With the uncertainty of the Transtasman bubble, the Warriors are looking into a move of their home base to Redcliffe, Queensland. Video / NZ Herald
Crunch time is looming for the Warriors, in terms of their recruitment picture for next season.
The club identified three major targets ahead of the current NRL transfer window, which opened last Monday, with Joseph Manu (Roosters), Marata Niukore (Eels) and Luke Metcalf (Sharks) at the top of their list.
The Metcalf deal is all but done, while the Warriors should know by the end of this week whether they have managed to land either of the other two targets.
The Herald understands that Metcalf has agreed terms with the Warriors, on a two year deal from 2023 onwards.
All that remains is the final paperwork, though the Sharks will still try to dissuade the young half from leaving, as new coach Craig Fitzgibbon has made no secret of his admiration for the 22-year-old.
But Metcalf has been sold on the greater pathways and opportunities available at the Warriors, compared to the log jam in the halves at the Sharks.
Luke Metcalf of the Sharks. Photo / Getty
He impressed with his pace, anticipation and ability to test defences in six late season appearances for the Sharks this year, after a stint at Manly where he failed to crack first grade, not helped by a run of injuries.
He's seen as someone who can add depth among the playmakers at the Warriors and eventually take the reins from Shaun Johnson.
Manu is the Warriors' most coveted target. The 25-year-old is a player to build a backline around, especially with his ability to fill almost every position.
The Warriors have been encouraged by their dealings with the Kiwis centre and are confident they will be first in the queue should he decide to leave the Roosters, despite a long list of other suitors.
Joseph Manu of the Roosters. Photo / Photosport
Financially the Warriors have made an attractive offer. Manu would be the club's next $1 million man and stands to earn more at the Warriors than if he remained at Bondi, with the Roosters salary cap spread across more big names.
But money won't be the only driver and the Warriors have emphasised the legacy aspects of being able to lead the Auckland club to success and the chance to make history for the sport in New Zealand.
It will still be difficult to prise Manu away from the Roosters. The Tokoroa-born Manu has strong bonds there, having been with the club since he was a teenager, and has won two grand finals with the Tricolors.
Niukore is also expected to make a decision on his future this week. The former Warriors junior is coming off his best season with Parramatta and is in demand on the open market.
The Eels would like to retain the powerful edge forward but are constrained by the number of other players coming off contract.
The lure of coming home is a big one for the 25-year-old Aorere College product, but like Manu he is being chased keenly by several other clubs.
The future of Kiwis hooker Brandon Smith, who is off contract with the Melbourne Storm from the end of next season, should also become clearer this week.
It's believed that Smith, who is one of the hottest properties on the market, has received strong offers from the Roosters, Titans, Cowboys and Dolphins.
Smith is familiar with the Cowboys, after moving to Townsville as a teenager. He played two seasons for North Queensland in the National Youth Competition, before being picked up by the Storm.
The Dolphins would offer the chance to play under Wayne Bennett, as well as being one of the faces of a new franchise, though success may not be immediate.
The Titans have a powerful forward pack and Smith could help take them to the next level, while life on the Gold Coast would appeal.
But the Roosters may be the most compelling option, given their history of success and the presence of several other Kiwis, if Smith decides not to extend with the Storm.
