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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[Tohu’s_Knees]

Australia has a lack of Rugby Union talent to field a competitive 5th side.
NZ doesn't have a shortage of talent for a second side as shown by 2024 school leavers from Christchurch heading to the likes of the Storm & Broncos. Not a fair comparison for mine

Exactly.
List out the top 10 Kiwis players of the last 15 years. How many are from Auckland and/or debuted or played for the Warriors?

Joey Manu is from Tokoroa
Hughes is from Wellington
Tapine is from Wellington
JFH is from Northland.
NAS is from Wellington
Mannerings from Nelson
Tohu Harris from Hawkes Bay

Foran is from Auckland
Johnson is from Auckland
Taumalolo is from Auckland.

Honourable talent mention, Dylan Brown

The talent is absolutely out there.

 

[Defence]

I find it strange all the talk about a second NZ side in the NRL. I cannot see the point, as we cannot even provide one NZ side that is competitive. the NZ Warriors struggle, and will struggle again in 2025. Yes we have talent, but the talent we have is not enough to win the games against the top sides. And we tend to lose against other strugglers that we expect to win against. Another finish outside the top 8 I am expecting. Don't get me wrong - I have followed the Warriors from day 1. and want them to succeed, but year after year they disappoint. and a second NZ side based in Christchurch, where I live would be nice. But look what happened to Australian rugby when they brought a 5th side in. Australian rugby was weak beforehand, and even weaker with 5 sides. just too difficult to fill the squads with players up to the level required.

Its an interesting one- I often read quite compelling arguments for a chch team which make a lot of sense but whenever I speak to people from back home (chch) who are involved with the game none of them think it will work.

 

[kos]

Exactly.
List out the top 10 Kiwis players of the last 15 years. How many are from Auckland and/or debuted or played for the Warriors?

Joey Manu is from Tokoroa
Hughes is from Wellington
Tapine is from Wellington
JFH is from Northland.
NAS is from Wellington
Mannerings from Nelson
Tohu Harris from Hawkes Bay

Foran is from Auckland
Johnson is from Auckland
Taumalolo is from Auckland.

Honourable talent mention, Dylan Brown

The talent is absolutely out there.

If we add in all the Auck born players that play for Aus Tonga Samoa Auck wins in a canter

 

[Blain]

I find it strange all the talk about a second NZ side in the NRL. I cannot see the point, as we cannot even provide one NZ side that is competitive. the NZ Warriors struggle, and will struggle again in 2025. Yes we have talent, but the talent we have is not enough to win the games against the top sides. And we tend to lose against other strugglers that we expect to win against. Another finish outside the top 8 I am expecting. Don't get me wrong - I have followed the Warriors from day 1. and want them to succeed, but year after year they disappoint. and a second NZ side based in Christchurch, where I live would be nice. But look what happened to Australian rugby when they brought a 5th side in. Australian rugby was weak beforehand, and even weaker with 5 sides. just too difficult to fill the squads with players up to the level required.

It's all about the fan market, nothing to do with Rugby League and being competitive. PNG are getting a team, and possibly Perth. Both have next to no NRL level players of note. And the argument about the Warriors not winning means Christchurch shouldn't get a team - Look at Auckland FC. They are different organizations, I wouldn't expect the same results.

I do however think that Christchurch needs better Rugby League structure before coming into the NRL. Like say they are given a license in 5 years time, would be ideal to have 1 or 2 junior teams and a NSW cup side playing 2-3 years before NRL entry, with local comps feeding into those sides.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

If we add in all the Auck born players that play for Aus Tonga Samoa Auck wins in a canter

Hmmmmmmm….. (I’m kinda bored)
First of all, I have no idea how I missed Benji Marshall…….

