2022 Roster: Gains & Losses

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Eliesa Katoa 2024
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Taniela Otukolo 2024
Otukinekina Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Valingi Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2024
Adam Pompey 2023
Bunty Afoa 2023
Viliami Vailea 2023
Josh Curran 2023
Ben Murdoch-Masila 2023
Euan Aitken 2023
Addin Fonua-Blake 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Reece Walsh 2023 (2024 PO)
Edward Kosi 2023
Jazz Tevaga 2022 (2023 PO)
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Jack Murchie 2022
Kodi Nikorima 2022
Marcelo Montoya 2022
Junior Ratuva 2022
Pride Petterson-Robati 2022
Jackson Frei 2022 Preseason Train & Trial
Tom Ale 2022 Train & Trial
Lleyton Finau 2022 (Development Contract)

Gains

Jacob Laban 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Aaron Pene 2023 (Melbourne Storm)
Shaun Johnson 2023 (Cronulla Sharks)
Matt Lodge 2022 (2023 PO) ( Brisbane Broncos)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024 (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ash Taylor 2022 ( Gold Coast Titans)
Trei Fuller 2022 Train & Trial (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan 2022 Train & Trial (Northern Pride)
Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial (Newcastle Knights)
Adam Cook 2022 Train & Trial (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars 2022 (Loan for year from Brisbane Broncos)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)

Losses

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland Blues, NZ Rugby)
Paul Turner (Gold Coast Titans)
Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hayze Perham (Parramatta Eels)
Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers)
Sean O'Sullivan( Penrith Panthers)
Isaiah Vagana
Leeson ah Mau (Retired)
Kane Evans (Probably Super League)
David Fusitua (Leeds Rhinos)
Jyrus Glamazina (Newcastle Knights)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (North Queensland Cowboys)
Temple Kalepo (Newcastle Knights)
Preston Riki (Penrith Panthers)

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

 

[One Warrior]

AddinFonua-Blake re-signs to the end of 2026​

AFB extends contract to 2026​

Imposing prop Addin Fonua-Blake will be with the Vodafone Warriors for another five years after today extending his existing three-year contract to the end of the 2026 NRL season.
The 26-year-old Mate Ma’a Tonga international told the club his desire to be a long-term Vodafone Warrior was the catalyst for his new deal.

“Having a player of Addin’s calibre for a further five years is absolutely huge for us,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“While he has had just one season with us he wanted to settle his long-term future well in advance of his current deal.

Having a player of Addin’s calibre for a further five years is absolutely huge for us
Cameron GeorgeVodafone Warriors CEO

“After just one season here he’s extremely motivated to be with us for many years to come. He’s excited about what we can do and wants to be heavily involved in taking us forward.”
Fonua-Blake became one of the biggest acquisitions in the club’s history when he signed a three-year deal in 2020.
“I love being here and I’m excited about what’s ahead of us,” said Fonua-Blake.
“My family also loves it here and we can’t wait to get over to New Zealand and really experience what the club is all about.

We can’t wait to get over to New Zealand and really experience what the club is all about
Addin Fonua-BlakeVodafone Warriors prop

“It just made sense to me to commit for the long-term right now. I didn’t want the distraction of contract negotiations later this year. I wanted it all sorted out now so my focus can be on playing footy for this club.”
While injury limited Fonua-Blake to 15 appearances in his debut season with the club he still made a significant impact culminating in him being voted the players’ player of the year by his peers.
“Addin fitted in immediately,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.
“He has such an influence whenever he’s on the field so it’s great knowing he’s going to be with us for a lot of years to come. He’s making a huge difference to our club.”
In his 15 outings last year Fonua-Blake averaged 160 metres and 26 tackles a game with an impressive defensive efficiency rate of 96.8 per cent. He added 20 off loads and 33 tackle breaks.

ADDIN FONUA-BLAKE​
Date of birth	November 6, 1995
Birthplace	Meadowbank, Sydney
Junior club	Mascot Jets, Sydney
Position	Prop
Height	1.89m
Weight	123kg
Rep honours	1 Test for Kiwis (2017), 6 Tests for Tonga (2018-2019)
NRL debut	Manly Warringah v Parramatta, Brookvale Oval, April 14, 2016 (Round 7)
Vodafone Warriors debut	v Gold Coast, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, March 13, 2021 (Rd 2)
Vodafone Warriors No	252
NRL career	112 appearances (2016-2021) Manly-Warringah: 97 (2016-2020) Vodafone Warriors: 15 (2021)
NRL points	56 (14 tries)

Fonua-Blake extends contract to end of 2026 season

Vodafone Warriors extend Addin Fonua-Blake's contract to end of 2026 NRL season.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[Grizzman]

This is fantastic news. Best news I've heard in a while. He's a cornerstone player. You can build a pack around him and his best is yet to come with us. Awesome!

