NRL Clubs Navigate Player Contracts and Transfer Discussions

NRL clubs are actively engaged in player contract negotiations and potential transfers, with several New Zealand Warriors players addressing their futures for the 2026 season. Other developments include a potential player swap for the Warriors, recruitment denials from the Wests Tigers, and contract discussions involving a key Brisbane Broncos forward.

Warriors Players Address Contract Status

Eight New Zealand Warriors players are currently off-contract ahead of the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season. This group includes playmakers Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin, outside backs Rocco Berry and Taine Tuaupiki, and representative players Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Centre Rocco Berry, who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last year, has expressed his interest in remaining with the Warriors.

"I love the Warriors. I’ve been there since I came out of school, so I’m really happy where I am and just trying to get back on the field and play some footy for them."

Berry is expected to miss a portion of the upcoming season due to the injury.

Outside back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also off-contract at the end of the 2026 season. While the Warriors and Tuivasa-Sheck were reportedly open to an extension, he is now considering a return to Sydney, with interest from multiple clubs.

His current contract with the Warriors is reportedly unlikely to be extended, a factor attributed partly to the fullback depth chart. A previously considered move to the rugby union competition R360 has been delayed until 2028. A reunion with the Sydney Roosters, where Tuivasa-Sheck began his career, has been noted as a potential option.

Thirteen-time Queensland Maroons representative Kurt Capewell is in the final months of his current deal and is seeking a new contract. Reports suggest the Warriors may prioritize younger talent in future recruitment.

Capewell, who possesses premiership-winning experience, has expressed a goal to win a premiership with the club.

Player Movement and Club Recruitment Updates

The Warriors have reportedly identified Brisbane Broncos recruit Grant Anderson as their primary target in a potential player swap involving prop Mitch Barnett. Barnett's two-year deal with the Broncos, which includes an option for a third season, is contingent on the Warriors receiving a player in return.

Anderson, 26, recently joined the Broncos from the Melbourne Storm. Warriors CEO Cameron George has confirmed that the club has squad space for an immediate switch and is awaiting confirmation from the Broncos regarding a suitable player. This follows a previous attempt to secure Antonio Verhoeven that was not finalized.

Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has refuted reports linking the club to Canterbury Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri and Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater. Marshall stated that while he respects both players, the Tigers are not actively pursuing them and adhere to a policy against public recruitment discussions. Xerri was previously reported to be dissatisfied at the Bulldogs and had been linked to multiple teams.

Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan is reportedly seeking a contract increase. This development follows teammate Payne Haas's scheduled departure to the Rabbitohs in 2027, which is expected to free up $1 million in salary cap space.

Carrigan, currently contracted until the end of the 2028 season at a reported $825,000 annually, is aiming to utilize this cap space. Reports suggest he could become a $1 million player for the Broncos. Carrigan has also indicated he would consider a move to the potential PNG Chiefs team.