Quick Read
- Will Warbrick has signed a three-year contract with the One New Zealand Warriors, beginning in the 2027 season.
- The move concludes a successful four-year stint with the Melbourne Storm, where Warbrick scored 43 tries in 60 matches.
- Warbrick cited family reasons for his return to New Zealand, though he remains committed to the Storm for the duration of 2026.
Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick has officially confirmed his departure from the club, signing a three-year deal to join the One New Zealand Warriors starting in 2027. The move, announced on March 30, 2026, marks a homecoming for the Kawerau-born athlete, who cited family reasons as the primary driver behind his decision to return to New Zealand.
A Strategic Homecoming for the Warriors
The acquisition of Warbrick represents a significant boost for the Warriors’ backline. General manager of recruitment and pathways, Andrew McFadden, described the signing as part of a broader, ongoing strategy to repatriate New Zealand-born talent. Warriors head coach Andrew Webster emphasized that Warbrick’s unique physical profile—standing 193cm tall—will provide an immediate advantage in aerial contests and overall work rate. The club expects the former Olympic rugby sevens silver medalist to serve as a cornerstone of their attacking structure through the 2029 season.
The Melbourne Storm’s Backline Challenge
For the Melbourne Storm, the loss of Warbrick necessitates a significant recalibration. Since making his NRL debut in 2023, Warbrick has established himself as one of the competition’s most potent finishers, recording 43 tries in 60 appearances. His departure follows a standout performance in round four of the 2026 season, where he secured a four-try haul against the North Queensland Cowboys. The Storm now face the challenge of replacing a player who has consistently averaged over 150 metres per game during his tenure in Melbourne.
From Olympic Pedigree to NRL Stardom
Warbrick’s rapid ascent in professional rugby league is notable for its unconventional path. After a successful tenure with the All Blacks Sevens, which included a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he transitioned to the 13-man code in 2022. His ability to adapt quickly to the tactical demands of the NRL has been a hallmark of his career, bolstered by his experience in the Storm’s high-performance system, which saw him participate in back-to-back grand finals in 2024 and 2025. Warbrick has stated that his immediate priority remains fulfilling his obligations to the Storm for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The signing highlights the ongoing competition among NRL clubs to secure versatile, high-impact wingers who can influence the game through both aerial dominance and high-volume yardage, with the Warriors betting that Warbrick’s homecoming will provide the consistency needed to anchor their roster for the next three years.