New Zealand Warriors secure key deal as gun re-signs

New Zealand Warriors are enjoying a year to remember and hope a strong end to the season can secure the first Premiership in the club’s history.

Under coach Andrew Webster, the Warriors currently sit second on the ladder and were a match for Premiership-favourites Penrith two weeks ago in a 20-18 loss.

Injury problems now threaten the Wahs end to the season, having lost the likes of Tanah Boyd, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and more recently James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima.

In 2025, it was a poor end to the season that cost the Kiwi club as they slipped out of the top four in the final weeks and then lost to the Panthers in the first weeks of the finals.

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It was a season that had promised something special for Webster’s side – they will hope to avoid a repeat of this in 2026 but must overcome their current injury crisis first to stand a chance.

In the meantime, the Wahs have to remain competitive and will field a much-changed side at Go Media Stadium against the Sharks on Saturday evening.

Injuries have paved the way for young prop Jason Salalilo to come into the side in jersey 18 – the 21-year-old has not featured for the Warriors yet but has been a regular for the club’s New South Wales Cup side.

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Jason Salalilo signs long-term Warriors deal

The Wahs have today confirmed Salalilo has signed a deal with the club that will see him stay in blue, green and red until at least the end of the 2029 season.

Salalilo is Christchurch born and has always been well thought of by the coaching staff at the Warriors – he will be promoted to the club’s top 30 next year and will hope to become an NRL regular.

“Jason is a fantastic example of the strength of rugby league talent being produced out of St Thomas of Canterbury and our academy in Christchurch,” said general manager Andrew McFadden.

“He is setting a standard and goal for all young players from the region who aspire to be a Warrior.

“We’re thrilled to see him progress to our full NRL squad and to have him with us until at least 2029.”

Head coach Andrew Webster added: “Jason has so much to offer, a player who has made the most of every opportunity he has been given.

“He’s a middle forward who brings plenty of energy and intensity in all he does.

“He’s another example of the outstanding talent we have coming through our pathways and we see him playing a key role for us in the coming years.”