Quick Read
- Will Warbrick is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors for the 2027 season.
- The move follows the Melbourne Storm’s unsuccessful pursuit of Zac Lomax, leaving a gap in the club’s backline strategy.
- Warbrick’s departure continues a trend of significant roster turnover for the Storm, following the exits of several veteran players.
MELBOURNE (Azat TV) – Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick is reportedly on the brink of leaving the club to join the New Zealand Warriors starting in 2027. The impending departure marks a significant blow for the Storm, which has been actively attempting to solidify its backline following a series of high-profile roster changes.
Warbrick Poised for Warriors Move as Storm Rebuild
According to reports, Warbrick is currently finalizing a multi-year agreement that would see him return to New Zealand. The decision comes shortly after the Melbourne Storm failed to secure the services of Zac Lomax, leaving the club with a pressing need to address its long-term strategy for the outside backs. Warbrick has become a staple of coach Craig Bellamy’s side since transitioning from professional rugby sevens, where he earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
Impact on Melbourne Storm’s 2027 Roster
The potential loss of Warbrick adds to a growing list of departures from the Melbourne club. The team has already seen the exits of key personnel, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jonah Pezet, and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, with Nick Meaney also confirmed to be playing his final season in 2026. For the Storm, the move necessitates a significant reshuffling of their internal talent pool, with players like Moses Leo and Hugo Peel potentially stepping into more prominent roles to bolster the squad’s depth.
Strategic Logic Behind the New Zealand Warriors Deal
For the New Zealand Warriors, the acquisition of Warbrick provides much-needed stability in their backline. With both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak facing uncertain futures beyond the 2026 season, the club is actively seeking reliable performers to lead their attack. Warbrick’s physical running style and proven finishing ability, demonstrated recently in the Storm’s Round 1 victory over the Parramatta Eels, make him an ideal candidate to anchor the Warriors’ long-term strategy.
The shift of a player of Warbrick’s caliber underscores the ongoing volatility in NRL roster construction, where clubs are increasingly forced to prioritize internal development pathways to compensate for the attrition of veteran stars in an hyper-competitive market.