves in league.

I don't mind Lydia Turua-Quedley either. If the packs good enough and she gets a chance I reckon she'll suprise a lot of folks