What's new
The Front Row Forums

Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

2026 Roster: Gains and Losses

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,908
Official club press.release for Luke Metcalf's Re-signing until the end of 2028, great news for the club:

Staying right here: Metcalf recommits until 2028​

Halfback Luke Metcalf has inked a two-year contract extension to lock in his future with the One New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2028 NRL season.
Off contract at the end of the 2026 season, the 26-year-old was certain to be one of the game’s most highly sought-after players but has recommitted to the One New Zealand Warriors ahead of becoming a free agent from November 1.

“We’re absolutely thrilled Luke will be with us for another three seasons,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“It’s a critical signing which underlines how much Luke means to us and equally how much the club means to him and his family.”
The Coffs Harbour-born Metcalf was in outstanding form in the first half of the 2025 season as a series of superb performances catapulted him into the lead of the Dally M Medal race on 31 points when voting went behind closed doors.
His season was ended by an ACL knee injury in the round 17 loss to Brisbane but, despite missing the club’s last nine regular season matches, he still finished eighth with a total of 41 points.
luke-metcalf-3i.jpg

“What we saw from Luke this season reinforced our thinking from the outset about his huge potential – and he still has lots more development in him,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“What we’ve always admired about him is his knowledge of the game and his keenness to be involved in all we’re doing to take the club forward.”
On replay #2: Metcalf the creator, Capewell the finisher

On replay #2: Metcalf the creator, Capewell the finisher
On replay #2: Metcalf the creator, Capewell the finisher
Taking on the responsibility as the Warriors’ chief playmaker this year, Metcalf finished his 15-game campaign with 117 points from eight tries, 42 goals and a field goal, averaged 71 metres a game and had nine try assists, eight line breaks and 28 tackle breaks.
“Luke’s signing is really important for our club’s future,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He showed this season the impact he had on our side and, with the right luck with injury, I know he’ll improve again and be dominant.

“I’m so happy he and his family have faith in us to go to the next level.”
When Metcalf arrived at the club he had played just seven NRL games for the Sharks. As Warrior #281 he has added 34 games to his career tally including 23 victories (a 68 per cent winning rate).
“I’m really happy to get it sorted and get it done. So stoked I can now look to the future and the next few years,” he said today.
luke-metcalf-2t.jpg

“We've got a really good team here and I think we can do something special. I can't wait to get back and start playing.
“I’m so lucky to have a coach like Webby and a CEO like Cam who trust and believe in me. They gave me the chance to be a halfback and gave me the keys to the team. They trust me to guide this team around and get to the ultimate goal that we're chasing. That was massive for me to have that. That's something I've only ever wanted in my career.”
Metcalf said the ultimate goal – the dream of winning the Warriors’ first premiership – was critical in his decision-making process.
luke-metcalf-2n.jpg

“I feel it left a bit of a sour taste in everyone's mouth the way the season finished this year,” he said.
“There's that lingering thing of trying to win the Warriors their first comp. That's what keeps me up at night and keeps me motivated. You want to go down in history as one of the greatest teams and greatest players to play the game. For me there was one way to do that and that was by winning a comp here with the Warriors.
“The way the New Zealand public have taken me in. I came here with my partner and we've had a baby and created a home away from home here.
I love the whole place .. the Warriors, New Zealand in general, Auckland. We went down and had our wedding in Queenstown.”
Metcalf started his career in the junior grades with the Sharks from 2015-2017, had a stint with Manly Warringah from 2018-2020 and then returned to the Sharks where he made his first-grade debut in 2021.

Profile | Luke Metcalf​

Born: March 1, 1999
Birthplace: Coffs Harbour, NSW
Junior club: Orara Valley Tomahawks
Position: Halfback
Height: 183cm
Weight: 86kg
Previous NRL clubs: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks (2021-2022)
First grade debut: Cronulla Sutherland Sharks v Manly Warringah, Suncorp Stadium,
August 2, 2021 (Rd 20)
One New Zealand Warriors debut: v Brisbane Broncos, McLean Park, May 27, 2023 (Rd 13)
One New Zealand Warriors No: 281
NRL appearances: 41 (2021-2025)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks: 7 (2021-2022)
One New Zealand Warriors: 34 (2023-2025)
NRL points: 185 (20 tries, 52 goals, 1 field goal)
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks: 12 (3 tries)
One New Zealand Warriors: 173 (17 tries, 52 goals, 1 field goal)

 

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,908
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Leka Halasima 2029
Jacob Laban 2029
James Fisher-Harris 2028
Demitric Vaimauga 2028
Bishop Neal 2028
Makaia Tafua 2028
Jason Saltillo 2028
Tanner Stowers-Smith 2028
Luke Metcalf 2028
Wayde Egan 2027
Mitchell Barnett 2027
Motu Pasikala 2027
Ali Leiataua 2027
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2027
Jackson Ford 2027
Adam Pompey 2027
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2027
Kayliss Fatialofa 2027
Jett Cleary 2026 (Development) 2027
Erin Clark 2027
Sam Healey 2027
Marata Niukore 2026
Rocco Berry 2026
Freddy Lussick 2026
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2026
Kurt Capewell 2026
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2026
Taine Tuaupiki 2026
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 2026
Te Maire Martin 2026
Tanah Boyd 2026
Luke Hanson 2026 (Development?)