 

[One Warrior]

Josh Curran re-signs to the end of 2024:

Curran re-signed to end of 2024​

Vodafone Warriors back rower Josh Curran has had his contract extended to stretch his commitment to the club until the end of the 2024 NRL season.
The three-times Indigenous All Stars forward’s new deal follows a breakout 2021 season.
“Josh made enormous progress last season when he really delivered on the potential we knew he had as a player,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.

“The key was that he made some big adjustments that have paid off. He also benefited from the confidence Nathan (Brown) showed in him.
“You can see how much he has grown in the last year and what’s really encouraging is that he has so much room to improve further.”
The 22-year-old Curran underlined his growing stature in the game by earning selection in the Indigenous All Stars for the third straight year for last Saturday night’s 10-16 loss to the Māori in Sydney; in 47 minutes on the field he made 80 metres from nine runs as well as 18 tackles without a miss.
“I’m excited about extending my time with the Vodafone Warriors,” he said.
“I believe we have a great future ahead of us and I want to be a leader of the pack as we search for our first premiership.

“I couldn’t be happier staying and I can’t wait to get home to New Zealand to play in front of our great fan base and sponsors.”
Curran began the 2021 season with just six interchange appearances since making his first-grade debut with the Sydney Roosters in 2019 before joining the Vodafone Warriors.
After starting 2021 with feeder club Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup, Curran earned his first NRL start of the season against the Dragons in round six and immediately became a first-choice starting player.
He finished the campaign with 14 appearances and regularly played 80 minutes. He scored four tries, averaged 79 metres and 39 tackles a game and also produced 23 tackles breaks, five line breaks and five try assists.

JOSH CURRAN
Born	June 10, 1999
Birthplace	Sydney, NSW
Junior clubs	Merrylands Rams, Hills District Bulls (NSW)
Position	Loose forward/second row
Height	185cm
Weight	104kg
Previous clubs	Sydney Roosters (2019)
NRL debut	Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm, AAMI Park, Melbourne, April 19, 2019 (Rd 6)
Vodafone Warriors No	238
Vodafone Warriors debut	v Canberra Raiders, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, August 2, 2019 (Round 20)
NRL games	20 (2019-2021)
	Sydney Roosters: 1 (2019)
	Vodafone Warriors: 19 (2019-2021)
NRL points	16 (4 tries)
Representative	Indigenous All-Stars (2020, 2021, 2022)

Curran extends contract to end of 2024

After breakout season in 2021, Josh Curran re-signs with Vodafone Warriors to end of 2024.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Eliesa Katoa 2024
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Taniela Otukolo 2024
Otukinekina Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Valingi Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Adam Pompey 2023
Bunty Afoa 2023
Viliami Vailea 2023
Ben Murdoch-Masila 2023
Euan Aitken 2023
Addin Fonua-Blake 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Reece Walsh 2023 (2024 PO)
Edward Kosi 2023
Jazz Tevaga 2022 (2023 PO)
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Jack Murchie 2022
Kodi Nikorima 2022
Marcelo Montoya 2022
Junior Ratuva 2022
Pride Petterson-Robati 2022
Jackson Frei 2022 Preseason Train & Trial
Tom Ale 2022 Train & Trial
Lleyton Finau 2022 (Development Contract)

Gains

Jacob Laban 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Aaron Pene 2023 (Melbourne Storm)
Shaun Johnson 2023 (Cronulla Sharks)
Matt Lodge 2022 (2023 PO) ( Brisbane Broncos)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024 (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ash Taylor 2022 ( Gold Coast Titans)
Trei Fuller 2022 Train & Trial (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan 2022 Train & Trial (Northern Pride)
Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial (Newcastle Knights)
Adam Cook 2022 Train & Trial (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars 2022 (Loan for year from Brisbane Broncos)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)

Losses

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland Blues, NZ Rugby)
Paul Turner (Gold Coast Titans)
Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hayze Perham (Parramatta Eels)
Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers)
Sean O'Sullivan( Penrith Panthers)
Isaiah Vagana
Leeson ah Mau (Retired)
Kane Evans (Probably Super League)
David Fusitua (Leeds Rhinos)
Jyrus Glamazina (Newcastle Knights)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (North Queensland Cowboys)
Temple Kalepo (Newcastle Knights)
Preston Riki (Penrith Panthers)

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

 

[Izz]

Great news re Curran. Rate him highly. Will be interesting to watch him running off Johnson

 

[Rich102]

Deserved an extension.

