Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​

-	Player	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
1	Bunty Afoa	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔	✔
4	Rocco Berry	✔	✔
5	Tanah Boyd	✔	✔
6	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔
7	Erin Clark	✔	✔	✔
8	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
9	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
10	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
11	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔
12	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
13	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
14	Edward Kosi	✔
15	Jacob Laban	✔	✔
16	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
17	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
18	Te Maire Martin	✔
19	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
20	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔
21	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
22	Adam Pompey	✔
23	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
24	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
25	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
26	Dylan Walker	✔
27	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Faitialofa	S
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Sio Kali	S
S5	Patrick Moimoi	S
S6	Tanner Stowers-Smith	S
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
-	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	T
-	Motu Pasikala	T

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 27/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6
Unconfirmed Top 30 2025: 27/30
Unconfirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 22/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Nil
2026 Losses: Nil

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey, Dylan Walker

---

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[Five&Last]

Can’t blame us we had CHT coming through lol

It was after that.

They chose Paul Turner over Dylan Brown.

Its pretty widely known. They were in the same age grade sides all the way down to Hikurangi Stags and Northern Swords.

We hear all the stories of NZ players still salty over not getting picked by the Warriors as juniors. This is the only one I kind of understand.

 

[Dannevegas]

It was after that.

They chose Paul Turner over Dylan Brown.

Its pretty widely known. They were in the same age grade sides all the way down to Hikurangi Stags and Northern Swords.

We hear all the stories of NZ players still salty over not getting picked by the Warriors as juniors. This is the only one I kind of understand.

Bruh

 

[Tookey 2.0]

My Barber is Dylan Browns cousin.
I was saying to him he should come home to the warriors and he was telling me the warriors approached him last time he was off contact and Dylan turned them down because when he was younger living in NZ the warriors didn't want a bar of him so that's why he went over to the eels for a opportunity.
Apparently he hasn't forgotten that the warriors didn't want him when he was younger so not interested in coming to the warriors.

I mean, the bro would have been 22, just played in a grand final for Parra and ended up resigning in December for over a mill a year. I don't blame him for telling any club - no less the club who turned him down as a young fulla - to bugger off.

He's a little older now, has played for his country and has also had a few lean years at Paramatta, and if they have another shit year the noise will start to get louder at the Eels. Things can change very quickly in the game of rugby league.

I think we'll probably sign him towards the end of his 20's - somewhere around 27/28 where we'll give him a 4 year contract at a mill a year

 

[tajhay]

I mean, the bro would have been 22, just played in a grand final for Parra and ended up resigning in December for over a mill a year. I don't blame him for telling any club - no less the club who turned him down as a young fulla - to bugger off.

He's a little older now, has played for his country and has also had a few lean years at Paramatta, and if they have another shit year the noise will start to get louder at the Eels. Things can change very quickly in the game of rugby league.

I think we'll probably sign him towards the end of his 20's - somewhere around 27/28 where we'll give him a 4 year contract at a mill a year

He moved to Aus when he was 15. He went to high school in Sydney. His family moved over to Australia whilst he was a teen. Whilst he would have an affinity with NZ, i would think he now considers Aus "home". Similar to Jahrome hughes who moved to Aus at 18. Hes stated a couple of times that home is "Qld" which is where he attended high school. I dont think either of these would move to nz for "home" reasons. If they are older and want their kids to experience the nz upbringinging and closer to their culture, that would be a different story.

Dylan Brown personally doesnt strike me as a person that woukd be missing NZ. If he did ever sign for tge Warriors, it woukd be a Kodi Nikorima type signing who is only coming back for money. But that he can already get well above his output level with the contract he signed.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Jahrome Hughes’ manager is quoted saying the he almost came here. As it was “Time to go home”.

He further explains had it not been for COVID and if the Warriors had of shown him “more love” he’d be a Warrior.

Ok, he didn’t come in the end…..
But with better management and a stronger squad (which we have comparatively) who knows…..

Google “Jahrome Hughes NZ Warriors”.
It’s all there.
If it’s actually true or not. That’s a separate issue. They are supposedly direct quotes from his manager though.

 

[tajhay]

Jahrome Hughes’ manager is quoted saying the he almost came here. As it was “Time to go home”.

He further explains had it not been for COVID and if the Warriors had of shown him “more love” he’d be a Warrior.

Ok, he didn’t come in the end…..
But with better management and a stronger squad (which we have comparatively) who knows…..

Google “Jahrome Hughes NZ Warriors”.
It’s all there.
If it’s actually true or not. That’s a separate issue. They are supposedly direct quotes from his manager though.

He was talking about queensland when he was talking about "home". Jahrome himself clarified this since.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

He was talking about queensland when he was talking about "home". Jahrome himself clarified this since.

