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	✔	✔	✔
	Morgan Harper	✔
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	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔
24	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
25	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
26	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
27	Dylan Walker	✔
28	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Faitialofa	S
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	S	✔	✔
S5	Sio Kali	S
S6	Patrick Moimoi	S
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Jett Cleary	T	S	S
-	Motu Pasikala	T	✔	✔

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

Confirmed Top 30 2025: 29/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2025: 6/6

Confirmed Top 30 2026: 21/30
Confirmed Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Nil
2026 Losses: Nil

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Dylan Walker

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[wizard of Tauranga]

I'd take what we've got in this year over the signings of Manly, Newcastle, Roosters, Storm, Canberra, and Gold Coast have recruited.

if you look at gains vs loses would you say the same?

Our big loses (and salary cap freed up) reduces the impact on the team of our recruitment gains?

 

[Teets]

if you look at gains vs loses would you say the same?

Our big loses (and salary cap freed up) reduces the impact on the team of our recruitment gains?

For most of those teams mentioned absolutely.

Roosters lost Sualii, Manu, Tuponua and got back Chad Townsend.

Nearly every big name off season recruit in those teams has been offset by a big name loss. And that's the problem for average teams relying on recruitment for success.

We got back as good as we're going to get for AFB, Metcalf better SJ replacement than anything going on the market, Tohu terrible timing.

 

[RiceOwl]

I think there are many that are missing the point here. We have clearly said we are a development club now, which means we must be patient and continue to invest in our youngsters.

By securing the likes of a Harper over a Mulitalo is arguable better for youngsters development S it doesn’t block their pathway for multiple years. Harper (although personally I wii would’ve like MGT given another crack) is purely a stop gap measure. Also by not splashing out salary cap on a big signing, we may be able to spend on some of the gun juniors coming through ala our development model.

Patience is key here. To call for Cappy or other heads to roll because of frustration of not getting more big name signings is well off the mark.

 

[JustLikeStartingOver]

Cooking up a strawman, looking at the off contract outside backs who is likely not to start for his team in rd 1.

Try Grant Anderson or Harley Smith-Shields, I know nothing about those blokes ability compared to a Harper but you’d probably have to give them the Egan or Metcalf treatment, i.e. multi year on decent money, sort them out a place, job for the girlfriend, sell them on the chance of a starting spot next year if Roger goes, and then hope their manager has enough pull to talk maniacs like Bellamy or Stuart into releasing them early. That’s real long shot stuff. To get a marginal upgrade and block up the youths longer than just this year.

Didn’t MH say he was in Walkers spare room and he picked him up from the airport – that’s the opposite of rolling out the red carpet. That’s ‘trainings on Monday, see you there if your keen’ type stuff. The club is probably right to save the big pitches for positions they really need, we aren’t a contender this year, we don’t need to sack cappy over it.

If anyone wanted MGT wouldn’t he have gone already? Like Roche did?

 

[MrFrankWhite]

Coming around to the Harper signing with all the background info coming out. Costs us nothing for basically no time and he might get a redemption shot if we are in a crisis.

 

[run_it_str8_again]

Coming around to the Harper signing with all the background info coming out. Costs us nothing for basically no time and he might get a redemption shot if we are in a crisis.

Nothing to lose. Everything to gain.

Lifeline's are to be taken when you are without better options. Am I talking about Harper or the team though?

 

[Ever Hopeful]

I think there are many that are missing the point here. We have clearly said we are a development club now, which means we must be patient and continue to invest in our youngsters.

By securing the likes of a Harper over a Mulitalo is arguable better for youngsters development S it doesn’t block their pathway for multiple years. Harper (although personally I wii would’ve like MGT given another crack) is purely a stop gap measure. Also by not splashing out salary cap on a big signing, we may be able to spend on some of the gun juniors coming through ala our development model.

Patience is key here. To call for Cappy or other heads to roll because of frustration of not getting more big name signings is well off the mark.

100% we are moving towards that, which is absolutely the right approach.

It is not as black and white as that though. Head office will certainly be looking for a couple of quality signings; they won't be turning off the tap and that has been confirmed directly. We do not have backs that are near to first grade in any satisfactory depth at all. The signing of quality there is not going to roadblock an up and comer.

I believe the squad is underwhelming (development period or not). I believe that our recruitment team themselves will be disappointed with their results at the market. I love that they are patient rather than rushing. I love that there will be stop gaps instead of long-term contracts that aren't in our favour. That is all good.