 

[Captain Apollo]

Major coup as Walker secured for three years from 2023

Vodafone Warriors pull off huge signing securing Dylan Walker for three seasons from 2023.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Eliesa Katoa 2024
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Taniela Otukolo 2024
Otukinekina Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Valingi Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Adam Pompey 2023
Bunty Afoa 2023
Viliami Vailea 2023
Ben Murdoch-Masila 2023
Euan Aitken 2022
Addin Fonua-Blake 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Reece Walsh 2023 (2024 PO)
Edward Kosi 2023
Jazz Tevaga 2022 (2023 PO)
Euan Aitken 2022
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Jack Murchie 2022
Kodi Nikorima 2022
Marcelo Montoya 2022
Junior Ratuva 2022
Pride Petterson-Robati 2022
Jackson Frei 2022 Preseason Train & Trial
Tom Ale 2022 Train & Trial
Lleyton Finau 2022 (Development Contract)

Gains

Jacob Laban 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Aaron Pene 2023 (Melbourne Storm)
Shaun Johnson 2023 (Cronulla Sharks)
Matt Lodge 2022 (2023 PO) ( Brisbane Broncos)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024 (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ash Taylor 2022 ( Gold Coast Titans)
Trei Fuller 2022 Train & Trial (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan 2022 Train & Trial (Northern Pride)
Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial (Newcastle Knights)
Adam Cook 2022 Train & Trial (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars 2022 (Loan for year from Brisbane Broncos)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)

Losses for 2023

Euan Aitken

Losses

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland Blues, NZ Rugby)
Paul Turner (Gold Coast Titans)
Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hayze Perham (Parramatta Eels)
Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers)
Sean O'Sullivan( Penrith Panthers)
Isaiah Vagana
Leeson ah Mau (Retired)
Kane Evans (Probably Super League)
David Fusitua (Leeds Rhinos)
Jyrus Glamazina (Newcastle Knights)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (North Queensland Cowboys)
Temple Kalepo (Newcastle Knights)
Preston Riki (Penrith Panthers)

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

 

[One Warrior]

Euan Aitken to leave the club at the end of 2022, granted an early release:

Warriors grant star's request to be released from contract

The Warriors' joy at returning to New Zealand will be tempered by the loss of Euan Aitken.

www.nzherald.co.nz

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Matt Lodge has rejected a 3 year, big money extension with hopes of returning to Sydney

 

[Tongue]

We're attracting players as successfully as the Tigers.

 

[Beavers Headgear]

We're attracting players as successfully as the Tigers.

Sounds like Mitch Barnett is pretty much over the line, wanting to link up with Nathan Brown again

 

[ALX25]

How many years is young centre Ali Leiataua locked up for?

 

[One Warrior]

Mitch Barnett signs for 2023 until the end of 2025:

Barnett signs for three years from 2023​

The Vodafone Warriors have added more power and experience to their pack for 2023 and beyond by securing Newcastle back rower Mitchell Barnett on a three-year contract from next season.
The 27-year-old Barnett joins fellow second rower Marata Niukore (Parramatta), centre Dylan Walker (Manly Warringah) and halfback Luke Metcalf (Cronulla Sutherland) as the club’s major acquisitions so far for 2023.

Now in his eighth season with 117 appearances to his name, Barnett has been a mainstay of the Newcastle pack since 2016.
“We couldn’t be happier to have a player of Mitch’s proven ability on board from next year,” said Vodafone Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges.
“He has been on our target list for some time as we look to boost our pack. He brings a level of intensity and passion which is going to be a real asset for us.”
Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown has had a close association with Barnett from their time at the Knights, signing the second rower midway through his first season with the club in 2016.

The Warriors impressed me on and off the field which made my decision easier
Mitchell BarnettVodafone Warriors signing

“The Warriors presented me with an opportunity to further my game,” said Barnett.
“I have personal goals of playing representative football and I am also looking forward to working with Brownie again.
“The Warriors impressed me on and off the field which made my decision easier.”
Brown brought Barnett back to Newcastle in June in 2016 where he immediately made his debut for the club in a loss to the Vodafone Warriors.

