2022 Roster: Gains & Losses

[One Warrior]

Lodge leaves the club immediately:

Lodge granted immediate release from rest of contract​

Vodafone Warriors prop Matt Lodge is leaving the club immediately after being granted a release from the rest of his contract.
“Matt told us a while ago that for professional and personal reasons he couldn’t commit to a long-term future in New Zealand when we return home for next season,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“The opportunity for him to leave now allows us to move forward with our future planning and to develop our younger players.
“We’re grateful to Matt for the contribution he has made since joining us last year and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Lodge (26) joined the Vodafone Warriors from the Broncos in July last year.
“I couldn’t see my family living in New Zealand for a long-term future,” said Lodge.
“Therefore we decided that the best thing for the club was for us to mutually part ways so they have some clarity.
“I respect the club and especially the boys a lot and hopefully I showed that by the way I trained and played physical and gave my all every game.”
Lodge’s 14th and final appearance for the Vodafone Warriors was against South Sydney last Saturday.

Lodge granted immediate release from rest of contract

Vodafone Warriors grant prop Matt Lodge immediate release from the rest of his contract.

www.warriors.kiwi

Knew he would be leaving at the end of the season, but why release him in the middle of the season, can't see any logical reason for it, one of the best each week, dumb move.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

Lui confirmed for rest of season

Ex-Origin prop Lui signed for rest of 2022 season

Long-serving front rower Dunamis Lui makes Vodafone Warriors his fifth NRL club.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[JJ]

Lui confirmed for rest of season

Ex-Origin prop Lui signed for rest of 2022 season

Long-serving front rower Dunamis Lui makes Vodafone Warriors his fifth NRL club.

www.warriors.kiwi

For some reason I have Benny Hill theme in my head…

 

[Tongue]

Lussick extended.

 

[Diesel]

A

Lussick extended.

Any chance he can coach?!

 

[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
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)
Ronald Volkman 2025 (Sydney City Roosters)
Freddy Lussick 2024 (Sydney City Roosters)
Dunamis Lui 2022 (Redcliffe Dolphins)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)
Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad 2025 (Canberra Raiders)


Losses for 2023

Euan Aitken (Dolphins)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Break from League)
Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)

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)
Ash Taylor (2022 Medical retirement)
Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney)
Matt Lodge (Sydney City Roosters)

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

 

[One Warrior]

Club press release:​

Lussick commits to club to end of 2024 NRL season​

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)

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

 

[One Warrior]

Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad signs with the Warriors until the end of 2025 and Reece Walsh to depart at the end of the season for Brisbane Broncos:

Nicoll-Klokstad coming home​

Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George today announced Canberra Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is returning to the club from next season.
The 26-year-old Nicoll-Klokstad has signed a three-year contract to bring him back to his original NRL club after spending the past four seasons with the Raiders.

“Having Charnze back with the Vodafone Warriors is going to be tremendous for us as a club and also for him personally,” said George.
“He brings undoubted qualities as one of the best fullbacks in the game as well as so much off the field as a wonderful young man.
“He’s so excited about coming back to the Vodafone Warriors, being home and being closer to his family.”
Nicoll-Klokstad made his NRL debut with the Vodafone Warriors in their 14-13 ninth-round win over the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium in 2017. He went on to score seven tries in seven appearances in his rookie season but he didn’t add to his tally in 2018 before leaving to link up with the Raiders in 2019.
In four seasons there he has scored 23 tries in 66 matches while averaging 158 metres a game. As well as playing for the Cook Islands he played three Tests for the Kiwis in 2019 and represented the Māori All Stars in 2021.
Of Cook Islands, Māori and Norwegian descent, Nicoll-Klokstad played his junior football in Auckland before moving to Melbourne where he joined the Alatona Roosters.
Signed by the Storm he played for the club in the under-20 National Youth Competition in 2014 and 2015 before linking with the Vodafone Warriors. He was a regular for club’s New South Wales Cup side playing all 24 matches in 2016 and being named the Vodafone Warriors’ NSW player of the year. In his NRL rookie season in 2017, Nicoll-Klokstad won the Vodafone Warriors’ clubman of the year accolade.
His first season with the Raiders was a breakout year in which he scored 11 tries and appeared in the grand final, making a game-high 237 metres in his side’s 8-14 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

While announcing Nicoll-Klokstad’s signing today, George also confirmed incumbent fullback Walsh, who is contracted for 2023 with an option for 2024, had indicated his wish to stay in Australia.
“There has been a major change in Reece’s personal circumstances in the past two months which have impacted on his ability to move to Auckland with the club next season,” he said.
“We’re working through his situation and have given him permission, with some conditions, to look at options in Brisbane. It’s not the way either Reece or the club had wanted this to play out but we respect the issues he has.”
Walsh has made 30 appearances for the Vodafone Warriors since his debut last year but he missed Sunday’s homecoming after failing a Covid test.

CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD​
Born	August 2, 1995
Birthplace	Auckland, NZ
Junior club	City Newton Dragons
Position	Fullback
Height	182cm
Weight	96kg
Previous clubs	Vodafone Warriors (2017-2018), Canberra Raiders (2019-2022)
NRL debut	Vodafone Warriors v Sydney Roosters, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, April 30, 2017 (Rd 9)
Vodafone Warriors No	218
NRL career	73 appearances (2017-2022) Vodafone Warriors: 7 games (2017) Canberra Raiders: 66 games (2019-2022)
NRL points	120 (30 tries) Vodafone Warriors: 28 (7 tries) Canberra Raiders: 92 (23 tries)
Representative	3 Tests for Kiwis (2019), 3 Tests Cook Islands (2015-2017), Māori All Stars (2021)

Nicoll-Klokstad back home on three-year deal

Fan favourite Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad returning to Vodafone Warriors on three-year deal.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[One Warrior]

Te Maire Martin signed until the end of 2025:

Martin signed up for three years​

Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George has confirmed Brisbane Broncos utility back Te Maire Martin has signed a three-year contract from the start of the 2023 NRL.
The 26-year-old Martin has made a remarkable return to the NRL this year after a bleed on the brain forced him out of the game in 2019.

Cleared to make a comeback this season, he played his first NRL match in three years when he lined up for the Brisbane Broncos against Canterbury Bankstown on April 22 and subsequently earned selection in the Kiwis’ squad for their mid-year Test against Mate Ma’a Tonga at Mount Smart Stadium in June.
“Te Maire’s comeback to the game has been outstanding and we’re delighted we’ve been able to bring him home to New Zealand to join the Vodafone Warriors,” said George.
“He’s another quality player who will further boost our roster for 2023.
“With his ability to play at fullback and in the halves he’s going to be a real asset for us.”
Martin becomes the eighth signing for next season joining earlier acquisitions Mitchell Barnett (Newcastle), Freddy Lussick (Sydney Roosters), Luke Metcalf (Cronulla Sutherland), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Canberra), Marata Niukore (Parramatta), Ronald Volkman (Sydney Roosters) and Dylan Walker (Manly Warringah).
Martin began his NRL career with Penrith, making 13 appearances for the Panthers in 2016 and 2017; current Vodafone Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was a teammate when he made his debut in 2016.
He moved to North Queensland midway through 2017 finishing the season by playing in the grand final against Melbourne.
The Cowboys’ round seven match against the Bulldogs on April 26, 2019, was his last before being forced to step away from the game only to recover to make his comeback this year.
Martin has played four Tests for the Kiwis.

TE MAIRE MARTIN​
Born	October 2, 1995
Birthplace	Tokoroa, NZ
Junior club	Turangawaewae
Position	Standoff, fullback
Height	181cm
Weight	87kg
Previous clubs	Penrith Panthers 2016-2017, North Queensland Cowboys 2017-2019, Brisbane Broncos 2022
NRL debut	Penrith v Brisbane, Panthers Stadium, Penrith, March 19, 2016 (Rd 3)
NRL career	64 appearances 2016-2019 & 2022 Penrith Panters: 13 games 2016-2017 North Queensland Cowboys: 42 games 2017-2019 Brisbane Broncos: 9 games 2022
NRL points	61 (15 tries, 1 field goal)
Representative	4 Tests for Kiwis 2016-2018, Junior Kiwis 2014-2015

Utility Martin signed until end of 2025 NRL season

Brisbane utility Te Maire Martin joining Vodafone Warriors on three-year contract.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[One Warrior]

Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Viliami Vailea 2025
Eliesa Katoa 2022
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
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)
Ronald Volkman 2025 (Sydney City Roosters)
Freddy Lussick 2024 (Sydney City Roosters)
Dunamis Lui 2022 (Redcliffe Dolphins)

Gains for 2023

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)
Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
Te Maire Martin 2025 (Brisbane Broncos)


Losses for 2023

Euan Aitken (Dolphins)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Break from League)
Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)

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)
Ash Taylor (2022 Medical retirement)
Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney)
Matt Lodge (Sydney City Roosters)

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

 

[Grizzman]

TMM could be a good signing. Surely we are looking for a prop or two soon though?

 

[Leber]

Katoa is officially gone.

Hopefully we can use his money to buy a centre or a prop that isn't shit.

 

[One Warrior]

Official club story re Katoa:

Katoa leaving club at end of year​

Vodafone Warriors second rower Eliesa Katoa has been granted a release to leave the club at the end of the season.
Katoa asked to be released so he can continue his career with another NRL club.
“We’re sympathetic to Eli’s circumstances,” said Vodafone Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“With so much competition for spots in the back row he hasn’t had as many opportunities as he would have liked this year. We’ve also made key signings in that area for next year so.

“We really appreciate the contribution Eli has made to our club since joining us and wish him every success for the future.”
Katoa has made 42 NRL appearances since his debut in 2020, all but one of them – against Melbourne on July 29 – played in Australia.

Katoa granted request for release at end of season

Vodafone Warriors grant second rower Eliesa Katoa request for release at the end of season.

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[ALX25]

Knights have signed talented forward Tamakaimoana Whareaorere.

 

[Matua]

Knights have signed talented forward Tamakaimoana Whareaorere.

Did the Warriors try to keep him? Don't get me wrong, it's probably better he goes to an Oz club but these are the young guys you'd think they'd target.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Vodafone resigned as major sponsor - just announced on social media

 

[Mr Angry]

You should sign this bloke.

I am serious, finally ready to come good.

https://www.sharks.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/cronulla-sutherland-sharks/mawene-hiroti/

 

[Grizzman]

Looks handy and I have no objections but surely we are short some props?!