Mulitalo is an interesting case study. Yes, ideally we don't invest big money in a winger. But the bottom line is we need a squad that compete and we are lacking in quality outside backs and will be for the foreseeable future. For that reason, I personally believe Mulitalo would have been a decent option, and I usually hate the idea of spending in that position.

Patience yes, sitting on hands no. But I don't blame anyone at the club for this, it is just the reality of the market. The club's dealings in the transfer market will be fascinating over the next 12 months. Ideally they would have been looking to move 4-5 names on at the end of the year I would have imagined (CNK, Walker, TMM etc.). They may not be in the position to make as many of these moves as they planned originally.

 

[MrFrankWhite]

100% we are moving towards that, which is absolutely the right approach.

It is not as black and white as that though. Head office will certainly be looking for a couple of quality signings; they won't be turning off the tap and that has been confirmed directly. We do not have backs that are near to first grade in any satisfactory depth at all. The signing of quality there is not going to roadblock an up and comer.

I believe the squad is underwhelming (development period or not). I believe that our recruitment team themselves will be disappointed with their results at the market. I love that they are patient rather than rushing. I love that there will be stop gaps instead of long-term contracts that aren't in our favour. That is all good.

Mulitalo is an interesting case study. Yes, ideally we don't invest big money in a winger. But the bottom line is we need a squad that compete and we are lacking in quality outside backs and will be for the foreseeable future. For that reason, I personally believe Mulitalo would have been a decent option, and I usually hate the idea of spending in that position.

Patience yes, sitting on hands no. But I don't blame anyone at the club for this, it is just the reality of the market. The club's dealings in the transfer market will be fascinating over the next 12 months. Ideally they would have been looking to move 4-5 names on at the end of the year I would have imagined (CNK, Walker, TMM etc.). They may not be in the position to make as many of these moves as they planned originally.

I dont see the club releasing any of those three based on the current squad list

 

[Inruin]

I dont see the club releasing any of those three based on the current squad list

It will be an interesting year. 21/30 filled for 2026 by the look of it and if you add those three in its 24/30 so still likely needing to recruit 5 new players or promote our youth to a top 30 contract, which seems more likely.

 

[scottyb]

I have no problem with the Morgan signing, he's never gonna be picked first on form. He is purely a depth signing in a position that needed filling. He is going to be cheap and it'a only for this year. With any luck he won't be needed, but if he is then it was a good buy by the club.

 

[Mr Drag]

I have no problem with the Morgan signing, he's never gonna be picked first on form. He is purely a depth signing in a position that needed filling. He is going to be cheap and it'a only for this year. With any luck he won't be needed, but if he is then it was a good buy by the club.

Morgan is a great signing! We needed a backup winger with NRL experience!

 

[Blain]

People also need to remember he has signed to take Tu's spot in the squad, not Montoya. He's on a 9 month deal, and all going well a junior will be ready to step into the 5th in line centre/winger spot for 2026.

 

[SJ2k]

Morgan is a great signing! We needed a backup winger with NRL experience!

My issue is less the signing and more we had a backup winger with NRL experience who is probably better and most certianly has more experience with the team. Poorly managed.

I agree on recruitment being underwhelming, but it is tough out there. Even the rorters are battling for quality signings, as someone else pointed out.

Pathways is the way forward, and all well and good. However there's no draft and poor results leads to poorer retention and recruiting. Need to be looking to win the maximum possible games each year. The NRL is the reverse of the US sports, teams that win a lot get cheaper and better recruiting and retention options. We need to be regulars in the 8 to be taken seriously. Turning down Mulitalo would be ridiculous, but he doesn't want to come here cause why would he if the Sharks can somehow pay him. Sharks are a good example of a club that's staying there abouts year after year, and getting very good recruitment and retention options out of it.

 

[Mr Drag]

My issue is less the signing and more we had a backup winger with NRL experience who is probably better and most certianly has more experience with the team. Poorly managed.

I agree on recruitment being underwhelming, but it is tough out there. Even the rorters are battling for quality signings, as someone else pointed out.

