General Warriors Where Are They Now 2023?

[mt.wellington]

259. REECE WALSH

In 2021, Walsh joined the Brisbane Broncos NRL squad on a development contract. He began the season playing for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.

On 18 March 2021, Walsh signed a three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors, beginning in 2022. On 10 April 2021, he was released early from his Brisbane contract to join the Warriors immediately.

On 25 April, in Round 7 2021, Walsh made his first grade debut for the Warriors against Melbourne Storm.

On 6 July 2022, Walsh was granted an early release from his New Zealand contract to re-join his former club Brisbane starting in 2023. Walsh cited a relationship breakdown as the reason for the move.

On 7 July, Brisbane Broncos officially announced his return to the club, on a 3-year deal...

Walsh Comes Home To Broncos from 2023​

broncos.com.au
Thu 7 Jul 2022, 04:24 PM


Electric fullback and playmaker Reece Walsh is coming home to the Brisbane Broncos.

The 19-year-old has signed a three-year contract that will see him return to the Broncos for the 2023 season until at least the end of 2025.

Queenslander Walsh is one of the NRL's most exciting emerging talents, having been on the cusp of making his Morons State Of Origin debut last year before injury robbed him of the chance.

His continued strong form also saw him called up for this year's extended Queensland squad - Walsh's NRL career now standing at 30 games since making his debut in Round 7 last season.

In those 30 appearances, he has racked up 10 tries, 19 try assists and 21 line breaks while averaging 129 running metres and 125 kicking metres per game. He's also slotted 58 goals at 76 per cent accuracy.

Walsh's commitment to the Broncos represents a homecoming with the backline gun having first joined the Broncos Academy as a 13-year-old and then signed his first contract with the club two years later before going on to round out his high school years by representing the Australian Schoolboys.

In 2019, he won selection in the Queensland Under 18s and also spent the season training with the Broncos NRL squad - before announcing himself with a standout performance in his first game of senior footy for the Broncos in their opening trial of the 2020 season against Wynnum.

Walsh now joins a host of other young products of the Broncos’ elite pathways to commit long-term to the club including Selwyn Cobbo, Ezra Mam, TC Robati, Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison, Deine Mariner and Blake Mozer.

Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said: "Reece's return is great news for everyone at the Broncos and for all our supporters and members - we'll get him back home next year.

"He's a terrific young footballer and someone who has always belonged in Brisbane so it's fantastic that he is coming back to where he belongs.

"Reece came through the Broncos system from a young age and the club has always considered him to be one of our most promising talents.

"He returns to us with some great NRL experience under his belt and rejoins the club at a time when we are forging something special.

"A number of other emerging players who've come through the Broncos system have also committed long-term to the club in recent times and it's great that Reece has chosen to do the same."

Walsh Comes Home To Broncos from 2023

Electric fullback and playmaker Reece Walsh is coming home to the Brisbane Broncos.

www.broncos.com.au

 

[mt.wellington]

260. EDWARD KOSI

Vodafone Warriors upgrade rookie Kosi to fulltime NRL deal​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Wed 27 Oct 2021, 11:59 AM


Rookie Vodafone Warriors winger Edward Kosi has been upgraded to a full NRL contract to the end of the 2023 season.

The 22-year-old Mangere East Hawks junior was on a development contract when he made his first-grade debut in the Vodafone Warriors’ eighth-round win over North Queensland on May 2.

Finishing his first NRL season with five appearances, he also played nine matches for feeder club Redcliffe in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.

“Ed’s come a long way in a short time especially allowing for playing no footy in 2020 and also an interrupted 2021 through Covid,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.

“He has come through the ranks from our 20s, reserve grade and Redcliffe to debut this year. His play twos in Intrust Super Cup were outstanding and every aspect of his game is on the up.

“Ed has earned his contract and with more experience in the next two years he’ll push to be a permanent member of the starting 13.”

Kosi’s debut against the Cowboys came in dramatic circumstances when he was called into the side to replace an injured David Fusitua with only an hour’s notice.

“The way Ed handled himself that day was really impressive,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.

“He had no time to prepare but he got heavily involved from the outset and has gone on to make real strides this year. We seem him having a big future.”

Kosi was one of six NRL rookies introduced by the Vodafone Warriors this year. Like him, Rocco Berry, Taniela Otukolo and Viliami Vailea also came through the club’s system. The quartet along with fellow debutants Reece Walsh and Jackson Frei all stepped up to the NRL after playing for Redcliffe.

In his five NRL outings this year Kosi averaged 110 metres, made nine tackles breaks and scored his first try in the win over Canterbury Bankstown.

For the Dolphins he averaged 125 metres a game, made 19 tackles breaks and scored four tries.

Vodafone Warriors upgrade rookie Kosi to fulltime NRL deal

Vodafone Warriors winger Edward Kosi has signed a two-year NRL deal with the club.

www.warriors.kiwi

Height: 193 cm
Date of Birth: 28 January 1999
Weight: 107 kg
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Age: 23
Nickname: Ed
Debut Club: New Zealand Warriors
Date: 25 April 2021
Opposition: North Queensland Cowboys
Round: 8
Junior Club: Mangere East Hawks

Biography:
Edward is another example of the big winger the Vodafone Warriors have specialised in producing in the modern era.

Coming through the club's development system he played Jersey Flegg Cup (under-20) as recently as 2019 while also having experience turning out for the NRL team's reserve grade side in the Canterbury Cup.

