Who should we retain and release at the end of 2025?

[Wheeled Warrior]

I know the 2025 NRL season has only just begun, but as I look ahead to the players coming off contract at the end of the year, I’ve been thinking about our recruitment strategy for the future. I’ve highlighted which players we should retain and who we should let go, though some of my choices may be unpopular.

My selections are based on team dynamics and value for money.

Players to retain

Bunty Afoa.

Bunty will likely be our fifth-choice prop behind James Fisher-Harris, Mitchell Barnett, Demitric Vaimauga, and Jackson Ford. A two-year extension on a budget-friendly contract could be a good option. Currently 28, he would be 31 by the end of the extension.

Dylan Walker.

Dylan is a handy utility player capable of covering lock, hooker, or the halves. A two-year budget-friendly contract could be a suitable option, potentially his last in the NRL. Currently 30, he would be 33 by the end of the extension.

Sio Kali.

Sio is a promising young talent who can play wing, centre, and fullback. He has exceptional speed and balance, which could make him a game-changer on the wing, an area where we currently lack pace. At just 19 years old, he has plenty of potential, and I’d offer him a three-year contract.

Te Maire Martin.

Te Maire is a reliable halves option, and at 29, a two-year extension on a budget-friendly deal makes sense. He would serve as a backup to Metcalf and CHT while also providing valuable experience and mentorship to CHT, Metcalf, Boyd, and Cleary. With no elite halves currently available, only fringe options, retaining him adds depth. If extended, he would be 32 by the end of the contract.

Players To Release

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is getting older and slowing down, and while he always gives 100%, it may be time to move on. Letting him go would help clear up selection dilemmas at fullback, allowing Taine Tuaupiki or Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to step in without a significant drop in performance. A club like the Eels could benefit from his experience.

Edward Kosi.

F.O Kosi.

Kalani Going.

Kalani is a hardworking player with great mana, much like Charnze. However, he has yet to establish himself in first grade, having played just one game. With plenty of depth in the second row and his age becoming a factor, he is surplus to requirements.

Kayliss Fatialaosa.

I don’t know much about Kayliss, but from what I can tell, he seems to be surplus to requirements, unless someone has more insight on him.

Luke Hanson.

We need future halves, but based on the games I’ve seen, I’m not convinced by Luke. With plenty of depth in the halves especially with Jett Cleary coming in to develop. I see him as surplus to requirements. I also have high hopes for the young talent in Harold Matthews.

Patrick Moimoi.

Patrick is a promising prospect, but with an abundance of centres in the squad, he is surplus to requirements. He could find an opportunity at another NRL club or in the Super League.

Tom Ale.

This choice to release is not final. Tom has been consistent but hasn't shown significant improvement, possibly due to limited play. He's younger than Bunty, allowing for future adjustments. He could be a good signing for another club, and I may change my mind and swap with Bunty.

What are everyone else's thoughts on our possible releases and retention going forward?

 

[Beavers Headgear]

Don’t feel like they’ll ever let Charnze go while Webster is there. Webster is an x’s and o’s coach, and CNK is his best option to pull off that structure over the other 2

I may be on the wrong path here, but have a feel that the Warriors squad is slightly unbalanced with having too many halves and 1 should probably go or be moved to another position, and CHT into a Dylan Walker role may remedy that but if not maybe he should move on

 

[Meth]

Yeah, I think it'll be time to let Charnze go. Much like Harris, I think we squeezed the last drop out of his body. (I'm aware of how gross that sounds, but I'm sticking with it)

Ale, I'd like to see retained. He and Afoa are pushing for selection right now.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

I pretty much agree with you WW.
My only thing is I'd keep Ale over Bunty.

I could also see Walker going back to Aussie, but that's not to say we should try and keep him.

 

[Shaun Hewitt]

- And note, I don't know too much on Hanson, so I'd be willing to give him more time before making a decision.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Yeah I already regret putting Tom Ale in the release list. I will edit that soon.

Walker has indicated he would like to remain a Warrior but is open to returning back to Australia. See what happens as we settle into season 2025.

I also forgot to add both Tanner Stowers-Smith & Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.I think we should keep both.

I like Tanner's drive forward, he's strong in the wrestle and young.

Eddie, I have seen some promise in him too for similar reasons as Tanner.

Yeah, I think it'll be time to let Charnze go. Much like Harris, I think we squeezed the last drop out of his body. (I'm aware of how gross that sounds, but I'm sticking with it)

Ale, I'd like to see retained. He and Afoa are pushing for selection right now.

I pretty much agree with you WW.
My only thing is I'd keep Ale over Bunty.

I could also see Walker going back to Aussie, but that's not to say we should try and keep him.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

- And note, I don't know too much on Hanson, so I'd be willing to give him more time before making a decision.

True, perhaps he could be partnering with Jett Cleary in the future. They're both 7's though and with our abundance of halves it could be a log jam and headache to have too many options.

 

[Wheeled Warrior]

Don’t feel like they’ll ever let Charnze go while Webster is there. Webster is an x’s and o’s coach, and CNK is his best option to pull off that structure over the other 2

I may be on the wrong path here, but have a feel that the Warriors squad is slightly unbalanced with having too many halves and 1 should probably go or be moved to another position, and CHT into a Dylan Walker role may remedy that but if not maybe he should move on

You're right, this squad does have some unbalanced areas. That's why I believe things would even out a bit if Charnze were released, allowing Tuaupiki to take over his natural fullback role. Taine is younger and still has plenty to offer. With Dallin set to return in a month, Taine would likely be pushed back to the Cup, which would be a waste of his talent.

 

[Meth]

re Walker, as I've said in a few places, we do have a few of this kind of player kicking around (Clark, Harris-Tavita etc)

 

[JJ]

Don’t feel like they’ll ever let Charnze go while Webster is there. Webster is an x’s and o’s coach, and CNK is his best option to pull off that structure over the other 2

I may be on the wrong path here, but have a feel that the Warriors squad is slightly unbalanced with having too many halves and 1 should probably go or be moved to another position, and CHT into a Dylan Walker role may remedy that but if not maybe he should move on

yeah, kind of agree

Too many fullbacks and too many halves... but at least the fullbacks are NRL quality

Much as I like CNK, I'd be happy letting him go... halves, there are so many but none at the point are compelling options, so I'd be going with youth and potential where possible