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2023 Roster: Gains & Losses

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Official Ben Murdoch-Masila release story:

Murdoch-Masila granted release​

One New Zealand Warriors forward Ben Murdoch-Masila has been granted a release to continue his career with another NRL club.
The 31-year-old Mate Ma’a Tonga international was off contract at the end of 2023, the third and final year of his deal since joining the club from the Super League.

Injuries have limited him to 27 of a possible 48 matches in the last two seasons, 16 in 2021 and 11 this year.
“While we were keen for Ben to remain with us for the full term of his contract we weren’t in a position right now to offer a further contract beyond this,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“At the same time another club offered him a longer-term deal giving him the security he was looking for.
“We’ve loved having Ben and Roxy around our club and we really appreciate the contribution they’ve made. They go with our best wishes.”
After making 58 NRL appearances for Wests Tigers and Penrith from 2010-2014, Auckland-born Masila-Murdoch spent five seasons in the Super League with Salford and Warrington before joining the One New Zealand Warriors in 2021.

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2022/12/16/martin-back-where-the-heart-is/
 

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Viliami Vailea 2025
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Taniela Otukolo 2024
Otukinekina Kepu 2024
Valingi Kepu 2024
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024
Jacob Laban 2024 (Development Contract)
Zyon Maiuu 2024
Jazz Tevaga 2024
Shaun Johnson 2023
Aaron Pene 2023
Adam Pompey 2023
Bunty Afoa 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Edward Kosi 2023
Marcelo Montoya 2023
Tom Ale 2023
Demitric Sifakula (Development Contract)

Gains

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)
Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
Te Maire Martin 2025 (Brisbane Broncos)
Ronald Volkman 2025 (Sydney City Roosters)
Freddy Lussick 2024 (Sydney City Roosters)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Taine Tuaupiki (NSW Cup Contract)
Brody Tamarua (NSW Cup Contract)
Solomon Vasuvulagi (NSW Cup Contract)
Patrick Sipley (NSW Cup Contract)
Chase Bernard (NSW Cup Contract)
Ollie Tumiavave (NSW Cup Contract)
Jackson Ford 2024 (St George Dragons)
Jayden Wiliame 2024 (Perpignan French RU)

Losses

Euan Aitken (Dolphins)
Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)
Ash Taylor (Medical retirement)
Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney/Dolphins)
Matt Lodge (Sydney City Roosters)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Early Retirement/Sabbatical)
Trei Fuller (Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan (Norths Devils)
Adam Cook (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos)
Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels)
Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels)
Dunamis Lui
Jackson Frei
Lleyton Finau
Junior Ratuva
Pride Petterson-Robati
Aaron Pene (Melbourne Storm)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (St George Dragons)

Unsure on Status

Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial

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

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Two players released:

One New Zealand Warriors release two NRL squad members​


NRL squad members Taniela Otukolo and Otukinekina Kepu have today been released by the One New Zealand Warriors.
Hooker Otukolo (20) was off contract at the end of this season while prop Kepu (20) was signed until the end of the 2024 season.
“We appreciate their contribution during their time with us and wish them all the best for the future,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, development and pathways Andrew McFadden.

Otahuhu Leopards junior Otukolo has made nine NRL appearances since his debut against Newcastle in 2021 while Kepu, a Manurewa Marlins and Otahuhu Leopards junior, hasn’t played at first-grade level.
While the club was based in Australia both players appeared for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup and colts competitions.


This is a bit of a surprise and means three players will have to be signed to the first grade squad before the season starts, as this now means we only have 26 First grade players.
 

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Viliami Vailea 2025
Bunty Afoa 2025
Tom Ale 2025
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Valingi Kepu 2024
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024
Jacob Laban 2024 (Development Contract)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Development Contract)
Jazz Tevaga 2024
Shaun Johnson 2023
Adam Pompey 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Edward Kosi 2023
Marcelo Montoya 2023
Demitric Sifakula 2023 (Development Contract)

Gains

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)
Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
Te Maire Martin 2025 (Brisbane Broncos)
Ronald Volkman 2025 (Sydney City Roosters)
Freddy Lussick 2024 (Sydney City Roosters)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Taine Tuaupiki (NSW Cup Contract)
Brody Tamarua (NSW Cup Contract)
Solomon Vasuvulagi (NSW Cup Contract)
Patrick Sipley (NSW Cup Contract)
Chase Bernard (NSW Cup Contract)
Ollie Tumiavave (NSW Cup Contract)
Jackson Ford 2024 (St George Dragons)
Jayden Wiliame 2024 (Perpignan French RU)
Ali Leiataua 2024 (Development Contract)