An impressive offseason saw the Mangere East junior named to represent the Vodafone Warriors at the 2020 NRL Nines in Perth before he lined up in the Canterbury Cup's opening round against Newcastle in March. It was set to be a vital season in his development as a potential first grader only for the Covid-19 pandemic to force the cancellation of the second-tier competition.

Edward was back with the Vodafone Warriors when the 2020-2021 offseason training programme started in November and travelled to Australia with the extended squad in January, first stop Tamworth and then Terrigal.

On a development contract, he remained on the Central Coast to train with the NRL squad and prepare for football with feeder club Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Premiership in Queensland. He started well with three strong performances for the Dolphins as he chased his goal of an NRL debut.

The call came but in the most dramatic and unexpected way, when he was given little more than an hour's notice that he would be lining up for the Vodafone Warriors in their eighth-round clash against the North Queensland Cowboys. It came about when the experienced David Fusitua was a late defection with a troublesome hamstring injury.

It meant the Vodafone Warriors had an extremely young centre combination on the right edge. While Kosi was making his debut at the age of 22, centre Rocco Berry (19) had played his first NRL match just a week earlier.

In becoming Vodafone Warrior #260, Kosi immediately impressed in a full-on display which saw him carry the ball 16 times and make 128 metres in helping the side to a 24-20 win.

Edward Kosi

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

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

261. TANIELA OTUKOLO

Hooker Otukolo upgraded to top 30 contract for 2022​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Fri 19 Nov 2021, 12:59 PM


Hooker Taniela Otukolo has joined fellow 2021 rookie Edward Kosi in being upgraded to the Vodafone Warriors’ fulltime NRL squad for the coming 2022 NRL season.

The promotion comes after the 19-year-old Otahuhu Leopards junior had his club contract extended to 2024 a month before his first-grade debut against the Newcastle Knights in June this year.

One of six Vodafone Warriors players to make their NRL debuts in 2021, Otukolo went on to play three first-grade matches.

“Taniela is another terrific example of a player who has come through our Sky Sport Future Warriors programme,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“Nathan Brown and the coaching staff rate him really highly and this is reward for him. He’s in line to play a huge role in our club’s future.”

Otukolo is one of a group of young Vodafone Warriors players handed their debuts over the last two seasons including Eliesa Katoa, Tom Ale, Reece Walsh, Rocco Berry, Kosi, Viliami Vailea and Jackson Frei.while Adam Pompey debuted in 2019.

The club has also just announced Otukinekina and Valingi Kepu have been upgraded to NRL contracts from 2023.

“We’re committed to our future as well as our present,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.

“Taniela has worked really hard and gained invaluable experience in the NRL this year.
“He had only just turned 19 when he made his debut this year and might have had a few more games but for injury.”

As well as lining up in the NRL, Otukolo appeared for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland colts’ competition where he helped the Dolphins to within a win of making the grand final.

His promise saw him used in the Vodafone Warriors’ Jersey Flegg Cup side (under-20) when he was only 17 in 2019 and he excelled for the club’s S G Ball Cup (under-18) team in 2020 when he scored nine tries in six games.

TANIELA OTUKOLO
Born	May 22, 2002
Birthplace	Tofoa, Tonga
Junior club	Otahuhu Leopards
Position	Hooker
Height	179cm
Weight	91kg
Vodafone Warriors No	261
NRL debut	Vodafone Warriors v Newcastle Knights, McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, June 19, 2021 (Rd 15)
NRL career	3 appearances for Vodafone Warriors (2021)
QRL colts (under-21)	9 appearances for Redcliffe (2021), 4 points (1 try)
S G Ball Cup (under-18)	6 appearances for Vodafone Warriors (2020), 36 points (9 tries)
Jersey Flegg Cup (under-20)	9 appearances for Vodafone Warriors (2019), 16 points (4 tries)
Representative	New Zealand Residents 18s

Hooker Otukolo upgraded to top 30 contract for 2022

After making NRL debut as development player, Taniela Otukolo upgraded to Vodafone Warriors' top 30 squad.

www.warriors.kiwi

Height: 179 cm
Date of Birth: 22 May 2002
Weight: 91 kg
Birthplace: Tofoa, Tonga
Age: 20
Nickname: Nella
Debut Club: New Zealand Warriors
Date: 19 June 2021
Opposition: Newcastle Knights
Round: 15
Junior Club: Otahuhu Leopards

Biography:
'Nella' is an exciting young hooker who has come through the club's development system.
Represented the New Zealand Resident 18s and impressed coaching staff and players with his efforts during the 2020-2021 off season, so much so he stayed on with the club's wider NRL squad on the Central Coast.

The 18-year-old was on the NRL team’s extended bench as hooker cover for four consceutive matches against Manly, St George Illawarra, Melbourne and North Queensland.

He has also been playing for the Vodafone Warriors’ feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Rugby League’s colts’ competition.

Otukolo was in exceptional form for the Vodafone Warriors in the S G Ball Cup last season before the competition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. By then he had scored nine tries in just six matches.

Taniela Otukolo

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

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

262. DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK

On 20 June 2021, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak signed a mid-season three-and-a-half year deal to join the New Zealand Warriors effective immediately.

In Round 16 2021, Watene-Zelezniak made his New Zealand Warriors debut against the St. George-Illawarra Dragons...

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak becomes one of biggest mid-season signings​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Mon 21 Jun 2021, 11:30 AM

Signing formalities have now been completed paving the way for New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to join the Vodafone Warriors immediately on a deal through to the end of the 2024 NRL season.

