Warriors bid 15 players farewell upon their return to New Zealand.
A significant roster purge has been confirmed by the New Zealand Warriors.
Ten players who began the year on the 30-man senior team have been released by the club following a nightmarish three seasons stuck in Australia, according to rugby league website Zero Tackle.
A few changes have already taken place, including the departure of some of the team’s most well-known players: Ash Taylor, who retired at the age of 27 due to persistent hip problems, Kodi Nikorima, who plays for South Sydney before joining the Dolphins, and Matt Lodge, who plays for the Roosters.
Aitken leaving for the Dolphins, Jesse Arthars returning to the Broncos after a one-year loan, Chanel Harris-Tavita taking an indefinite leave of absence from rugby league to travel, Eliesa Katoa joining the Storm, and standout fullback Reece Walsh joining the Broncos are just a few of the other announcements that have already been made.
In addition, Aitken won the Simon Mannering Medal as the Warriors’ player of the year, while Walsh was declared the recipient of the People’s Choice Award.
But a host of other players including Jack Murchie, Pride Petterson-Robati, Dunamis Lui and development player Lleyton Finau have also been moved on.
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.
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.
However, Stephen Kearney, Todd Payten, Nathan Brown, and presently Stacey Jones—who has served as an interim coach for ten games in 2022—have been the Warriors’ four coaches since that time.
The Warriors have lost a lot of players in recent seasons, notably former rugby union captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, but their most recent departure was predicted.
Because of the Covid-19 epidemic, the Warriors have spent the most of the last three seasons stationed in Redcliffe.