Aw ok, fair enough. Makes sense.
Brandon Smith on a recent podcast with James Graham referred to Hughes as a “Goldy Boy”. And it’s fairly well known his family is in Queensland.

Did he deny his supposed interest in coming here? Genuinely asking.

 

[tajhay]

Aw ok, fair enough. Makes sense.
Brandon Smith on a recent podcast with James Graham referred to Hughes as a “Goldy Boy”. And it’s fairly well known his family is in Queensland.

Did he deny his supposed interest in coming here? Genuinely asking.

He said he did not know where the rumours started that he wanted to return "home" to qld as he considers melbourne his "home" now. Nz wasnt even mentioned.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

He said he did not know where the rumours started that he wanted to return "home" to qld as he considers melbourne his "home" now. Nz wasnt even mentioned.

Interesting. So he neither confirmed nor denied his interest, so there’s still hope lol.

The “rumour” started from his manager lol. However, the way his manager is quoted (if it even is him) it’s pretty hard to not differentiate the difference between NZ and Queensland. Especially when he says the Warriors and Jahrome talked via Zoom. Strange…..

In fairness, him considering Queensland and/or Melbourne “home”. And him “almost signing” with the Warriors are two separate things really.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Noitall]

Interesting. So he neither confirmed nor denied his interest, so there’s still hope lol.

The “rumour” started from his manager lol. However, the way his manager is quoted (if it even is him) it’s pretty hard to not differentiate the difference between NZ and Queensland. Especially when he says the Warriors and Jahrome talked via Zoom. Strange…..

In fairness, him considering Queensland and/or Melbourne “home”. And him “almost signing” with the Warriors are two separate things really.

Thanks anyway.

Really nice footage on his instagram page of an emotional catch up with his old man a few years back in Wellington. Looks at least like he’s got close family here or whether his Dad is still here, I’m not sure? Queensland might be home, but a million a season for a few years might see him willing to take a detour first?

 

[Boston Boy]

Really nice footage on his instagram page of an emotional catch up with his old man a few years back in Wellington. Looks at least like he’s got close family here or whether his Dad is still here, I’m not sure? Queensland might be home, but a million a season for a few years might see him willing to take a detour first?

Love Hughes, what an amazing transformation from a running fullback to one of the best halves and probably best running half in the comp.

I guess that’s a little concern, a lot of his game is that running threat. An older Jahrome may not be as potent in his key area, but would definitely be able to steer a team around.

So hard to judge when throwing 1 mil about but I am sure he would be with it for the first 2 yers but would slow down a bit after that.

 

[Noitall]

Love Hughes, what an amazing transformation from a running fullback to one of the best halves and probably best running half in the comp.

I guess that’s a little concern, a lot of his game is that running threat. An older Jahrome may not be as potent in his key area, but would definitely be able to steer a team around.

So hard to judge when throwing 1 mil about but I am sure he would be with it for the first 2 yers but would slow down a bit after that.

Jahrome Hughes

The NRL profile of Jahrome Hughes including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.

www.melbournestorm.com.au

Pretty complete player really to go with the running threat, 26 try assists and 26 line break assists from 23 appearances. Can recall an article recently that rated each team’s premiership window, to which ours was 2028/2029. That’s just someone’s opinion, but in my view our pack with Hughes steering us around puts us in a window. I think it would be a real waste of the forward pack and squad we’re assembling to only be lacking a potent halfback

 

[Five&Last]

Anyone been keeping tabs on Xavier Tito-Harris?

No super rugby contract for 2025. He’s familiar with our system.

 

[Tragic]

Anyone been keeping tabs on Xavier Tito-Harris?

No super rugby contract for 2025. He’s familiar with our system.

When does his sevens contract finish?

 

[Noitall]

Anyone been keeping tabs on Xavier Tito-Harris?

No super rugby contract for 2025. He’s familiar with our system.

Club must have gutted for him not to continue. Hyphenated name and Harris in his surname. Was it he and Francis Manuleleua competing for a halves position a few years ago? Manuleleua now weighs in at 110kg, just gone to knights from panthers

 

[Noitall]

When does his sevens contract finish?

Signed a 2 year contract in 2023, so contracted until the end of 2025. Been playing wing and fullback in union and now 6 foot 2 and 95kg. RTS was in the Auckland team when he debuted and scored 3 tries on debut

 

[peewee]

What is the go with the talk of Kotoni Staggs

 

[WahsaurusRex]

What is the go with the talk of Kotoni Staggs

Think its just in jest, he's only here for the holidays since his missus is Richard Becht's daughter (the clubs long time PR/Comms guy, does all the articles on warriors.kiwi)

Although a freight-train Tongan centre than only shows up once every few weeks would be nothing new to us, though

 

[Ozwarrior]

New Zealand Warriors 2025 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch​

Can the Warriors bounce back to the form that captivated a nation in 2023? Or will they struggle without favourite son Shaun Johnson? DAVID RICCIO breaks down their best 17, issues facing the club, rookies to watch and more.
David Riccio
Follow

@DaveRic1

3 min read
December 30, 2024 - 5:00AM

1 Comment

New Zealand Warriors deep dive.