Now in his eighth season, the 25-year-old Hamilton-born Watene-Zelezniak adds another level of experience and leadership to the Vodafone Warriors.

He’ll be available to make his debut in the club’s next match, their 16th-round encounter with the St George Illawarra Dragons at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford on Friday, July 2 following this weekend’s standalone Origin round.

“It’s great news for our club and a terrific signing having Dallin on board,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.

“He brings speed, leadership and experience into our young group and will be a major help to our developing younger players.

“Dallin has some wonderful attributes, has a well-rounded game and is a great competitor. We look forward to him joining us for the back end of this season and three more seasons after that.”

With a total of 143 appearances for Penrith and Canterbury Bankstown, Watene-Zelezniak will link up with the Vodafone Warriors in Terrigal on the Central Coast for the rest of the 2021 campaign. He's also set to line up against his old club when he makes his first Vodafone Warriors appearance at Mount Smart Stadium in their 22nd-round match against Canterbury-Bankstown on August 15.

“It’s fantastic being able to bring the New Zealand captain into our squad,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“He’s a highly-respected leader on and off the field and will be a major asset to our club and to the community.”

In his nine appearances for the Bulldogs this year, Watene-Zelezniak averaged a career-best 167 metres a game, scored five tries and made 34 tackle breaks.

“Signing Dallin happened really quickly,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.

“He now has stability at our club and can settle into one position and enjoy his footy. It’s a great result to have a senior player and the New Zealand captain with us.”

After scoring two tries in his NRL debut in 2014, Watene-Zeleniak played his first Test for the Kiwis in 2016. He captained his country for the first time against the Kangaroos in a famous win at Mount Smart Stadium in 2018 and then in three Tests against England. He was again captain for the mid-year Test against Mate Ma’a Tonga in 2019 but was ruled out of the end-of-season Tests against Australia and Great Britain.

DALLIN WATENE-ZELEZNIAK
Born: August 17, 1995
Birthplace: Hamilton, NZ
Junior Clubs: College Old Boys (Hamilton, NZ), St Clair Comets (Sydney, NSW)
Position: Winger/Fullback
Height: 186cm
Weight: 97kg
Previous Clubs: Penrith Panthers (2014-2019), Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (2019-2021).
NRL Debut: Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders, Panthers Stadium, April 5, 2014 (Rd 5)
NRL Games: 143 (2014-2021)
Penrith Panthers: 106 (2014-2019)
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: 37 (2019-2021)
NRL Points: 196 (49 tries)
Representative: 12 Tests for Kiwis (2016-2019), Rugby League World Cup (2017), Māori All-Stars (2020, 2021)

DWZ becomes one of biggest mid-season signings

The Vodafone Warriors have snared New Zealand captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak until the end of the 2024 season.

www.warriors.kiwi

Height: 186 cm
Date of Birth: 17 August 1995
Weight: 97 kg
Birthplace: Hamilton, NZ
Age: 27
Nickname: Dal
Debut Club: Penrith Panthers
Date: 05 April 2014
Opposition: Canberra Raiders
Round: Round 5
Previous Clubs: Penrith Panthers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Junior Club: College Old Boys (Hamilton, NZ), St Clair Comets (Sydney, NSW)

Biography:
Signing formalities were completed in late June to pave the way for the Kiwi captain to join the Vodafone Warriors immediately on a deal through to the end of the 2024 NRL season.
Now in his eighth season, the 25-year-old Hamilton-born Watene-Zelezniak adds another level of experience and leadership to the Vodafone Warriors.

He was able to come straight in to make his club debut in the 16th round against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.

He brought the experience of a total of 143 appearances for Penrith and Canterbury Bankstown to the club. He's also set to line up against his old club when he makes his first Vodafone Warriors appearance at Mount Smart Stadium in their 22nd-round match against Canterbury-Bankstown on August 15.

In his nine appearances for the Bulldogs this year, Watene-Zelezniak averaged a career-best 167 metres a game, scored five tries and made 34 tackle breaks.

After scoring two tries in his NRL debut in 2014, Watene-Zeleniak played his first Test for the Kiwis in 2016. He captained his country for the first time against the Kangaroos in a famous win at Mount Smart Stadium in 2018 and then in three Tests against England. He was again captain for the mid-year Test against Mate Ma’a Tonga in 2019 but was ruled out of the end-of-season Tests against Australia and Great Britain.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

The NRL profile of Dallin Watene-Zelezniak including career statistics, season stats, games, tries, goals, tackles and fantasy scores.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

263. MATT LODGE

Lodge agreed a midseason switch from Brisbane to the Warriors during the 2021 NRL season.

In May 2022, Lodge was released from his New Zealand contract with immediate effect. Lodge was then paid out the remaining $700,000 of his contract in full by the club.

Following his abrupt departure from the New Zealand Warriors, Lodge was signed to a short-term contract by the Sydney Roosters, joining the club in July 2022.

​

Haven't been able to find anything official on Lodge for next season but he's listed on the Roosters site as signed for their feeder team the Bears and is doing preseason with them so he looks to at least have a one year contract at Sydney for 2023...

 

[mt.wellington]

264. VILIAMI VAILEA

Vailea extends contract to end of 2025 NRL season​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Fri 22 Apr 2022, 09:59 AM


Promising centre Viliami Vailea has secured his future with the Vodafone Warriors until 2025 after signing a two-year contract extension.

A schoolboy rugby union star, Vailea made his NRL debut as an 18-year-old in the Vodafone Warriors’ 18-16 win over Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium last July.