Losses

Euan Aitken (Dolphins)
Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)
Ash Taylor (Medical retirement)
Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney/Dolphins)
Matt Lodge (Sydney City Roosters)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Early Retirement/Sabbatical)
Trei Fuller (Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan (Norths Devils)
Adam Cook (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos)
Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels)
Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels)
Dunamis Lui
Jackson Frei
Lleyton Finau
Junior Ratuva
Pride Petterson-Robati
Aaron Pene (Melbourne Storm)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (St George Dragons)
Taniela Otukolo
Otukinekina Kepu

Unsure on Status

Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial

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

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Official club story on Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale re-signing until end of 2025:

Afoa and Ale extend contracts to end of 2025​

Club juniors Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale have re-signed with the One New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2025 NRL season.
Front rower Afoa (26) became the 28th member on the club’s 100-game roll of honour when he memorably brought up the landmark in last year’s Mount Smart Stadium homecoming clash against the Wests Tigers.

And after a delayed start to the 2022 season following ACL surgery, fellow front rower Ale (23) ended the campaign with strong displays in each of the One New Zealand Warriors’ last four matches.
“Bunty and Tom are outstanding examples of players who have come through our system and taken their opportunities. They demonstrate real pride in the club and all they do,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“Bunty was a junior when I was first here and it has been a thrill to watch him develop into a seasoned and consistent first grader while Tom has been hampered by injury but has done everything in the preseason to indicate he’ll be an asset.”
As general manager recruitment, development and pathways, former Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden said the pair were showing the way for the next generation.
“Bunty was a fantastic player for us in the NYC and it was an honour to be able to give him his NRL debut in 2016,” he said.
“He thoroughly deserves his contract extension and shows our juniors what can be achieved through total commitment to the club and maintaining the highest standards on and off the field. Tom is just starting his first-grade career but he has the same traits.”
After being side-lined for the entire 2020 season following knee surgery, Afoa appeared in 44 of a possible 48 games in 2021 and 2022. Used almost exclusively in an interchange role, he averaged 81 metres and 23 tackles a game despite averaging just 36 minutes a match; he produced career best numbers of 572 tackles and 2150 metres gained in 2022 while making just two errors (after only one in 2021).

Ale came through the club’s pathways to earn his NRL debut against Canberra late in the 2020 season, his only appearance that season. Two more games followed in 2021 but an ACL injury playing for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup later that season delayed his return for the Dolphins until mid-July last year.
He duly earned a recall to the NRL side and immediately impressed when he averaged 89 metres and 12 tackles a game despite averaging only 26 minutes a match.


BUNTY AFOA​

BornAugust 20, 1996
BirthplaceAuckland, NZ
Junior clubsPoint Chevalier Pirates, Mount Albert Lions (Auckland)
PositionProp
Height188cm
Weight113kg
Warriors No213
NRL debutOne New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, July 2, 2016 (Rd 17)
NRL games108 (2016-2022)
NRL points28 (7 tries)
Representative8 Tests Toa Samoa 2016-2022, Rugby League World Cup 2017

TOM ALE​

BornApril 1, 1999
BirthplaceAuckland, NZ
Junior clubMount Albert Lions (Auckland)
PositionProp
Height 183cm
Weight109kg
Warriors No250
NRL debutOne New Zealand Warriors v Canberra, GIO Stadium, Canberra, September 20, 2020 (Round 19)
NRL games7 (2020-2022)
RepresentativeJunior Kiwis 2018, New Zealand Secondary Schools 2018

 
Messages
2,508
Official club story on Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale re-signing until end of 2025:

Afoa and Ale extend contracts to end of 2025​

Club juniors Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale have re-signed with the One New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2025 NRL season.
Front rower Afoa (26) became the 28th member on the club’s 100-game roll of honour when he memorably brought up the landmark in last year’s Mount Smart Stadium homecoming clash against the Wests Tigers.

And after a delayed start to the 2022 season following ACL surgery, fellow front rower Ale (23) ended the campaign with strong displays in each of the One New Zealand Warriors’ last four matches.
“Bunty and Tom are outstanding examples of players who have come through our system and taken their opportunities. They demonstrate real pride in the club and all they do,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“Bunty was a junior when I was first here and it has been a thrill to watch him develop into a seasoned and consistent first grader while Tom has been hampered by injury but has done everything in the preseason to indicate he’ll be an asset.”
As general manager recruitment, development and pathways, former Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden said the pair were showing the way for the next generation.
“Bunty was a fantastic player for us in the NYC and it was an honour to be able to give him his NRL debut in 2016,” he said.
“He thoroughly deserves his contract extension and shows our juniors what can be achieved through total commitment to the club and maintaining the highest standards on and off the field. Tom is just starting his first-grade career but he has the same traits.”
After being side-lined for the entire 2020 season following knee surgery, Afoa appeared in 44 of a possible 48 games in 2021 and 2022. Used almost exclusively in an interchange role, he averaged 81 metres and 23 tackles a game despite averaging just 36 minutes a match; he produced career best numbers of 572 tackles and 2150 metres gained in 2022 while making just two errors (after only one in 2021).

