2020 Roster: Gains & Losses

[One Warrior]

2019 is all over, time to move on and look forward hopefully. Once again we have well over half the squad of contract at the end of 2020, no major signings for next year and the distinct possibility that more players could be released before next season. There is the possibility once again for a major overhaul of the squad, who will be re-signed, who will be released, will we get any major signings and some young players with uncertain futures, are they signed for next year, anyway here is the squad as it stands for next year currently:

Current Squad/year contract expires:

David Fusitua 2023
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2022
Ken Maumalo 2022
Agnatius Paasi 2022
Tohu Harris 2021
Bunty Afoa 2021
Karl Lawton 2021
Jazz Tevaga 2021
Leeson Ah Mau 2021
Kodi Nikorima 2021 (PO 2022)
Nathaniel Roache 2020
Leivaha Pulu 2020
Adam Blair 2020 (PO 2021)
Gerard Beale 2020
Peta HIku 2020
Blake Green 2020
Sam Lisone 2020
Isaish Papalii 2020
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2020
Adam Keighran 2020
Taane Milne 2020
Lachlan Burr 2020
Patrick Herbert 2020
Jackson Frei 2020

Gains

Josh Curran 2021 (Sydney Roosters)
Rocco Berry 2022?

Losses

Solomone Kata (Melbourne Storm)
Chris Satae (Hull FC)
Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
Blake Ayshford (Retirement)
Isaac Luke ???

Uncertain for 2020

Adam Pompey
Api Pewhairangi
Sean Mullaney
Paul Turner
Eliesa Katoa
Selestino Ravutamada

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.

 

[Mr Angry]

That leaves 5 spots...

Plus there should be (up to 5 I think) development contracts that do not count in the 30.

Guys like Slade, who probably need another year in NSW cup.

Who will be your rookies?

 

[Mr Angry]

Fullbacks
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Threequarters
David Fusitua Ken Maumalo Gerard Beale Peta HIku Taane Milne Patrick Herbert

Halves
Kodi Nikorima Blake Green Chanel Harris-Tavita Adam Keighran

Hookers
Karl Lawton Nathaniel Roache

Props
Agnatius Paasi Bunty Afoa Leeson Ah Mau Sam Lisone Jackson Frei

Edge
Tohu Harris Adam BlairIsaish Papalii

Locks
Jazz Tevaga, Lachlan Burr


There will certainly be some cattle trading, quite a few clubs have unsettled rosters.

These where your 2019 development players - not inherited

Signed on a development contract is prop Jackson Frei, another ex-Sydney Roosters under-20 and Wyong Roos ISP player.

Others confirmed on development contracts are:
• Paul Turner, a Northland rugby league product, who has been promoted from the Vodafone Warriors' Jersey Flegg squad.
• Eliesa Katoa, a much sought-after, athletic rugby union No 8 from the Tamaki College First XV.
• Selestino Ravutaumada, who starred for both the Rotorua Boys' High School First XV and First XIII; he also played for the New Zealand Secondary Schools (rugby league) in 2017.

Another player signed from a rugby union background is highly-touted back rower Neyla Masima, who starred for St Patrick's College, Silverstream, which again won Wellington's First XV title this year. He will join the club's Jersey Flegg under-20s squad for 2019.

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2018/11/08/new-faces-at-preseason-training/

 

[Big Marn]

i would like us to find some forward talent from the UK. if the Raiders can do it, why cant we? But i think we should keep away from the backs after the Tompkins debacle. Just want a couple of no nonsense forwards ala Adrian Morley type (minus the suspensions).

 

[One Warrior]

Wayde Egan signed from the Panthers for three years until the end of 2022, finally we've signed a player.

Panthers hooker Egan agrees terms
Penrith hooker Wayde Egan has agreed to terms for a three-year contract with the Vodafone Warriors through to the end of the 2022 NRL season.

The 22-year-old will join his new teammates when preseason training starts early next month.

A product of Penrith’s system, the Lithgow-born Egan has made 29 NRL appearances since his first-grade debut last year.