He also faced Cronulla Sutherland in another 18-16 victory a week later before starting the 2022 campaign as one of the first-choice centres but was then side lined with a minor knee injury.

“Vili is another of our young players who’s a big part of our future,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.

“He’s a quality footballer, skilful and aggressive who has adapted really well to rugby league after coming out of a rugby union background.

“He had a great preseason to earn selection as one of our starting centres this year and we couldn’t be happier with the way he’s progressing.”



Vailea, who has averaged 84 metres a game in his three NRL appearances, captured major interest with his deeds for Aorere College in Auckland's highly regarded First XV rugby union competition. Rated among New Zealand's best players at secondary school level, he won his school's top individual sporting award.

Signed by the Vodafone Warriors, he featured in the club’s first foray into the New South Wales Rugby League's S G Ball Cup (under-18). Before the campaign was cut short by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vailea made three appearances, scoring two tries.

He was among the club's promising young players taken to Australia with the wider squad for the 2021 season.

Vailea has been developed with feeder club Redcliffe in Queensland's competition; in 14 games he has scored eight tries, averaged 106 metres a game, made seven line breaks and 55 tackle breaks.

VILIAMI VAILEA​
Date of birth	November 17, 2002
Birthplace	Vaini, Tongatapu, Tonga
Junior clubs	Aorere College (rugby union), Vodafone Warriors under-18s, Redcliffe Dolphins
Position	Centre
Height	185cm
Weight	98kg
Vodafone Warriors #	264
NRL debut	Vodafone Warriors v Wests Tigers, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, July 30, 2021 (Rd 20)
NRL career	3 appearances (2021-2022)
NRL points	0
Queensland Cup career	14 appearances (2021-2022)
Queensland Cup points	40 (8 tries, 4 goals)

Vailea extends contract to end of 2025 NRL season

Vodafone Warriors retain promising centre Viliami Vailea until end of 2025 season.

www.warriors.kiwi

Height: 185 cm
Date of Birth: 17 November 2002
Weight: 98 kg
Birthplace: Vaini, Tongatapu, Tonga
Age: 20
Debut Club: New Zealand Warriors
Date: 30 July 2021
Opposition: Wests Tigers
Round: 20
Junior Clubs: Aorere College (rugby union), Vodafone Warriors under-18s, Redcliffe Dolphins

Biography:
Viliami couldn't help but capture attention with his deeds for Aorere College in Auckland's highly-regarded First XV rugby union competition. Rated among New Zealand's best players at secondary school level, he won his school's top individual sporting award.

Signed by the Vodafone Warriors, he not only played First XV rugby union for Aorere College last year but he also featured for the Vodafone Warriors in the New South Wales Rugby League's S G Ball Cup (under-18). While the club's debut in the renowned S G Ball was cut short by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vailea made three appearances, scoring two tries.

He joined the Vodafone Warriors' NRL squad for preseason training last November and was among the club's promising young players taken to Australia with the wider squad in the New Year to prepare for the 2021 season.

Viliami joined the squad's non-playing first graders and other players appearing for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Rugby League's Intrust Super Cup. The competition was disrupted by another Covid outbreak in July but up to that point Viliami had impressed, scoring six tries in eight games, averaging 104 metres a game and making 30 tackle breaks and five line breaks.

He was initially named as 18th man for the Vodafone Warriors' 20th-round NRL contest against the Wests Tigers but was elevated to the game day squad at right centre to become Warrior #264.

Viliami Vailea

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

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

265. JACKSON FREI

Frei started his career in the Sydney Roosters junior system, playing for their SG ball and under 20's team. In 2018, Frei played for the Sydney Roosters feeder club the Wyong Roos in the NSW cup competition, before moving the New Zealand Warriors in 2019. Frei featured for the club in the NSW Cup before injury plagued his season.

In 2020, Frei had a development contract with the New Zealand Warriors, before tearing his ACL in a trial against the Melbourne Storm, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2020 season.

In Round 22 2021, Frei made his NRL debut for the Warriors against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe in a 24-10 win.

Frei made a total of two appearances for the New Zealand Warriors in 2022. Jackson also played thirteen games for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup.

On 8 September 2022 Jackson Frei was released by the Warriors. As yet he is still to gain a contract for 2023...

Reflecting on contributions from class of 2022​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Thu 8 Sep 2022, 12:01 PM


A number of NRL contracted players have now finished their time with the Vodafone Warriors following the end of the club’s 2022 campaign last weekend.

However, some who have been officially farewelled have more football ahead of them with feeder club Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup play-offs.

The Dolphins beat the Falcons in week one of the finals last weekend and now advance directly to week three, just a win away from reaching the grand final.

Two departing members from the 2022 NRL squad – Pride Petterson-Robati and Junior Ratuva – didn’t make an NRL appearance during their time with the club while Jackson Frei wasn’t on a top 30 contract this year.

Harris-Tavita has the most extensive career with the club with 54 appearances since his debut in 2019.


#265 JACKSON FREI | 2019-2022
Appearances: 3
Points: 0
Try assists: 0
Line breaks: 0
Tackle breaks: 2
Metres gained: 84 (28 per game)
Tackles: 33 (11 per game)

(abridged)

Reflecting on contributions from class of 2022

Acknowledging players who have now finished their time with the Vodafone Warriors.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

266. AARON PENE

On 8 June 2021, the New Zealand Warriors announced that Pene would be joining them from the Melbourne Storm on a two-year contract starting 2022.

Pene would appear in 14 matches for the Warriors, also making appearances for Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup competition. He was granted an early release from his contract by the club in October 2022.

