Which players are leaving the New Zealand Warriors? Full 2025 departures and arrivals lists

Mark Molyneux

Which players are leaving the New Zealand Warriors? Full 2025 departures and arrivals lists image

New Zealand were in and around the top four for most of the season, but ultimately fell just short and had to settle for fifth spot on the ladder. 

The Warriors faced an elimination final against Penrith and came up short as injuries to Luke Metcalf and Mitch Barnett in the end saw them unable to compete against the best of the best. 

Andrew Webster noted how he felt his team wasn't far away from becoming a genuine premiership threat, although the coach did admit that he thought his side were still missing the last piece of the puzzle. 

MORE: NRL team of the year - Selections from Sporting News include James Tedesco, Isaiya Katoa

Which players have left the New Zealand Warriors in 2025? 

Dylan Walker made a shock exit from the Warriors just one month into the season as he returned to Australia to link up with Parramatta. 

Edward Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa have departed, with both joining South Sydney, while Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale have joined the duo out of the exit door. 

Full list of New Zealand departures

PlayerNew club
Bunty AfoaWests Tigers
Tom Ale-
Kalani Going-
Morgan Harper-
Edward KosiSouth Sydney Rabbitohs
Moala Graham-TaufaSouth Sydney Rabbitohs
Dylan WalkerParramatta Eels

Who have the Warriors signed for 2026?

  • Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos)
  • Jye Linnane (Newcastle Knights)
  • Haizyn Mellors (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
  • Alofiana Khan-Pereira (Gold Coast Titans)

Who have the Warriors re-signed for next season?

New Zealand have done well to secure a host of their emerging forwards on long-term deals. Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban have signed until 2029, while Demitric Vaimauga and Tanner Stowers-Smith have also agreed fresh terms. 

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey and Te Maire Martin have been handed new contracts. 

Jackson Ford has been locked down until 2027, while Taine Tuaupiki has also been handed an extra year at the club. 

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.