“We’re delighted to agree terms with Wayde for three years. He’s a high-quality hooker who had an outstanding NYC career and has really impressed since coming into first grade,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.

“We welcome him and look forward to his contribution to our club in 2020 and beyond. “His enthusiasm and skills at dummy half have attracted the attention of our recruitment and coaching staff and we know he’ll make a significant impact with us.”

Egan was a standout at under-20 level, making the NYC team in 2017 when he scored 18 tries in 21 games as well as having big numbers for try assists, line break assists, line breaks and tackle breaks. In all he scored 30 tries in 40 NYC matches across the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

WAYDE EGAN

Born: March 20, 1997

Birthplace: Lithgow, NSW

Junior Club: Lithgow Storm

Position: Hooker

Height: 185cm

Weight: 91kg
Previous Clubs: Penrith Panthers (2018-2019)

NRL Debut: Penrith Panthers v North Queensland Cowboys, 1300 SMILES Stadium, March 29, 2018 (Round 4)

NRL Career: 29 appearances (2018-2019)

NRL Points: 12 (3 tries)

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2019/10/23/panthers-hooker-egan-agrees-terms/

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

David Fusitua 2023
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2022
Ken Maumalo 2022
Agnatius Paasi 2022
Tohu Harris 2021
Bunty Afoa 2021
Karl Lawton 2021
Jazz Tevaga 2021
Leeson Ah Mau 2021
Kodi Nikorima 2021 (PO 2022)
Nathaniel Roache 2020
Leivaha Pulu 2020
Adam Blair 2020 (PO 2021)
Gerard Beale 2020
Peta HIku 2020
Blake Green 2020
Sam Lisone 2020
Isaish Papalii 2020
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2020
Adam Keighran 2020
Taane Milne 2020
Lachlan Burr 2020
Patrick Herbert 2020
Jackson Frei 2020
Adam Pompey 2020
Eliesa Katoa 2020

Gains

Josh Curran 2021 (Sydney Roosters)
Rocco Berry 2022?
Wayde Egan 2022 (Penrith Panthers)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 2020 (Norths Devils)

Losses

Solomone Kata (Melbourne Storm)
Chris Satae (Hull FC)
Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
Blake Ayshford (Retirement)
Isaac Luke (St George Dragons)


Uncertain for 2020

Api Pewhairangi
Sean Mullaney
Paul Turner
Selestino Ravutamada

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

isn't Milne going to Super League?

EDIT nothing confirmed. Never mind

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Looks like Luke is off to the Dragons according to a tweet. Yet to be confirmed by either club though.

 

[One Warrior]

1. Current Squad/year contract expires:
   
   David Fusitua 2023
   Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2022
   Ken Maumalo 2022
   Agnatius Paasi 2022
   Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
   Tohu Harris 2021
   Bunty Afoa 2021
   Karl Lawton 2021
   Jazz Tevaga 2021
   Leeson Ah Mau 2021
   Kodi Nikorima 2021 (PO 2022)
2. Paul Turner 2021 (Development Contract)
3. Tom Ale 2021 (Development Contract)
4. Israel Ogden 2021 (Development Contract)
5. Tyler Slade 2021(Development Contract)
6. Nathaniel Roache 2020
   Leivaha Pulu 2020
   Adam Blair 2020 (PO 2021)
   Gerard Beale 2020
   Peta HIku 2020
   Blake Green 2020
   Sam Lisone 2020
   Isaish Papalii 2020
   Adam Keighran 2020
   Taane Milne 2020
   Lachlan Burr 2020
   Patrick Herbert 2020
   Jackson Frei 2020
   Adam Pompey 2020
   Eliesa Katoa 2020
7. Selestino Ravutamada 2020 (Deveolpment Contract)
   
   Gains
   
   Josh Curran 2021 (Sydney Roosters)
   Rocco Berry 2021 (Development Contract)
   Wayde Egan 2022 (Penrith Panthers)
   Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 2020 (Norths Devils)
   
   Losses
   
   Solomone Kata (Melbourne Storm)
   Chris Satae (Hull FC)
   Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
   Blake Ayshford (Retirement)
   Isaac Luke (St George Dragons)
   
   
   Uncertain for 2020
   
   Api Pewhairangi
   Sean Mullaney
   
   As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.
   