Pene rejoined the Melbourne Storm in October 2022, signing a two-year contract to return to where he made his NRL debut in 2020.

Meet our 2023 squad​

melbournestorm.com.au
Fri 25 Nov 2022, 01:54 PM

With Melbourne Storm’s 2023 pre-season training well underway at AAMI Park, melbournestorm.com.au officially introduces the 2023 squad.

From Top 30 to development and train and trial, get to know all the players representing your Storm this season.

Aaron Pene​

Age: 27
Position: Forward – Prop

Aaron Pene returns to Melbourne Storm on a two-year deal

A late developer at first grade level, Pene originally joined Storm from the CQ Capras midway through the 2019 season and made his NRL debut against St George Illawarra at the end of the 2020 season.

He played nine games for Storm in 2021 before taking up a contract with the NZ Warriors where he played 14 NRL matches in the recently completed season.

Pene’s 2022 season also featured five games for Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup.

Meet our 2023 squad

With Melbourne Storm’s 2023 pre-season training well underway at AAMI Park, melbournestorm.com.au officially introduces the 2023 squad.

www.melbournestorm.com.au

Storm continues signing spree by landing Warriors big man​

Martin Gabor
October 12, 2022 - 9:28AM
NCA NewsWire

The good news keeps coming for the Melbourne Storm, with a powerful forward rejoining the team.

The Melbourne Storm has bolstered their forward pack by luring Aaron Pene back to the club after just one season at the Warriors.

Pene left the Storm at the end of 2021 to link up with the Warriors on a two-year deal, but he played just 14 matches and was given limited minutes in the NRL.

The 27-year-old is heading back to the Storm for the next two seasons and will provide the size and strength they need, with four key forwards departing at the end of the 2022 campaign.

https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/storm-continues-signing-spree-by-landing-warriors-big-man/news-story/e18dc3dc4403638782f2fc262065d996

 

[mt.wellington]

267. JESSE ARTHARS

On loan from the Brisbane Broncos for the 2022 season Jesse Arthars has since returned to Brisbane and features in their top 30 with a contract ending in 2023...

Vodafone Warriors pick up Bronco Arthars for 2022​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Tue 30 Nov 2021, 05:59 PM


Auckland-born Brisbane Broncos utility back Jesse Arthars is joining the Vodafone Warriors on a one-year deal for the 2022 NRL season.

The 23-year-old, who has made 29 first-grade appearances in the past three seasons, is due to start training with his new club tomorrow following a mutual agreement shaped between the Vodafone Warriors and the Broncos.

“We really appreciate the cooperation from the Broncos and the support of Jesse’s family in making this move possible,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.

“It has been a great example of how football clubs can work together for the benefit of all involved.

“Jesse is a terrific young player and a wonderful young man. Able to slot in at centre, on the wing and at fullback he’ll add a lot to our squad, boosting our depth in the outside backs and adding real competition for spots.”

An East Coast Bays Barracudas junior, Arthars played for the Helensvale Hornets when he moved to the Gold Coast with his family in 2009.

He went on to have stints in the Melbourne Storm and South Sydney systems before making his NRL debut with the Titans in 2019.

Following 12 appearances in his rookie season he signed a two-year contract with Brisbane, going on to play 17 times and scoring six tries for the Broncos in the past two seasons.

In his two under-20 seasons with the Storm in 2016 and 2017, Arthars played 44 games scoring 408 points from 22 tries and 160 goals.

JESSE ARTHARS
Born	July 8, 1998
Birthplace	Auckland, NZ
Junior clubs	East Coast Bays Barracudas (Auckland), Helensvale Hornets (Gold Coast)
Positions	Centre/wing/fullback
Height	189cm
Weight	95kg
NRL debut	Gold Coast v Cronulla Sutherland, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 9, 2019 (Rd 9)
NRL career	29 appearances (2019-2021)
	Gold Coast: 12 appearances (2019)
	Brisbane Broncos: 17 appearances (2020-2021)
NRL points	36 (8 tries, 2 goals)
Previous clubs	Melbourne (2016-2017), South Sydney (2018), Gold Coast (2019), Brisbane (2020-2021)

Vodafone Warriors pick up Bronco Arthars for 2022

Vodafone Warriors boost depth in outside backs signing Broncos utility Jesse Arthars.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

268. ASH TAYLOR

On 14 September, Ash Taylor was released by the Gold Coast Ttians.

On 13 October, Taylor was signed by the New Zealand Warriors on a train and trial contract for the 2022 season.

In Round 2 2022, Taylor made his club debut for New Zealand Warriors against his former side Gold Coast in their 20-18 defeat.

On 30 April 2022, Taylor announced his immediate retirement from rugby league due to a long term hip injury.

These days Taylor is working with Darling Downs Health in the role of Indigenous Project Support Officer...

Taylor retires: Been a rollercoaster but it's come to an end​

Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Tue 3 May 2022, 06:48 PM


An emotional Ash Taylor told Warriors team-mates he knew his career was finished when worsening osteoarthritis pain in his hip prevented him from playing with his children, Oscar and Hazel, the day after his only NRL appearance for the club.

Taylor confirmed his retirement on Tuesday and now plans to move to Toowoomba with his family and put to use the teacher’s aide qualifications he recently obtained, while considering a coaching role at grassroots level to determine if that’s an area in the game he wants to pursue.

The prospect of a hip replacement is a sad and unexpected end to a once dazzling career in which Taylor was touted as the game’s next superstar playmaker and earned up to $1 million per season with the Titans.

