NRL Transfer News: Warriors Eye Warbrick, Panthers’ Tago Rumours & Dolphins’ Star Future

The Warriors are poised to bolster their roster with Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick, a move that comes as the club navigates potential departures and contract negotiations. The acquisition of Warbrick, an Olympic silver medalist in Rugby 7s, signals a proactive approach to strengthening the team’s outside back options, even with existing talent like Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Warbrick, who is off-contract at the end of the current season, is expected to be an immediate starter for the Warriors. This suggests a strategic move to secure a proven performer and potentially prepare for the possible exit of Tuivasa-Sheck, whose current contract also expires at season’s end. Tuivasa-Sheck himself acknowledged earlier this year that his performance on the field would be the determining factor in any contract discussions, stating, “My head’s still down in the trenches…just trying to turn up each day…Everyone is going quick, so I’ve just got to keep up. (In regard to) future stuff, I will get to it at some stage, but I am always putting my actions on the field and do my talking from there.”

The news of Warbrick’s impending arrival coincides with developments surrounding other NRL players. The Penrith Panthers swiftly dismissed a rumor suggesting a potential player swap involving international star Izack Tago and the St. George Illawarra Dragons’ Zac Lomax. Former NRL forward Justin Horo had floated the idea on SEN Radio, proposing Tago could join the Parramatta Eels to link up with his brother, Jake Tago, with Lomax coming to Penrith in return. However, Panthers captain Isaah Yeo emphatically denied the speculation, stating, “I haven’t heard anything about that, but I love having Izack Tago as part of our team…I’d be very surprised if that was the case.” This denial comes after Lomax himself confirmed a move to rugby union, effectively ending any possibility of a swap.

Meanwhile, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has addressed speculation regarding his long-term future with the club. Despite being contracted until the end of 2028, Katoa has been linked with potential moves to rival teams and even a switch to rugby union, particularly with the anticipated expansion of the NRL. However, Katoa expressed his commitment to the Dolphins, emphasizing the faith the club has shown in him. “There’s new clubs coming in but what the Dolphins have done for me, I will never forget,” Katoa said. “They took a chance on me when I was a teenager…I don’t reckon the things I can do on a footy field will ever repay the faith the Dolphins have shown in me.” He also reaffirmed his dedication to the 13-man code, stating, “To be honest, my heart is solely on league at the moment…I love playing NRL.”

The Newcastle Knights are also navigating contract discussions with several key players. Winger Greg Marzhew is currently in talks to extend his stay with the club, having impressed since joining in 2023 with 36 tries in 63 appearances. His strong performance in the opening round victory over the Cowboys, where he ran for 198 metres and broke seven tackles, underscores his value to the team. However, a potential extension for Marzhew could impact the future of Wilson De Courcey, another promising outside back who is also off-contract. Veteran Dane Gagai, at 35, is also seeking to continue his career, stating his desire to play beyond this season if his body allows. “I’ve spoken to my manager, and I’m not planning on stopping,” Gagai told the Newcastle Herald. “It’s not just playing as long as I can, it’s whether I lose the passion…or I just can’t physically keep up.”

Dylan Lucas, another key Knight, has reportedly put contract extension talks on hold as he focuses on the team’s upcoming match against the Manly Sea Eagles. Lucas, considered a future captain of the club, is free to negotiate with rival teams from November 1. The Knights also face potential contract decisions regarding Bradman Best, Jermaine McEwen, Dominic Young, and captain Kalyn Ponga.

Finally, Brisbane Broncos train-and-trialist Ben Farr is attracting interest from overseas clubs. Farr, previously with the New Zealand Warriors, has been a standout in the QLD Cup, scoring 15 tries in 22 matches in 2025 and earning the QLD Cup’s Fullback of the Year award. His management has offered his services to several Super League clubs, as he seeks to secure a full-time NRL opportunity or explore options abroad. Farr impressed during his pre-season stint with the Broncos, alongside players like Jesse Arthars and Phillip Coates.