Pathways is the way forward, and all well and good. However there's no draft and poor results leads to poorer retention and recruiting. Need to be looking to win the maximum possible games each year. The NRL is the reverse of the US sports, teams that win a lot get cheaper and better recruiting and retention options. We need to be regulars in the 8 to be taken seriously. Turning down Mulitalo would be ridiculous, but he doesn't want to come here cause why would he if the Sharks can somehow pay him. Sharks are a good example of a club that's staying there abouts year after year, and getting very good recruitment and retention options out of it.

I want fast wingers and all I see in NZ is big slow wingers!

 

[Ever Hopeful]

I dont see the club releasing any of those three based on the current squad list

Agreed. I think their plan A would have been to be in a position to though.

 

[Inruin]

My issue is less the signing and more we had a backup winger with NRL experience who is probably better and most certianly has more experience with the team. Poorly managed.

I agree on recruitment being underwhelming, but it is tough out there. Even the rorters are battling for quality signings, as someone else pointed out.

Pathways is the way forward, and all well and good. However there's no draft and poor results leads to poorer retention and recruiting. Need to be looking to win the maximum possible games each year. The NRL is the reverse of the US sports, teams that win a lot get cheaper and better recruiting and retention options. We need to be regulars in the 8 to be taken seriously. Turning down Mulitalo would be ridiculous, but he doesn't want to come here cause why would he if the Sharks can somehow pay him. Sharks are a good example of a club that's staying there abouts year after year, and getting very good recruitment and retention options out of it.

With the Dolphins added to the comp the pool of first grade players has thinned a little. (I do wonder if the covid years had an effect on this as well and it will self correct in a few years?) Add in two or three other teams and that talent pool thins even further. I think this is only going to strengthen clubs like the Panthers and us in the future. Also makes the upper level players more valuable and demanding elite wages - ie Dylan Brown, fantastic player but not in the Elite category IMO but demanding the Elite wage. Youth development is definitely the way forward but its even more reason to be opposed to a draft. The NRL will need to bring it in though or a team like Penrith will continue to dominate and that doesn't make for good entertainment does it? Filling our remaining spots for 2026 and beyond will become more difficult as we continue on I think so we really need to make the most of what we have here.

 

[JustLikeStartingOver]

With the Dolphins added to the comp the pool of first grade players has thinned a little. (I do wonder if the covid years had an effect on this as well and it will self correct in a few years?) Add in two or three other teams and that talent pool thins even further. I think this is only going to strengthen clubs like the Panthers and us in the future. Youth development is definitely the way forward but its even more reason to be opposed to a draft. The NRL will need to bring it in though or a team like Penrith will continue to dominate and that doesn't make for good entertainment does it?

And the cap going up, if a player used to be on $70K AUD not that hard to make it worth his while monetarily, that’s pretty low for a professional sportsman. If most competent players are now on $140K AUD, the sell is a bit harder.

 

[Playdaball]

I want fast wingers and all I see in NZ is big slow wingers!

Harper is neither fast or big …

 

[Old Sid]

I still cannot figure where SJ, TH and MM's money has been spent. I'm assuming Jazz/EC and AFB/JFH almost equivalent with a few local upgrades plus MH (ZM $ equivalent?) signing now. Any ideas otherwise we have a pot awaiting an opportunity and pressure to use it or lose it? Losing it won't make sense to the owner.

 

[mrblonde]

Thanks for that new perspective. It is a good one I hadn't considered enough.

The grey area for me is the percentage of cap a club must spend each year. It would make a lot of sense for the NRL to let a club like ours sit on available cap rather than have to spend 80% of it (or whatever it is) on an inferior roster. I'm not really sure where the rules sit with this at the moment. AFB, SJ, Jazz, Monts and Harris is an enormous amount of cap to spend on what we have now. I guess we are paying large parts of some contracts early in addition to investing in our youth??

Update - clubs are required to pay out 97.5% of the salary cap. It is crazy when you think of the respective rosters of some teams.

The Salary Cap

Here are the official guidelines for the NRL salary cap, including frequently asked questions like what players can earn outside the salary cap, how much can clubs spend, third party agreements and more.

www.nrl.com

Maybe some weird thing like with Government Departments where if they don't spend their current year's budget on something, so $5,000 on a Japanse meal , hoors and drinks will do , they might get a lower budget next year? If Fox or the NRL notice the clubs aren't spending more than $5m on the players, that's either less that Fox have to give to the NRL or the NRL have to give to the clubs...

Wouldn't be suprised of Morgan was on minimum so maybe another signing and/or upgrade being allowed for?