The 27-year-old had believed he had another six seasons left in him when he joined the Warriors on a train-and-trial deal from the Titans but he was on a restricted training program and required anti-inflammatory drugs to cope with the nagging hip problem.



Ash Taylor catches up with former Titans team-mates after what was to be his final NRL game©Jason O'Brien/NRL Photos

After making his debut for the Warriors in the round two clash with the Titans, he was in so much pain he could hardly stand up and three specialists all gave him the same advice.

“I got three different opinions and the more recent one hit home the most when he said there were no statistics about a comeback after the surgery - and he didn’t recommend me getting the surgery because I couldn’t compete at NRL level again,” Taylor said.

“In the position I play you have got to be elusive, you have got to have a step, you have got to be able to kick and you’ve got to run a fair amount of kilometres. It’s not just what you do on the field, you have got to train as well.

“In their opinions I would never be able to play at a high level again.”

It wasn’t what Taylor wanted to hear but he had feared the worst since the match against his former club.

“It was tough, and I tried to kick on as long as I could, but it just came to a time when I had to do something because it was affecting me away from footy as well,” Taylor said.

“General soreness after a game is a thing, but what I was feeling was a whole new level that I haven’t felt before.

“Going to the park the next day, I couldn’t stand up to play with my children. I was in pain and was gradually declining.

“I thought I could go on for another six years until recently. That was the hardest thing with the osteoarthritis – the progression of it. It just accelerated pretty fast, and I just couldn’t maintain an elite level training and playing.

“Right now, my hips are okay walking and my hips are okay hugging my kids, and they were the two main factors I wanted to be right. If it was any worse then I would have gone down the hip replacement side of things and look at a full hip replacement.”



Ash Taylor in happier times at the Titans©NRL Photos

Taylor is determined to avoid a hip replacement if possible and is thankful that doubts over his future at the Titans in recent seasons encouraged him to complete his teacher’s aide qualifications.

However, he advised NRL players to get another career behind them while they are young so they don’t have the same concerns about their futures he has faced.

“There has been some happy times and recent tough times but I wouldn’t be the man I am today without those times,” Taylor said of his career. “It’s been a rollercoaster but it has come to an end and I have just got to move in with the rest of my life.

“Now it is time for me and my family to get settled back in Toowoomba. Me and my partner are getting prepared to be back in the workforce and my kids will start getting ready for school.

“I thought footy was going to be my life forever but looking back now I would probably tell a young Ash to look at the education side of things for post career after footy.

“I have almost finished my Cert 4 in Teacher’s Aide, but it has only been finished now. I have had a long time to do that but I just kept putting it off because I thought I had footy for years.

“You see blokes now in the NRL completing degrees, whether that be in the business side or management side or construction or anything, and as a man now I would pursue that because you never know when your time is up.”

The former star playmaker, who said he had never experienced a club as culturally connected as the Warriors, is interested in coaching and also continuing to work in the Indigenous community.

“I have been trying to do part-time work with the Indigenous team in the Darling Downs area, trying to promote the COVID vaccination at the time and at the moment the ‘flu vaccine,” he said.

“Any programs they have coming up I want to be a part of it, I want to be a part of the community and I want to be a trusted source for the community if they want to seek help about anything. It might be alcohol, drugs, domestic violence, or anything.

"I want to be a helping hand to the community and to be known as someone who will help them get the help they need to be a better person.”

Ash Taylor: Been a rollercoaster but it's come to an end | Warriors

Vodafone Warriors halfback Ash Taylor reflects on his career cut short by injury.

www.warriors.kiwi

NRL legend Ash Taylor hits the ground running in new role​

15 December 2022



Following forced retirement from the NRL earlier this year, Ash Taylor is excelling in his new health career as a mentor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in Toowoomba.

Mr Taylor was understandably disappointed after being forced to retire from a promising NRL career in May 2022 following multiple surgeries that were needed after injuries sustained during play. Not sure what the future held for him, he quickly changed courses and started work with Darling Downs Health in the role of Indigenous Project Support Officer.

Now, as the end of the year approaches, he has set himself on a new career path in the role of mentor as part of Darling Downs Health’s Big Buddy program.

“It was pretty tough at the start of retirement and I think it hasn't really sunk in yet that it’s over. Even though it wasn't a good feeling to retire, it was a relief to move on with my life and move onto the other side, which is working in this role,” Mr Taylor said.

The Big Buddy program, which launched in Toowoomba in November, aims to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids aged 12-17 years achieve their full potential by addressing the social and economic determinants of health. The program provides opportunities for professional and personal development through social activities, health education and training.

Mr Taylor is now focused on helping young people achieve their dreams, using his own experiences as a professional athlete to inspire and guide them.

"I can give them the steppingstone and give them some advice. But it's really up to the kids to get where they want to go,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor’s own upbringing involved plenty of sacrifice and hard work.

“I come from a pretty sporty background and my family had to move from St George to Toowoomba to give me a steppingstone into NRL. It was tough for them to move, but they knew that they had to do it for me to get into footy at a professional level. It took a lot of commitment and a lot of luck,” he said.

Mr Taylor will be busy in the lead-up to Christmas as Big Buddy is running its inaugural school holiday program.

“The program is designed to keep kids busy and occupied during the holidays. We’re trying to get the kids together; doing some activities but also getting some further education.”

“After our activity sessions, we offer some health education, whether it be somebody talking about healthy eating, or alcohol and drugs, or mental wellbeing—just all the information the kids need to learn about.”