But Auckland vs the rest of North Island from players over the last 15 years. (All in their prime)

Rest of North Island team….
1. Jordan Rapana (Wellington)
2. DWZ (Hamilton)
3. Peta Hiku (Gisboure)
4. Joey Manu (Tokoroa)
5. Will Warbrick (Kawerau)
6. Benji Marshall (Whakatāne)
7. Jahrome Hughes (Wellington)

8. JFH (Rawene)
9. Isaac Luke (Hāwera)
10. Adam Blair (Whangārei)
11. Briton Nikora (Tauranga)
12. Tohu Harris (Hastings)
13. Joesph Tapine (Wellington)

14. JMK (Whakatāne)
15. NAS (Wellington)
16. JWH (Rotorua)
17. Kevin Proctor (Te Kuiti)

I’d love to see an Auckland team vs this…….

Bonus rest of NZ team..

1. Kodi Nikorima (PN)
2. Jamayne Issako (Christchurch)
3. Lewis Brown (Christchurch)
4. Dean Whare (Rotorua)
5. Rocco Berry (Masterton)
6. Phoenix Crossland (Wellington)
7. TMM (Tokoroa)

8. Ben Matulino (Wellington)
9. Danny Levi (Wellington)
10. Russell Packer (Foxton)
11. Jeremy Smith (Christchurch)
12. Simon Mannering (Nelson)
13. Leo Thompson (Gisborne)

14 Jazz Tevaga (Christchurch)
15. Griffin Neame (Greymouth)
16. Xavier Willison (Hamilton)
17. Elijah Taylor (Hāwera)

My Ass, there’s not enough talent. Just got to find it.

 

[Chchfanatic]

I think the club would survive in chch. Lots of people with plenty of money. Some big companies originate in chch. Ryman healthcare owner Kevin Hickman is worth over $350 million.
There is definitely the talent in NZ for another team. Just need to keep all the young kids from leaving. The NRL would need to put a transfer fee on NZ kids.
NRL need to invest in NZ if they want another team.

 

[tyrael]

Hmmmmmmm….. (I’m kinda bored)
First of all, I have no idea how I missed Benji Marshall…….

But Auckland vs the rest of North Island from players over the last 15 years. (All in their prime)

Rest of North Island team….
1. Jordan Rapana (Wellington)
2. DWZ (Hamilton)
3. Peta Hiku (Gisboure)
4. Joey Manu (Tokoroa)
5. Will Warbrick (Kawerau)
6. Benji Marshall (Whakatāne)
7. Jahrome Hughes (Wellington)

8. JFH (Rawene)
9. Isaac Luke (Hāwera)
10. Adam Blair (Whangārei)
11. Briton Nikora (Tauranga)
12. Tohu Harris (Hastings)
13. Joesph Tapine (Wellington)

14. JMK (Whakatāne)
15. NAS (Wellington)
16. JWH (Rotorua)
17. Elijah Taylor (Hāwera)

I’d love to see an Auckland team vs this…….

Bonus rest of NZ team..

1. Kodi Nikorima (PN)
2. Jamayne Issako (Christchurch)
3. Lewis Brown (Christchurch)
4. Dean Whare (Rotorua)
5. Rocco Berry (Masterton)
6. Phoenix Crossland (Wellington)
7. TMM (Tokoroa)

8. Ben Matulino (Wellington)
9. Danny Levi (Wellington)
10. Russell Packer (Foxton)
11. Jordan Riki (Christchurch)
12. Simon Mannering (Nelson)
13. Leo Thompson (Gisborne)

14 Jazz Tevaga (Christchurch)
15. Griffin Neame (Greymouth)
16. Xavier Willison (Hamilton)
17. Sam Rapira (Hamilton)

My Ass, there’s not enough talent. Just got to find it.

Genuine question, when would you play this? I don't think Clubs would like it if it was on the same time as Origin. End of the year, there are test matches. Before season, no club wants to risk their players.

Don't get me wrong, I've been asking for this too, just don't know where it will fit.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Genuine question, when would you play this? I don't think Clubs would like it if it was on the same time as Origin. End of the year, there are test matches. Before season, no club wants to risk their players.