Ale came through the club’s pathways to earn his NRL debut against Canberra late in the 2020 season, his only appearance that season. Two more games followed in 2021 but an ACL injury playing for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup later that season delayed his return for the Dolphins until mid-July last year.
He duly earned a recall to the NRL side and immediately impressed when he averaged 89 metres and 12 tackles a game despite averaging only 26 minutes a match.


BUNTY AFOA​

BornAugust 20, 1996
BirthplaceAuckland, NZ
Junior clubsPoint Chevalier Pirates, Mount Albert Lions (Auckland)
PositionProp
Height188cm
Weight113kg
Warriors No213
NRL debutOne New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, July 2, 2016 (Rd 17)
NRL games108 (2016-2022)
NRL points28 (7 tries)
Representative8 Tests Toa Samoa 2016-2022, Rugby League World Cup 2017

TOM ALE​

BornApril 1, 1999
BirthplaceAuckland, NZ
Junior clubMount Albert Lions (Auckland)
PositionProp
Height183cm
Weight109kg
Warriors No250
NRL debutOne New Zealand Warriors v Canberra, GIO Stadium, Canberra, September 20, 2020 (Round 19)
NRL games7 (2020-2022)
RepresentativeJunior Kiwis 2018, New Zealand Secondary Schools 2018

This confirms that they indeed missed their desired targets and went for the local option as the reliable plan B. Ah well 2023 lets see if we win any games lol
 

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Taine Tuaupiki upgraded to NRL top 30 squad for 2023:

Tuaupiki upgraded to NRL squad​

Exciting fullback Taine Tuaupiki has been upgraded to a fulltime NRL contract with the One New Zealand Warriors for the 2023 season.
Brought to the club on a train and trial deal, the 23-year-old was one of a host of players who excelled in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 48-12 win over Wests Tigers in their first NRL trial at Mount Smart Stadium.

He had an exceptional rookie season in the Queensland Cup last year when he won the Petero Civoniceva Medal as the competition’s best and fairest while also being named the rookie of the year.
“Taine has taken every opportunity since joining us for the preseason last November,” said Andrew McFadden, the club’s general manager recruitment, development and pathways.
“We had agreed on terms earlier in the week and what we saw from him in the trial just reinforced what a quality player he is.”
Tuaupiki delivered a performance on Thursday night highlighted by his dazzling footwork and speed.
“We’ve been thrilled with Taine from the moment he came to the club,” said One New Zealand head coach Andrew Webster.
“He fully deserves this chance after the work he has done while on a trial contract. He brings a special dimension to our squad and certainly has the ability to debut in the NRL soon.”
Tuaupiki consistently dominated opposition sides in the Queensland Cup last season.
Averaging 147 metres a game, he scored 14 tries, made 105 tackle breaks and 25 line breaks as well as providing 22 try assists.
While he was both in Sydney, he’s from Taharoa on the southern side of Kawhia Harbour, which is also home for teammate Te Maire Martin.

TAINE TUAUPIKI​

BornAugust 31, 1999
BirthplaceSydney, NSW
Junior clubsNgaruawahia Panthers (Waikato), Runaway Bay Seagulls (Queensland)
PositionFullback
Height178cm
Weight 83kg
Queensland Cup careerBurleigh Bears (2021-2022)
Queensland Cup games23 (2021-2022)
Queensland Cup points56 (14 tries)

 

Koro Dos

Juniors
Messages
18
B
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Addin Fonua-Blake 2026
Viliami Vailea 2025
Bunty Afoa 2025
Tom Ale 2025
Tohu Harris 2024
Rocco Berry 2024
Valingi Kepu 2024
Wayde Egan 2024
Josh Curran 2024
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2024
Jacob Laban 2024 (Development Contract)
Zyon Maiuu 2024 (Development Contract)
Jazz Tevaga 2024
Shaun Johnson 2023
Adam Pompey 2023
Bayley Sironen 2023
Edward Kosi 2023
Marcelo Montoya 2023
Demitric Sifakula 2023 (Development Contract)