 

[KeepingTheFaith]

Ravutamada signed until 2020 on a development contract

Paul Turner until 2021, also a development contract

Tom Ale, Israel Ogden, Rocco Berry, Tyler Slade our other development players until 2021

 

[Rich102]

New Zealand Warriors
Senior squad
Player Contracted seasons
Bunty Afoa 2020 2021
Leeson Ah Mau 2020 2021
Gerard Beale 2020
Adam Blair 2020 PO
Lachlan Burr 2020
Josh Curran 2020 2021
Wayde Egan 2020 2021 2022
Jackson Frei 2020
David Fusitu'a 2020 2021 2022 2023
Blake Green 2020
Tohu Harris 2020 2021
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2020 2021 2022
Peta Hiku 2020
Patrick Herbert 2020
Eliesa Katoa 2020 2021
Adam Keighran 2020
Karl Lawton 2020 2021
Sam Lisone 2020
Ken Maumalo 2020 2021 2022
Taane Milne 2020
Kodi Nikorima 2020 2021 PO
Agnatius Paasi 2020 2021 2022
Isaiah Papali'i 2020
Hayze Perham 2020 2021
Adam Pompey 2020 2021
Leivaha Pulu 2020
Nathaniel Roache 2020
Jazz Tevaga 2020 2021
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2020 2021 2022

• Warriors player profiles

New faces
Adam Pompey, Eliesa Katoa (upgraded from development contract), Wayde Egan (Panthers)

Unsigned/Losses
Blayke Ayshford (retired), Issac Luke (Dragons), Tevita Satae (Hull FC), Ligi Sao (Hull FC)

Development contracts
Player Contracted seasons
Tom Ale 2020 2021
Rocco Berry 2020 2021
Israel Ogden 2020 2021
Selesitino Ravutaumada 2020
Tyler Slade 2020 2021
Paul Turner 2020 2021

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2019/11/25/signings-latest-for-every-nrl-club/#warriors

 

[Rich102]

So we have lost Satae and Sao.
Who replaces them?

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

David Fusitua 2023
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2022
Ken Maumalo 2022
Agnatius Paasi 2022
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Tohu Harris 2021
Bunty Afoa 2021
Karl Lawton 2021
Jazz Tevaga 2021
Leeson Ah Mau 2021
Kodi Nikorima 2021 (PO 2022)
Paul Turner 2021 (Development Contract)
Tom Ale 2021 (Development Contract)
Israel Ogden 2021 (Development Contract)
Tyler Slade 2021(Development Contract)
Adam Pompey 2021
Eliesa Katoa 2021
Hayze Perham 2021
Nathaniel Roache 2020
Leivaha Pulu 2020
Adam Blair 2020 (PO 2021)
Gerard Beale 2020
Peta HIku 2020
Blake Green 2020
Sam Lisone 2020
Isaish Papalii 2020
Adam Keighran 2020
Taane Milne 2020
Lachlan Burr 2020
Patrick Herbert 2020
Jackson Frei 2020
Selestino Ravutamada 2020 (Development Contract)

Gains

Josh Curran 2021 (Sydney Roosters)
Rocco Berry 2021 (Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2022 (Penrith Panthers)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 2020 (Norths Devils)

Losses

Solomone Kata (Melbourne Storm)
Chris Satae (Hull FC)
Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
Blake Ayshford (Retirement)
Isaac Luke (St George Dragons)


Uncertain for 2020

Api Pewhairangi
Sean Mullaney

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.

 

[One Warrior]

So we have lost Satae and Sao.
Who replaces them?

No direct replacements unfortunately, Katoa possibly, certainly no one with First Grade experience.

 

[Rich102]

Hayze Perham resigned till end of 2021.

 

[Rich102]

A former Tiger has become a Warrior — spurning the chance to be a Bronco or a Knight.

Tamakaimoana Whareaorere cut his rugby league teeth playing for Te Puke Tigers, the start of his playing days coinciding with the founding of the club in 2012.

