The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed a massive squad clean out.
At the end of a nightmare three-seasons stranded in Australia, 15 players have now been cut loose from the club, including 10 players who started the year on the club’s 30-man senior squad, rugby league website Zero Tackle reported.
Some moves have already happened, including the departure of some of the club’s biggest names in Matt Lodge, who is playing for the Roosters, Kodi Nikorima, who is playing for South Sydney before linking with the Dolphins, and Ash Taylor, who retired after ongoing hip injuries at the age of 27.
Others have also already been announced such as the departure of Euan Aitken for the Dolphins, the end of Jesse Arthars’ one-year loan and return to the Broncos, Chanel Harris-Tavita taking indefinite leave from rugby league in order to travel, Eliesa Katoa joining the Storm and star fullback Reece Walsh switching to the Broncos.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Aitken also took out the Simon Mannering Medal as the Warriors’ player of the year, while Walsh was named the People’s Choice Award winner.
But a host of other players including Jack Murchie, Pride Petterson-Robati, Dunamis Lui and development player Lleyton Finau have also been moved on.
Dunamis Lui is one of many to exit the club. Photo / Photosport
Dunamis Lui is one of many to exit the club. Photo / Photosport
The other players exiting the club are Daejarn Asi, Jackson Frei and Junior Ratuva.
The Warriors do have some new players joining the club including Eels forward Marata Niukore, Sharks half Luke Metcalf, Sea Eagles utility Dylan Walker, Knights second rower Mitch Barnett, Raiders fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Broncos star Te Maire Martin.
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
The Warriors are also set to have a new coach with Panthers assistant Andrew Webster signing a three-year deal from next season.
Webster has previously worked at the Warriors, having been an assistant coach for two seasons in 2015.
But since then, the Warriors have had four coaches in Stephen Kearney, Todd Payten, Nathan Brown and now Stacey Jones, who has been interim coach for 10 matches in 2022.
The Warriors have had a huge amount of player turnover in recent seasons including the loss of former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck for rugby union but the latest exodus was not unexpected.
Leave a Reply