2026 recruitment & retention

[MW66]

Tom Ale (NZ Warriors Prop) rumoured to have signed with Penrith Panthers. Fits the profile of players we need. Wouldn't have broken the bank. Why can't we sign these type of players? Instead we are looking to sign a winger and a hooker/utility.

 

[eaglebuzz]

Tom Ale (NZ Warriors Prop) rumoured to have signed with Penrith Panthers. Fits the profile of players we need. Wouldn't have broken the bank. Why can't we sign these type of players? Instead we are looking to sign a winger and a hooker/utility.

If you had an offer from the 4x back to back premiers, looking likely for a serious crack at a 5th, and a club that is capitulating at the end of the season - who would you pick?

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

View attachment 31037

That table shows there's not a huge difference among all the clubs.
And age itself is not a problem, your average Test or rep side always has heaps of 'mature' players, pretty much because they are best.
The difference is in which positions you have the age. Ideally you want an old head but not old legs, but too many of our oldies are up front.

 

[MW66]

Easy choice however I am not sure we are even looking at these type of players. Bomb Voyage, who tipped us off about a couple of signings said things are very quiet. If we are tight on the cap then I would be prioritizing 1/2 props/middles versus a winger!

 

[Leighbra]

Tom Ale (NZ Warriors Prop) rumoured to have signed with Penrith Panthers. Fits the profile of players we need. Wouldn't have broken the bank. Why can't we sign these type of players? Instead we are looking to sign a winger and a hooker/utility.

Because he isn't 30+ off the back of 2 ACL's and a shoulder reco.

 

[Not Paul Kent]

Easy choice however I am not sure we are even looking at these type of players. Bomb Voyage, who tipped us off about a couple of signings said things are very quiet. If we are tight on the cap then I would be prioritizing 1/2 props/middles versus a winger!

Who though? Anyone still unsigned is more of the same or worse than what we currently have.

Better to keep two spots open and hope there’s some movement mid year next year, otherwise grab some journeymen on one year deals and have a proper crack at some higher quality players in ‘27.