New Zealand Warriors Announce Trio of Key Re-signings Ahead of 2025 NRL Season
Ethan Lee Chalk | August 9, 2024, 8:50 AM
The New Zealand Warriors have bolstered their future by securing the re-signings of three promising young players as they continue to build on their development system. The club has announced that Kalani Going, Tanner Stowers-Smith, and Motu Pasikala have all extended their contracts, solidifying their positions within the team as they look ahead to the 2025 NRL season.
Development Contracts for Kalani Going and Tanner Stowers-Smith
Ahead of their crucial match against the Dolphins this Sunday, the Warriors confirmed that both Kalani Going and Tanner Stowers-Smith have signed development contracts, keeping them at the club for the 2025 season. These re-signings are a testament to the club’s focus on nurturing young talent through their pathways system.
Kalani Going, who made his NRL debut last season, has featured in one match for the Warriors at the top level but has made a significant impact in the NSW Cup. His standout performances in 2023 earned him the prestigious NSW Cup Player of the Year award, and the club sees him as a key contributor moving forward.
Tanner Stowers-Smith, a highly talented second-rower, captained the Warriors’ SG Ball Cup team earlier this year before progressing into the NSW Cup competition. Despite his promotion, he remains eligible to play in both the SG Ball Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup teams next season, highlighting his versatility and ongoing development.
Long-term Deal for Explosive Outside Back Motu Pasikala
In addition to the development contracts, the Warriors have also secured a three-year deal with explosive outside back Motu Pasikala, ensuring he remains with the club until at least the end of the 2027 season. Pasikala, only 18 years old, has risen rapidly through the club’s ranks, featuring in the SG Ball Cup, Jersey Flegg Cup, and NSW Cup competitions this season.
With a background in rugby union, Pasikala joined the Warriors after playing for Liston College in Auckland’s First XV competition, and his transition to rugby league has been seamless. The club views him as one of its most exciting young talents, and his long-term signing is a statement of confidence in his potential to become a key figure for the Warriors in the years to come.
A Bright Future for the Warriors’ Development System
Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development Andrew McFadden expressed his excitement about the trio’s re-signings, emphasising the club’s commitment to building from within and fostering homegrown talent.
“Kalani and Tanner have again been outstanding for us in the New South Wales Cup this season, while Motu is a hugely exciting talent who has come through the pathways teams to establish himself in reserve grade,” McFadden said in a statement. “They’re examples of the benefits we’re already seeing from our development system. Kalani’s experience and consistency is critical working alongside the younger players, while Tanner and Motu have been taking every opportunity on offer.”
The re-signings of Going, Stowers-Smith, and Pasikala underscore the Warriors’ focus on developing young players and preparing them for future success in the NRL. These players will be crucial to the club’s ambitions as they continue to strengthen their squad through a blend of experienced stars and rising talent from their development pathways.
Looking Ahead
With the 2025 season approaching, the Warriors have already started laying the groundwork for sustained success by locking in these promising players. The retention of Going, Stowers-Smith, and Pasikala highlights the club’s strategic approach to player development and its commitment to nurturing talent through their pathways system. Warriors fans can look forward to seeing this trio make a significant impact in the coming years, as the club continues to build towards future success in the NRL.
As the team prepares for their upcoming match against the Dolphins, the future looks bright for the New Zealand Warriors, with their investment in young talent already paying dividends on and off the field.