As for his hopes for the program in 2023, Mr Taylor says he wants to grow Big Buddy and also get back on the footy field to have a run with the program participants.

“Next year, we want to continue to give our kids every opportunity to make themselves better as young adults and foster that next generation coming through.

“After my recent surgeries, I’m looking forward to recovering fully. Now I’m having to be more verbal with the kids rather than physically showing them how to do things, but all the kids want to compete against me!

“I am really looking forward to getting back to running around on the footy field with the kids and not just being on the sidelines,” he said.

The 2022 Big Buddy Toowoomba School Holiday program is free and runs from Monday 12 December – Friday 23 December, with the program recommencing on Monday 9 January 2023.

NRL legend Ash Taylor hits the ground running in new role

Following forced retirement from the NRL earlier this year Ash Taylor is excelling in his new health career as a mentor for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in Toowoomba.

www.darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au

 

[mt.wellington]

269. DAEJARN ASI

In 2022, Daejarn Asi joined the New Zealand Warriors. He played his first game for the Warriors in Round 8 2022.

Asi made a total of eight appearances for the Warriors in 2022.

On 6 September, he was released by the New Zealand Warriors.

In November, Asi signed a contract to join Parramattta for the 2023 season...

Six new recruits underway as Eels​

parraeels.com.au
Mon 12 Dec 2022, 11:55 AM

With 2023 NRL pre-season training underway, six new recruits have officially joined the Parramatta Eels.

Josh Hodgson, Jack Murchie, J'maine Hopgood, Daejarn Asi, Matt Doorey and Jirah Momoisea have all reported for duty and are building towards their first seasons with the Blue & Gold.

Get to know our latest additions below!

Daejarn Asi​

D.O.B.: 15 August 2000 (age 22)
Position: Five-Eighth, Centre, Fullback
NRL Appearances: 18

22-year old utility Daejarn Asi adds a new dimension to the Eels squad. Versatile and skilful, he has played five-eighth, centre, fullback and off the bench in his NRL career to date.

Asi made his debut with North Queensland in 2020, marking the occasion with a try against Penrith. He then joined the Warriors midway through last season and produced several impressive performances before signing on with the Eels.

Six new recruits underway as Eels

With 2023 NRL pre-season training underway, six new recruits have officially joined the Parramatta Eels.

www.parraeels.com.au

 

[mt.wellington]

270. FREDDY LUSSICK

Freddy Lussick made his NRL debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2020 while he was loaned to the St George Illawarra Dragons for two games in 2021.

On 9 May 2022, Lussick was signed mid season from the Roosters. That very week he made his Warriors debut in Round 10 2022.

On 1 July 2022, Lussick had contracted extended to 2024...

Lussick commits to club to end of 2024 NRL season​

Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Fri 1 Jul 2022, 01:00 PM


Hooker Freddy Lussick is staying with the Vodafone Warriors until the end of the 2024 NRL season.

The 21-year-old has signed a two-year deal after originally joining the club in early May for the rest of the 2022 campaign.

“Freddy has settled in brilliantly since joining us,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.

“While he’s a great fit for our club as deputy to Wayde Egan, he has also really impressed us with what he has provided off the field.”

Lussick had made nine appearances for the Sydney Roosters and two as a loan player to the St George Illawarra Dragons before joining the Vodafone Warriors.

Since then he has had three outings, his first as Vodafone Warrior #270 off the bench in the 30-32 Magic Round loss to South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

He was again used off the bench the following week against the Dragons before starting against the Newcastle Knights in round 12.

He’s the youngest of three Lussick brothers to fashion NRL careers. The eldest of them Darcy played 117 NRL games in total for Manly Warringah and Parramatta from 2011 to 2017 before playing for the Toronto Wolfpack and then the Salford Red Devils.

Hooker Joey had one game for Manly in 2017, spent three seasons with Salford in England, returned to the NRL to play nine times for Parramatta and is now back in England with St Helens.

FREDDY LUSSICK​
Born	August 28, 2000
Birthplace	Sydney, Australia
Junior club	Beacon Hill Bears
Position	Hooker
Height	180cm
Weight	84
Previous clubs	Sydney Roosters (2020-2021), St George Illawarra Dragons (2021)
NRL debut	Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, August 22, 2020 (Rd 15)
Vodafone Warriors debut	v South Sydney, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 14, 2022 (Rd 10)
Vodafone Warrior No	270
NRL career	14 appearances (2020-2022): Sydney Roosters: 9 games (2020-2021) St George Illawarra Dragons: 2 games (2021) Vodafone Warriors: 3 games (2022)
NRL points	4 (1 try)
New South Wales Cup career	7 games for North Sydney Bears (2019-2022)
New South Wales Cup points	4 (1 try)
Queensland Cup career	2 games for Redcliffe Dolphins (2022)

Lussick commits to club to end of 2024 NRL season

Back-up hooker Freddy Lussick has been secured by the Vodafone Warriors on a two-year deal.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

271. DUNAMIS LUI

On 23 May 2022 Dunamis Lui signed for the rest of the 2022 season after captaining the Redcliffe Dolphins.

On 6 September 2022 Lui was released from the Warriors.

No news on whether Lui has a contract for 2023 but him and his wife run a fitness centre called Dasha Dunamis Fitness...

​

 

[mt.wellington]

272. RONALD VOLKMAN

In May 2022, Ronald Volkman was released mid season by the Sydney Roosters and signed with the New Zealand Warriors on a three year deal.