NRL​

Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Warriors coach Andrew Webster, whose first-season glow turned into a sickly green the further last season went in 2024.
And while they now face a rebuild without favourite son Shaun Johnson, they will be led by inspirational New Zealand captain and four-time premiership-winner James Fisher-Harris.
David Riccio investigates how the Warriors plan to bounce back in a bid to keep their hungry Wahs fanbase on the up or risk them heading back dow

New Zealand Warriors' best 17 for 2025.

Free agency wrap and rating​

Impossible to fault the extraordinary signing of James Fisher-Harris from Penrith. The champion prop is an acquisition that is the envy of the NRL.
Depth signings of Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd could prove invaluable throughout the course of the season.
Warriors fans shouldn’t expect any NRL out of Jett Cleary in 2025. That won’t be the case for Sam Healey, the son of former Sharks star Mitch Healey, who has joined the Warriors as an attacking dummy-half.
RATING: B

WARRIORS OFF-CONTRACT IN 2025​

Bunty Afoa	Tom Ale
Tohu Harris	Edward Kosi
Te Maire Martin	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Adam Pompey	Dylan Walker

Coach status & safety rating​

Andrew Webster isn’t going anywhere soon with the developing head coach contracted until the end of 2028.
That isn’t to say there isn’t pressure on the coach after the Warriors disappointed in 2024, following such a sensational 2023 season.
Finishing 13th in 2024, Webster needs a response from his team in 2025, particularly given a roster that features representative stars and established NRL footballers including James Fisher-Harris, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell and Wayde Egan.
RATING: B

What is Andrew Webster's safety rating at the Warriors?​

Likely debutant
Unable to breakthrough to the NRL at the Sharks with Blayke Brailey and Jayden Berrell in front of him, Samuel Healey signed with the Warriors to fulfil his NRL dream.
The back-up to Wayde Egan is primed to earn his first grade debut in 2025. The 21-year-old has come through the grades with the Sharks, establishing himself in the New South Wales Cup with 36 games for feeder club Newtown since last season.
In his 24 NSW Cup appearances in 2024, Healey scored eight tries and averaged 56 metres and 23 tackles a game with 60 tackle breaks, four try assists, four line break assists and 21 off loads.

Samuel Healey playing for Newtown in the 2024 NSW Cup grand final. Picture: NRL Photos

Who takes the next step​

Luke Metcalf is renowned for his outstanding running game with his blistering pace a major feature of his game.
But what few fans know is that Metcalf began his career as an organising halfback, who can kick and isn’t afraid to order his team around the park.
In the post-Shaun Johnson era, Metcalf only needs to stay injury-free and string back-to-back games to prove he’s capable of running the Warriors in the halves.

Luke Metcalf could be set to step up for the Warriors in the post-Shaun Johnson era. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

The three burning issues​

SO LONG SJ
How will the Warriors handle life without the experienced presence of retired playmaker Shaun Johnson? Given Johnson struggled in his final year in the NRL, the belief from inside the Warriors camp is that the team will embrace a new style of play with a new-look halves pairing of either Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita or Te Maire Martin.

The Warriors face a new era following Shaun Johnson’s retirement. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
FISH FOR AFB
Viewed by fans as one champion prop out and one champion prop in, the departure of Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks and arrival of James Fisher-Harris from Penrith runs a lot deeper than that. In contrast to AFB’s big engine to play long minutes and destruction close to the tryline, JFH’s greatest asset is his willingness to make the toughest carries, when getting out of his team’s end of the field. How the Warriors learn to play differently with JFH is critical.

James Fisher-Harris will be critical to the Warriors’ success. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
MORE FROM ROGER
The return to the NRL from rugby union last season of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck showed enough glimpses of brilliance to believe that the champion ballrunner will increase in confidence in 2025. The key for the Warriors is avoiding the shuffle of positions he was forced to endure between fullback, wing and centre last season, which impacted his comeback season.

The Warriors need to unlock more from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Crystal ball​

With so much talent and experience across their entire squad, anything less than a top-eight finish will be disappointing.

2025 odds​

Winners: $41
Minor premiership: $34
Top 4: $6.50
Top 8: $2.50
Most losses: $15
*Odds courtesy TAB

 

[Tookey 2.0]

New Zealand Warriors 2025 NRL season scouting report: Best 17, every player’s contract status, rookie watch​

Can the Warriors bounce back to the form that captivated a nation in 2023? Or will they struggle without favourite son Shaun Johnson? DAVID RICCIO breaks down their best 17, issues facing the club, rookies to watch and more.
David Riccio
Follow
@DaveRic1

3 min read
December 30, 2024 - 5:00AM
1 Comment

New Zealand Warriors deep dive.