Now 15, he has just signed a three year contract with New Zealand Warriors, after interest from half of Australia's NRL clubs.

In June he played in the under 15 New Zealand Māori Rugby League Rangatahi tournament in Taupō where his potential was identified by several agents and scouts.


Dixon McIver Management was signed up to guide the whānau through the process and there was interest from eight NRL clubs.

Tamakaimoana visited two of them — Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.

"The Roosters were next in the line and Manly were next after that," says grandfather Ted Whare.

"But he decided he wanted to stay at home and sign with the Warriors."

The Warriors' interest wasn't out of the blue.

Playing for Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV at the under 15s national rugby tournament last year, he was spotted by Warriors staff.


"So by the time he turned 15 we already knew their radar had spotted him, and once he turned 15 they were ready to encourage him to sign — but that decision took six months," says grandmother Carol.

Ted says the journey to becoming a Warrior began "a long time ago".

"All my grandchildren love rugby, love rugby league and they love pig hunting and one day I gave them a choice. Do they want to go hunting on Saturdays or Sunday because Saturday's rugby and Sunday's league — they chose Saturday [for hunting] and in doing so also chose to play league.

Tamakaimoana played league until he went to Te Puke Intermediate where his potential saw him play for the school's AIMS Games side and the Te Puke Tai Mitchell team.

Since becoming a Rotorua Boys' High School student he has played primarily rugby, but has still played plenty of league.


Tamakaimoana says he is excited and nervous about his future with the club. He has already donned the Warrior jersey, playing an under-16 game against New Zealand under 16s and he has also captained the New Zealand Māori Under 15s to a win over Tonga where he was also the first try scorer.

"Everybody was amazed because those boys rarely get beaten," says Ted.

Tamakaimoana's favoured position is lock, and his favourite player is Sonny Bill Williams "when he was younger". He is also an admirer of Ardie Savea.

Carol says that while his defence is the strongest part of his game — "he's a natural" — he also has a good off-load.

"His skill level is way up there, it's only the finer points of league that are missing and he will learn those over the next few years."

Te Puke Tigers president David Taffard couldn't be more proud of Tamakaimoana's achievement.

"I'm still buzzing inside — it was a dream when we started this club off, as well as make a cool environment for our kids to play in, to give them that opportunity if they want to push on. I've been dreaming of the day we can get somebody into the NRL."

Carol says she believes Tamakaimoana can now be a role model for other players from Te Puke.

"It's a good news story, especially for our town and for Te Puke Tigers, where this all started with boys running around with cold feet who just wanted to throw a ball around, for David and for [coach] Tony [Brown].

"If one boy can do it, we've got a dozen who can do it."

Warriors' Future Warriors Programme manager Jordan Friend says Tamakaimoana "would have to be the most physical player I have seen in recent years".

"[He's an] aggressive defender, strong ball carrier and he has a big motor — as such he thrives in rugby league.

He says Tamakaimoana was a standout at the New Zealand Maori RL Rangatahi tournament.

"So we were really pleased in his and the whānau's decision in joining the Vodafone Warriors — over numerous other opportunities.

"He comes from a proud and very supportive whānau and I know he will inspire others from Te Puke."

The plan for Tama is to finish his final two years of schooling at Rotorua Boys' High School and during that time he will take part in camps and representative matches.

"The club will continue to build that relationship with Rotorua Boys' to work together to develop him. The club has three ex-Rotorua boys in our full-time squad in Hayze Perham, Tom Ale and Selestino Ravutaumada as well as a few in our academy."

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/warriors-league-team/news/article.cfm?c_id=360&objectid=12294187&ref=rss

 

[Rich102]

Good signing - now do something with him.
The commentators will love his name.