Gains

Marata Niukore 2026 (Parramatta Eels)
Dylan Walker 2025 (Manly Sea Eagles)
Mitchell Barnett 2025 (Newcastle Knights)
Charnaze Nicoll-Klokstad 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
Te Maire Martin 2025 (Brisbane Broncos)
Ronald Volkman 2025 (Sydney City Roosters)
Freddy Lussick 2024 (Sydney City Roosters)
Luke Metcalf 2024 (Cronulla Sharks)
Taine Tuaupiki (NSW Cup Contract)
Brody Tamarua (NSW Cup Contract)
Solomon Vasuvulagi (NSW Cup Contract)
Patrick Sipley (NSW Cup Contract)
Chase Bernard (NSW Cup Contract)
Ollie Tumiavave (NSW Cup Contract)
Jackson Ford 2024 (St George Dragons)
Jayden Wiliame 2024 (Perpignan French RU)
Ali Leiataua 2024 (Development Contract)

Losses

Euan Aitken (Dolphins)
Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm)
Ash Taylor (Medical retirement)
Kodi Nikorima (South Sydney/Dolphins)
Matt Lodge (Sydney City Roosters)
Chanel Harris-Tavita (Early Retirement/Sabbatical)
Trei Fuller (Dolphins)
Jayden Corrigan (Norths Devils)
Adam Cook (Mackay Cutters)
Jesse Arthars (Brisbane Broncos)
Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels)
Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels)
Dunamis Lui
Jackson Frei
Lleyton Finau
Junior Ratuva
Pride Petterson-Robati
Aaron Pene (Melbourne Storm)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (St George Dragons)
Taniela Otukolo
Otukinekina Kepu

Unsure on Status

Garrett Smith 2022 Train & Trial

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks.
Brody Tamarua is with Wynnum Manly
 

Koro Dos

Juniors
Messages
18
Sifakula signs till 2025.


Don't know much about this guy. Anyone fill me in?
Out of De La Salle College and Otahuhu Leopards. Played in the midfield for 1st XV. Spent last season with the Dolphins. Can play middle forward or back row. Him and Jacob Laban two of the best 18 year olds to come out of NZ. Both still eligible for SG Ball. Both should make their debut for first grade during the season.
 

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,692
Ed Kosi Re-signed until the end of 2025:

Kosi re-signed for two more years​

One New Zealand Warriors winger Edward Kosi has been re-signed on a two-year deal to the end of the 2025 NRL season.
The strapping 24-year-old Mangere East Hawks junior has made an impressive start to his third NRL season with strong performances in each of the club’s first three matches.

He scored the club’s first try of the season in the first-round 20-12 win over Newcastle in Wellington and was on the scoresheet again in Saturday night’s 26-12 victory over North Queensland in Townsville.
“I can’t say enough about Ed. He has been terrific making huge improvements in all parts of his game during the preseason and then taking that into the first three rounds of the competition,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“His desire to get better every day has earned him a starting spot and he has now seen the rewards of his hard work with three strong performances in first grade.”
edward-kosi-2p.jpg

Kosi ran for 100 metres against the Knights, followed it up with 145 metres from 15 runs in the tough contest with the Roosters last week and 114 metres against the Cowboys.
“In Ed we have another home-grown player who has come through our system to make it into the NRL,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, development and pathways Andrew McFadden.
“He has worked so hard at his game since making his debut, overcoming some adversity along the way, and has firmly established himself as an NRL player. He fully deserves his new contract.”
Kosi made his debut in dramatic circumstances against the Cowboys in 2021 when he was rushed into the starting line-up less than two hours before kick-off to replace an injured David Fusitu’a.
He has gone on to play 19 first-grade matches scoring 11 tries including eight in 11 appearances last season; with his try on Saturday night he has nine touchdowns in his last 10 matches.
Kosi started with the club’s Jersey Flegg Cup under-20 side in 2018 and 2019 and was also used in the New South Wales Cup in 2019 and 2020 before the competition was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

While the One New Zealand Warriors were based in Australia, Kosi scored 11 tries in 15 games for feeder club Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup in 2021 and 2022.

EDWARD KOSI​

BornJanuary 28, 1999
BirthplaceAuckland, NZ
Junior clubMangere East Hawks
PositionWinger
Height 193cm
Weight107kg
Warriors No260
NRL debutOne New Zealand Warriors v North Queensland, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, May 2, 2021 (Rd 8)
NRL games19 (2021-2023)
NRL points44 (11 tries)
Queensland Cup games15 (2021-2022)
Queensland Cup points44 (11 tries)
New South Wales Cup games7 (2019-2020)
New South Wales Cup points0
Jersey Flegg Cup games22 (2018-2019)
Jersey Flegg points36 (9 tries)

 

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