Volkman made his first grade debut in Round 15 2022 in his side's 40−6 loss to the Penrith Panthers at Dolphin Stadium.

Volkman and Lussick settle in with Vodafone Warriors​

Richard Becht & NRL Photos
Wed 11 May 2022, 10:15 AM


Former Sydney Roosters halfback Ronald Volkman and hooker Freddy Lussick have settled in quickly after joining the Vodafone Warriors this week.

The 19-year-old Volkman’s three-year contract from 2023 through to 2025 was announced last week but he was released early to linked up with his new club on Monday.

They were in Redcliffe by Monday afternoon, trained with their new teammates for the first time on Tuesday morning and by mid-afternoon they had been named on the extended bench for the Vodafone Warriors' Magic Round match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday (3.00pm kick-off local time; 5.00pm NZT).

“We’re thrilled to be able to add Ronald and Freddy to our squad right now,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.

“We were keen to have Ronald onboard for the rest of this season rather than waiting for 2023. It’s beneficial for him and for us to have him settled into the club sooner rather than later.

Volkman, who balanced rugby league and rugby union as a schoolboy star, is a gifted young half who’s regarded as one of the hottest prospects in the game.

Along with Volkman he has played for the Roosters’ feeder club the North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup. He also played at under-18 and under-20 level for the Roosters.

Volkman and Lussick settle in with Vodafone Warriors

Vodafone Warriors boosted by arrival of Roosters players Ronald Volkman and Freddy Lussick.

www.warriors.kiwi

Height: 179 cm
Date of Birth: 04 July 2002
Weight: 93 kg
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Age: 20
Debut Club: New Zealand Warriors
Date: 18 June 2022
Junior Club: Bankstown Bulldogs

Ronald Volkman

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

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

That brings to an end our 2023 update. After 2 months and 2 days working on and off and 272 updates we have caught up with every player that has worn the jersey from 1995 to seasons end 2022. Hope you enjoyed catching up on our former players.

We are still looking to find updates on some former players who we haven't been able to find anything on. If you can help find info from online, mutual friends, family etc please let us know so we can get closer to completing this project in full.

*** 38. BRYAN HENARE - Link ***
*** 16. JASON MACKIE - Link ***
*** 49. DAVID BAILEY - Link ***
*** 54. ZANE CLARK - Link ***
*** 82. JASON BELL - Link ***
*** 101. JEREMIAH PAI - Link ***
*** 102. EVARN TUIMAVAVE - Link ***
*** 111. DANNY SULLIVAN - Link ***
*** 139. IAN HENDERSON - Link ***
*** 143. MALO SOLOMONA - Link ***
*** 163. GLEN FISIIAHI - Link ***
*** 169. STEVE RAPIRA - Link ***
*** 178. DANE NEILSEN - Link ***
*** 187. JAYSON BUKUYA - Link ***
*** 204. JAMES GAVET - Link ***
*** 231. LACHLAN BURR - Link ***

The players below are inbetween jobs and will need revisiting in the new year to find out where exactly they are.

20. WILLIE POCHING - Link *
21. LOGAN EDWARDS - Link *
24. STACEY JONES - Link *
65. FRANCIS MELI - Link *
87. RICHARD VILLASANTI - Link *
11. STEPHEN KEARNEY - Link *
106. VINCE MELLARS - Link
116. SHANNON STOWERS - Link *
119. KANE FERRIS - Link *
248. DANIEL ALVARO - Link *
253. BEN MURDOCH-MASILA - Link * Updated

Thread is open now for future updates. You can also post in the players discussion thread that every single player has now. Just use the search feature to find them...

 

[Lord Gnome of Howick MBE]

 

[Dixpat]

FMD but The Gnome has come out of hiding

Welcome back

 

[mt.wellington]

UPDATE

He and his wife run a youth programme for at-risk kids out West since they got back from the UK.

Pro-Pare West Hub

Pro-Pare West Hub, Auckland, New Zealand. 335 likes · 16 talking about this · 12 were here. We assist all youth who are in need of health and fitness, or strength and conditioning to reach their...

www.facebook.com

Thanks to Falai Maukegi we have a recent update on James.

​

 

[mt.wellington]

We are still looking to find updates on some former players who we haven't been able to find anything on. If you can help find info from online, mutual friends, family etc please let us know so we can get closer to completing this project in full.

*** 38. BRYAN HENARE - Link ***
*** 16. JASON MACKIE - Link ***
*** 49. DAVID BAILEY - Link ***
*** 54. ZANE CLARK - Link ***
*** 82. JASON BELL - Link ***
*** 101. JEREMIAH PAI - Link ***
*** 102. EVARN TUIMAVAVE - Link ***
*** 111. DANNY SULLIVAN - Link ***
*** 139. IAN HENDERSON - Link ***
*** 143. MALO SOLOMONA - Link ***
*** 163. GLEN FISIIAHI - Link ***
*** 169. STEVE RAPIRA - Link ***
*** 178. DANE NEILSEN - Link ***
*** 187. JAYSON BUKUYA - Link ***
*** 231. LACHLAN BURR - Link ***

The players below are inbetween jobs and will need revisiting in the new year to find out where exactly they are...

20. WILLIE POCHING - Link *
21. LOGAN EDWARDS - Link *
65. FRANCIS MELI - Link *
87. RICHARD VILLASANTI - Link *
11. STEPHEN KEARNEY - Link *
106. VINCE MELLARS - Link
116. SHANNON STOWERS - Link *
119. KANE FERRIS - Link *
248. DANIEL ALVARO - Link *