Don't get me wrong, I've been asking for this too, just don't know where it will fit.

I’d play it twice a year……
When the Warriors play an NRL team based in the South Island of NZ.
May take a bit of time to build up. But when it does……..

 

[Fizurg]

Hmmmmmmm….. (I’m kinda bored)
First of all, I have no idea how I missed Benji Marshall…….

But Auckland vs the rest of North Island from players over the last 15 years. (All in their prime)

Rest of North Island team….
1. Jordan Rapana (Wellington)
2. DWZ (Hamilton)
3. Peta Hiku (Gisboure)
4. Joey Manu (Tokoroa)
5. Will Warbrick (Kawerau)
6. Benji Marshall (Whakatāne)
7. Jahrome Hughes (Wellington)

8. JFH (Rawene)
9. Isaac Luke (Hāwera)
10. Adam Blair (Whangārei)
11. Briton Nikora (Tauranga)
12. Tohu Harris (Hastings)
13. Joesph Tapine (Wellington)

14. JMK (Whakatāne)
15. NAS (Wellington)
16. JWH (Rotorua)
17. Kevin Proctor (Te Kuiti)

I’d love to see an Auckland team vs this…….

Bonus rest of NZ team..

1. Kodi Nikorima (PN)
2. Jamayne Issako (Christchurch)
3. Lewis Brown (Christchurch)
4. Dean Whare (Rotorua)
5. Rocco Berry (Masterton)
6. Phoenix Crossland (Wellington)
7. TMM (Tokoroa)

8. Ben Matulino (Wellington)
9. Danny Levi (Wellington)
10. Russell Packer (Foxton)
11. Jeremy Smith (Christchurch)
12. Simon Mannering (Nelson)
13. Leo Thompson (Gisborne)

14 Jazz Tevaga (Christchurch)
15. Griffin Neame (Greymouth)
16. Xavier Willison (Hamilton)
17. Elijah Taylor (Hāwera)

My Ass, there’s not enough talent. Just got to find it.

One issue of with your example is that they didn’t play at the same time. You have come up with decent NRL teams. But they could never have actually played. Now choose any particular season and make the same list and I think it wouldn’t be great reading.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

One issue of with your example is that they didn’t play at the same time. You have come up with decent NRL teams. But they could never have actually played. Now choose any particular season and make the same list and I think it wouldn’t be great reading.

Ok, fair enough. I was just bored and made a list.
You’ll note I said last 15 years. So someone playing 18-33 years old.
With a new NZ NRL team, it’s not unreasonable to assume more players will develop and play.

But I’ll take up the challenge.

2023…. No Auckland born players.

1. Jordan Rapana/Nikorima
2. Jamayne Issako
3. Peta Hiku (Super league)
4. Joey Manu
5. DWZ
6. TMM/Crossland/Nikorima
7. Jahrome Hughes

8. JFH
9. JMK
10. Joesph Tapine
11. Jordan Riki
12. Briton Nikora
13. Tohu Harris

14. Nikorima/Crossland
15. Griffin Neame
16. NAS
17. Leo Thompson

That team wins the NRL. Might be over the cap though lol.
(That was ridiculously easy btw)

 

[Damo]

Ok, fair enough. I was just bored and made a list.
You’ll note I said last 15 years. So someone playing 18-33 years old.
With a new NZ NRL team, it’s not unreasonable to assume more players will develop and play.

But I’ll take up the challenge.

2023…. No Auckland born players.

1. Joey Manu
2. Jordan Rapana
3. Peta Hiku (Super league)
4. Rocco Berry
5. DWZ
6. Crossland/Nikorima
7. Jahrome Hughes

8. JFH
9. JMK
10. Joesph Tapine
11. Jordan Riki
12. Briton Nikora
13. Tohu Harris

14. Nikorima/Crossland
15. Griffin Neame
16. NAS
17. Leo Thompson

That team wins the NRL.
(That was ridiculously easy btw)

I don't think it wins the NRL at all.