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

David Fusitua 2023
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2022
Ken Maumalo 2022
Agnatius Paasi 2022
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Tohu Harris 2021
Bunty Afoa 2021
Karl Lawton 2021
Jazz Tevaga 2021
Leeson Ah Mau 2021
Kodi Nikorima 2021 (PO 2022)
Paul Turner 2021 (Development Contract)
Tom Ale 2021 (Development Contract)
Israel Ogden 2021 (Development Contract)
Tyler Slade 2021(Development Contract)
Adam Pompey 2021
Eliesa Katoa 2021
Hayze Perham 2021
Nathaniel Roache 2020
Leivaha Pulu 2020
Adam Blair 2020 (PO 2021)
Gerard Beale 2020
Peta HIku 2020
Blake Green 2020
Isaish Papalii 2020
Adam Keighran 2020
Taane Milne 2020
Lachlan Burr 2020
Patrick Herbert 2020
Jackson Frei 2020
Selestino Ravutamada 2020 (Development Contract)

Gains

Josh Curran 2021 (Sydney Roosters)
Rocco Berry 2021 (Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2022 (Penrith Panthers)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 2021 (Norths Devils)

Gains for 2021

Ben Murdoch-Masila 2021 (Warrington Wolves)

Losses

Solomone Kata (Melbourne Storm)
Chris Satae (Hull FC)
Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
Blake Ayshford (Retirement)
Isaac Luke (St George Dragons)
Sam Lisone (Gold Coast Titans)

Uncertain for 2020

Api Pewhairangi
Sean Mullaney

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.

 

[One Warrior]

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been signed for two years, will take the 29th spot on the roster, will post the release from the club tonight.

 

[Rich102]

Big prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has earned a full-time NRL contract with the Vodafone Warriors after impressing coaching staff throughout the preseason.

The Melbourne-born 23-year-old has been signed on a two-year deal following a hectic last fortnight.

Brought to Auckland on a trial contract, the 1.94m, 114kg Taunoa-Brown was selected to represent the Vodafone Warriors at the Perth NRL Nines on February 14-15 and then flew directly to the Gold Coast to join the Australian Indigenous All-Stars for last weekend’s encounter with the Māori Kiwis.

Just a matter of a few days later he has now claimed a spot in the Vodafone Warriors’ top 30 NRL squad.

“Jamayne had a terrific year with Norths in the Queensland Cup last year and he has really impressed our coaches and football staff since coming here,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.

“He’s exactly the sort of player we need after losing props Bunty Afoa and Jackson Frei to season-ending knee injuries.”

Vodafone Warriors head coach Stephen Kearney said securing Taunoa-Brown was vital.

“I can’t fault him since he has arrived and that's why we were adamant we wanted to keep him at our footy club,” he said.

“He has ticked a lot of boxes. He's a big body and very skilful.”

Taunoa-Brown’s rugby league journey has taken him through the Melbourne Storm, the Newcastle Knights and Norths Devils in Brisbane before earning an NRL contract.

With the Storm at under-18 and under-20 level in 2014 and 2015 (playing a total on 20 games), he spent 2016 and 2017 with the Knights where he appeared in an NRL trial in 2017 as well as 21 under-20 games and 12 New South Wales Cup matches.

In the past two seasons he has amassed 47 appearances in the Queensland Cup.

After playing in both games for the Vodafone Warriors at the Perth NRL Nines, Taunoa-Brown found himself in the Australian Indigenous team’s starting line-up last Saturday after initially being brought into the squad as an injury replacement.

Off the field, the big man has earned a reputation as an up and coming rapper and hip hop producer known as Yung Maynie.

JAMAYNE TAUNOA-BROWN

Date of Birth: November 17, 1996

Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria

Junior Clubs: Altona Roosters (Melbourne)

Position: Prop

Height: 194cm

Weight: 114kg

Previous Clubs: Melbourne Storm (2014-2015), Newcastle Knights (2016-2017), Norths Devils (2018-2019)

Rep Honours: Australian Indigenous All-Stars (2020), Perth NRL Nines (2020)

NRL Debut: Yet to make debut

NRL Career: 0

NRL Points: 0

New South Wales Cup Career: 12 appearances (2016-2017)

New South Wales Cup Points: 0

Queensland Cup Career: 47 appearances (2018-2019)

Queensland Cup Points: 40 (10 tries)

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/20202/02/28/taunoa-brown-signed-for-two-years/