NRL​

Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Warriors coach Andrew Webster, whose first-season glow turned into a sickly green the further last season went in 2024.
And while they now face a rebuild without favourite son Shaun Johnson, they will be led by inspirational New Zealand captain and four-time premiership-winner James Fisher-Harris.
David Riccio investigates how the Warriors plan to bounce back in a bid to keep their hungry Wahs fanbase on the up or risk them heading back dow

New Zealand Warriors' best 17 for 2025.

Free agency wrap and rating​

Impossible to fault the extraordinary signing of James Fisher-Harris from Penrith. The champion prop is an acquisition that is the envy of the NRL.
Depth signings of Erin Clark and Tanah Boyd could prove invaluable throughout the course of the season.
Warriors fans shouldn’t expect any NRL out of Jett Cleary in 2025. That won’t be the case for Sam Healey, the son of former Sharks star Mitch Healey, who has joined the Warriors as an attacking dummy-half.
RATING: B

WARRIORS OFF-CONTRACT IN 2025​

Bunty Afoa	Tom Ale
Tohu Harris	Edward Kosi
Te Maire Martin	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
Adam Pompey	Dylan Walker

Coach status & safety rating​

Andrew Webster isn’t going anywhere soon with the developing head coach contracted until the end of 2028.
That isn’t to say there isn’t pressure on the coach after the Warriors disappointed in 2024, following such a sensational 2023 season.
Finishing 13th in 2024, Webster needs a response from his team in 2025, particularly given a roster that features representative stars and established NRL footballers including James Fisher-Harris, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris, Mitch Barnett, Kurt Capewell and Wayde Egan.
RATING: B

What is Andrew Webster's safety rating at the Warriors?​

Likely debutant
Unable to breakthrough to the NRL at the Sharks with Blayke Brailey and Jayden Berrell in front of him, Samuel Healey signed with the Warriors to fulfil his NRL dream.
The back-up to Wayde Egan is primed to earn his first grade debut in 2025. The 21-year-old has come through the grades with the Sharks, establishing himself in the New South Wales Cup with 36 games for feeder club Newtown since last season.
In his 24 NSW Cup appearances in 2024, Healey scored eight tries and averaged 56 metres and 23 tackles a game with 60 tackle breaks, four try assists, four line break assists and 21 off loads.

Samuel Healey playing for Newtown in the 2024 NSW Cup grand final. Picture: NRL Photos

Who takes the next step​

Luke Metcalf is renowned for his outstanding running game with his blistering pace a major feature of his game.
But what few fans know is that Metcalf began his career as an organising halfback, who can kick and isn’t afraid to order his team around the park.
In the post-Shaun Johnson era, Metcalf only needs to stay injury-free and string back-to-back games to prove he’s capable of running the Warriors in the halves.

Luke Metcalf could be set to step up for the Warriors in the post-Shaun Johnson era. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

The three burning issues​

SO LONG SJ
How will the Warriors handle life without the experienced presence of retired playmaker Shaun Johnson? Given Johnson struggled in his final year in the NRL, the belief from inside the Warriors camp is that the team will embrace a new style of play with a new-look halves pairing of either Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita or Te Maire Martin.

The Warriors face a new era following Shaun Johnson’s retirement. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
FISH FOR AFB
Viewed by fans as one champion prop out and one champion prop in, the departure of Addin Fonua-Blake to the Sharks and arrival of James Fisher-Harris from Penrith runs a lot deeper than that. In contrast to AFB’s big engine to play long minutes and destruction close to the tryline, JFH’s greatest asset is his willingness to make the toughest carries, when getting out of his team’s end of the field. How the Warriors learn to play differently with JFH is critical.

James Fisher-Harris will be critical to the Warriors’ success. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
MORE FROM ROGER
The return to the NRL from rugby union last season of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck showed enough glimpses of brilliance to believe that the champion ballrunner will increase in confidence in 2025. The key for the Warriors is avoiding the shuffle of positions he was forced to endure between fullback, wing and centre last season, which impacted his comeback season.

The Warriors need to unlock more from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images

Crystal ball​

With so much talent and experience across their entire squad, anything less than a top-eight finish will be disappointing.

2025 odds​

Winners: $41
Minor premiership: $34
Top 4: $6.50
Top 8: $2.50
Most losses: $15
*Odds courtesy TAB

You can tell this has been written by someone who doesnt follow th Wahs haha.
No real understanding of our juniors or who will make it.
Imo CHT would be our 4th half after all 3 of TMM, Metcalf and Boyd