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

I don't think it wins the NRL at all.

Ok, why’s that?

 

[Billyspleen75]

Ok, fair enough. I was just bored and made a list.
You’ll note I said last 15 years. So someone playing 18-33 years old.
With a new NZ NRL team, it’s not unreasonable to assume more players will develop and play.

But I’ll take up the challenge.

2023…. No Auckland born players.

1. Jordan Rapana/Nikorima
2. Jamayne Issako
3. Peta Hiku (Super league)
4. Joey Manu
5. DWZ
6. Crossland/Nikorima
7. Jahrome Hughes

8. JFH
9. JMK
10. Joesph Tapine
11. Jordan Riki
12. Briton Nikora
13. Tohu Harris

14. Nikorima/Crossland
15. Griffin Neame
16. NAS
17. Leo Thompson

That team wins the NRL. Might be over the cap though lol.
(That was ridiculously easy btw)

Auckland born team. Only went up to letter P too

1 Jahream Bula
2 Marzhew
3 Pompey
4 CNK
5 Mulitalo
6 Foran
7 Dylan Brown
8 Leota
9 Havili
10 Leniu
11 Finefuiaki
12 Nanai
13 Papalii

14 Clark
15 Lemuelu
16 BHU
17 Niukore

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I don't think it wins the NRL at all.

I think the reality is a South island team will have a handful of local talent, a handful on NZ talent and a handful of Aussies, just like the Warriors.

But a second team will definitely give more kiwis a local option and help grow the game in the Christchurch region, resulting in more juniors coming through.

Ultimately with more exposure, league should even grow and benefit in Auckland and for the Warriors.

 

[wizard of Tauranga]

I don't think it wins the NRL at all.

And winning the comp shouldn’t even be a consideration initially.

Getting a team up and running, growing the pathways and culture for the club is the first hurdles. Then in the longer term you could be in a position for a title.

Ironically, if the game in NZ grows significantly with a second team, I think it puts the Warriors in a better position to win a title than with just the single team.

On topic, (probably more expansion) this will all help the Warriors recruitment with a bigger game.

 

[Damo]

Ok, why’s that?

Few problems with the team at first glance.
Aged backline with Hiku and Rapana.
Spine was mainly 'run first' when you had Manu at 1, Hughes and whoever at 6. However you have changed that. Which arguably makes it worse, a team with Rapana or Nikorima at FB will not win the NRL.
Forward pack is pretty much the Kiwis one (a good thing obviously), but Tohu is past it now IMO.

 

[Damo]

And winning the comp shouldn’t even be a consideration initially.

Getting a team up and running, growing the pathways and culture for the club is the first hurdles. Then in the longer term you could be in a position for a title.

Ironically, if the game in NZ grows significantly with a second team, I think it puts the Warriors in a better position to win a title than with just the single team.

I was just commenting on the team that was put forward, not that deep

 

[Tohu’s_Knees]

Few problems with the team at first glance.
Aged backline with Hiku and Rapana.
Spine was mainly 'run first' when you had Manu at 1, Hughes and whoever at 6. However you have changed that. Which arguably makes it worse, a team with Rapana or Nikorima at FB will not win the NRL.
Forward pack is pretty much the Kiwis one (a good thing obviously), but Tohu is past it now IMO.

You note, the team is 2023. Where Tohu had one of his best years and Hiku and Rapana were pretty much 2 years younger.

Admittedly fullback and 6 might be an issue and between. Joey Manu, TMM, Crossland, Nikorima, Rapana, DWZ and Issaako I’m sure they’ll be fine.

You could even replace Rapana with Warbrick.

And finally witha forward pack and bench like that. Is a “run first” spine really that bad?
Is Hughe incapable of organising? If so TMM would probably be the best 6 for him.

 

[kos]

Oh
When’s the first trial game
Can someone speed it up reduce the wait

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Oh
When’s the first trial game
Can someone speed it up reduce the wait

Harold matts and SG Ball in three weeks!