Gains for 2026

Jye Linnane 2028 (Newcastle Knights)
Morgan Gannon 2028 (Leeds Rhinos)
Haziyn Mellars 2028 (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Braelan Marsh 2028 (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 2028 (Gold Coast Titans)
Harry Inch 2027 (Canterbury Crusaders)

Losses for 2026

Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Ed Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers)
Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers)
Morgan Harper
Setu Tu (Brisbane Tigers)
Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)

Unknown for 2026

Patrick Moimoi 2025 (Development)
Sio Kali 2025 (Development)

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thanks
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Izz

Big Marn

Bench
Messages
3,705
whats everyones take on these guys analysis of our 2027 recruitment options?

 
Last edited:

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,908
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Leka Halasima 2029
Jacob Laban 2029
James Fisher-Harris 2028
Demitric Vaimauga 2028
Bishop Neal 2028
Makaia Tafua 2028
Jason Saltillo 2028
Tanner Stowers-Smith 2028
Luke Metcalf 2028
Connor Bowden 2028
Wayde Egan 2027
Mitchell Barnett 2027
Motu Pasikala 2027
Ali Leiataua 2027
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2027
Jackson Ford 2027
Adam Pompey 2027
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2027
Kayliss Fatialofa 2027
Jett Cleary 2026 (Development) 2027
Erin Clark 2027
Sam Healey 2027
Marata Niukore 2026
Rocco Berry 2026
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2026
Kurt Capewell 2026
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2026
Taine Tuaupiki 2026
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 2026
Te Maire Martin 2026
Tanah Boyd 2026
Luke Hanson 2026 (Development?)

Gains for 2026

Jye Linnane 2028 (Newcastle Knights)
Morgan Gannon 2028 (Leeds Rhinos)
Haziyn Mellars 2028 (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Braelan Marsh 2028 (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 2028 (Gold Coast Titans)
Harry Inch 2027 (Canterbury Crusaders)

Losses for 2026

Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Ed Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers)
Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers)
Morgan Harper
Setu Tu (St George Dragons)
Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)
Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers)
Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers)

Unknown for 2026

Patrick Moimoi 2025 (Development)
Sio Kali 2025 (Development)

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

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,908
Freddy Lussick released from his contract immediately:

Lussick granted early release from contract​

One New Zealand Warriors hooker Freddy Lussick has requested and been granted an early release from his contract to continue his NRL career in Australia.
The 25-year-old was signed until the end of the 2026 season but will depart immediately after four seasons with the club.
“Freddy has been a great contributor since his arrival in 2022,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.

“We’re grateful for all he has done in his time with us and wish him and his family the very best for their future back in Australia.”
One of three brothers to play in the NRL, Lussick joined the One New Zealand Warriors from the Sydney Roosters midway through the 2022 season.
Limited to two games this year, he finishes with a total of 39 NRL appearances for the Warriors lifting his career tally to 52.
He also played 26 times for the club’s New South Wales Cup reserve grade side including their grand final win and their victory in the State Championship final.

 

Izz

Bench
Messages
4,781
Connor Bowden, young winger, has been extended until 2028, with him joining the NRL squad in 2028. Nothing on Warriors site about it yet, but his agency has been posting on FB and Insta:
 

Izz

Bench
Messages
4,781
Jeremiah Lemana, co-winner of our Matt's POTY, also extended until 2028 according to a few places. Not sure on contract details, but he has been training with FG squad during preseason

EDIT: IMO, he's our long term fullback option to replace CNK
 
Last edited:

One Warrior

Bench
Messages
2,908
Current Squad/year contract expires:

Leka Halasima 2029
Jacob Laban 2029
James Fisher-Harris 2028
Demitric Vaimauga 2028
Bishop Neal 2028
Makaia Tafua 2028
Jason Saltillo 2028
Tanner Stowers-Smith 2028
Luke Metcalf 2028
Connor Bowden 2028
Eddie Ieremia-Toeava 2028
Wayde Egan 2027
Mitchell Barnett 2027
Motu Pasikala 2027
Ali Leiataua 2027
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 2027
Jackson Ford 2027
Adam Pompey 2027
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2027
Kayliss Fatialofa 2027
Jett Cleary 2026 (Development) 2027
Erin Clark 2027
Sam Healey 2027
Marata Niukore 2026
Rocco Berry 2026
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2026
Kurt Capewell 2026
Chanel Harris-Tavita 2026
Taine Tuaupiki 2026
Te Maire Martin 2026
Tanah Boyd 2026
Luke Hanson 2026 (Development?)

Gains for 2026

Jye Linnane 2028 (Newcastle Knights)
Morgan Gannon 2028 (Leeds Rhinos)
Haziyn Mellars 2028 (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Braelan Marsh 2028 (Redcliffe Dolphins)
Alofiana Khan-Pereira 2028 (Gold Coast Titans)
Harry Inch 2027 (Canterbury Crusaders)

Losses for 2026

Moala Graham-Taufa (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Ed Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Bunty Afoa (Wests Tigers)
Tom Ale (Penrith Panthers)
Morgan Harper
Setu Tu (St George Dragons)
Kalani Going (Penrith Panthers)
Toby Crosby (Penrith Panthers)
Freddy Lussick (Penrith Panthers)

Unknown for 2026

Patrick Moimoi 2025 (Development)
Sio Kali 2025 (Development)

As always anybody who has any further info, please advise, thank
 

Latest posts

Top