Across his 115 matches for the Knights, he has averaged 104 metres and 33 tackles a game.
“Once we were given permission to negotiate with Mitch five weeks ago, we couldn’t wait to get him across the line,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s exciting for our future knowing we have not only Mitch but also Dylan Walker, Marata Niukore and Luke Metcalf coming on board from next year. They’re adding quality depth to further strengthen our squad.”
Barnett initially played for the Knights in the lower grades before joining Canberra in 2013 where he played for the club’s under-20 side before making his NRL debut late in the 2015 season.

Predominantly playing for the Raiders’ feeder club the Mount Pritchard Mounties, he was named the New South Wales Cup player of the year in 2015.

MITCHELL BARNETT​
Date of birth	April 15, 1994
Birthplace	Wingham, NSW
Junior club	Wingham Tigers
Position	Second row/prop
Height	187cm
Weight	104kg
Current club	Newcastle (2016-2022)
Previous clubs	Canberra (2015)
NRL debut	Newcastle v Wests Tigers, GIO Stadium, Canberra, August 10, 2015 (Rd 22)
NRL career	117 appearances (2015-2022)
	Canberra: 2 appearances (2015)
	Newcastle: 115 appearances (2016-2022)
NRL points	112 (20 tries, 16 goals)

Barnett on signing: Warriors impressed me

Knights second rower Mitchell Barnett joining Vodafone Warriors for three years from 2023.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[Tongue]

NRL.com has Jesse Arthurs returning to Broncos 2023.
This link is good. Teams like the Sharks have 12 players unsigned for 2022, Bulldogs 11 players, and so on.
So plenty of movement still to come across all squads.

2024 NRL Signings Tracker: Bradman to continue innings in Newcastle

NSW Origin centre Bradman Best has re-signed with the Knights for another three seasons.

www.nrl.com

 

[One Warrior]

Viliami Vailea extended until the end of 2025:

Vailea secured for four years​

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

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Viliami Vailea 2025
Eliesa Katoa 2024
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Taniela Otukolo 2024
Otukinekina Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Valingi Kepu 2024 (2022 Development Contract)
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Adam Pompey 2023
Bunty Afoa 2023
Ben Murdoch-Masila 2023
Euan Aitken 2022
Addin Fonua-Blake 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Reece Walsh 2023 (2024 PO)
Edward Kosi 2023
Jazz Tevaga 2022 (2023 PO)
Euan Aitken 2022
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2022
Jack Murchie 2022
Kodi Nikorima 2022
Marcelo Montoya 2022
Junior Ratuva 2022
Pride Petterson-Robati 2022
Jackson Frei 2022 Preseason Train & Trial
Tom Ale 2022 Train & Trial
Lleyton Finau 2022 (Development Contract)

Gains

Jacob Laban 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Kelston Boys High)
Aaron Pene 2023 (Melbourne Storm)
Shaun Johnson 2023 (Cronulla Sharks)
Matt Lodge 2022 (2023 PO) ( Brisbane Broncos)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024 (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ash Taylor 2022 ( Gold Coast Titans)
Trei Fuller 2022 Train & Trial (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan 2022 Train & Trial (Northern Pride)
Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial (Newcastle Knights)
Adam Cook 2022 Train & Trial (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars 2022 (Loan for year from Brisbane Broncos)
Daejarn Asi 2022 (North Queensland Cowboys)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)

Losses for 2023

Euan Aitken

Losses

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland Blues, NZ Rugby)
Paul Turner (Gold Coast Titans)
Peta Hiku (North Queensland Cowboys)
Hayze Perham (Parramatta Eels)
Ken Maumalo (Wests Tigers)
Sean O'Sullivan( Penrith Panthers)
Isaiah Vagana
Leeson ah Mau (Retired)
Kane Evans (Probably Super League)
David Fusitua (Leeds Rhinos)
Jyrus Glamazina (Newcastle Knights)
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown (North Queensland Cowboys)
Temple Kalepo (Newcastle Knights)
Preston Riki (Penrith Panthers)

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

 

[Benek]

Warriors snare surprise immediate move for young gun

A youngster will swap clubs for the remainder of 2022.

www.zerotackle.com

Looks like we just picked up some outside back cover just when we needed it most.

 

[Grizzman]

Who can also play in the halves. We will be able to field a team of halves in 2023!