Will Warbrick to Return Home on Three-Year Warriors Deal

Introduction

The signing of will warbrick is a notable development for the NRL and New Zealand rugby league. A Kawerau-born winger with a growing reputation for physicality and metres gained, Warbrick’s move from the Melbourne Storm to the New Zealand Warriors is significant for both clubs and for fans tracking talent returning home. The transfer reflects wider recruitment strategies and the appeal of playing in front of a home crowd.

Main body

Player profile and recent form

William Warbrick, born 6 March 1998, has established himself as a powerful and athletic winger in the NRL. At 193 cm, he is known for his strength and ability to gain ground. Sources list Warbrick as contracted to the Melbourne Storm through 2026, and he has been a consistent performer for the club.

On-field statistics underline his impact: across his career Warbrick averages more than 150 metres per game, and he has returned more than 170 metres per game so far this season. He featured in Melbourne Storm’s back-to-back grand finals in 2024 and 2025, underscoring his role in high-level matches.

Signing and club reaction

It was officially confirmed that Warbrick will sign a three-year deal to join the New Zealand Warriors from next NRL season. The move brings a Kawerau-born player back to New Zealand and follows an announcement that veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will finish his NRL career with the Warriors, providing context to the club’s recruitment and roster planning.

Warbrick’s signing drew public comment from the Warriors’ recruitment and coaching staff. “Like a number of other players we’ve signed in the last few years, a huge attraction for Will was to come back home to play for the Warriors,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, development and pathways Andrew McFadden. New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster added: “Bringing Will home to play for the Warriors is huge for us.”

Conclusion

The arrival of will warbrick is likely to strengthen the Warriors’ wing options and add a proven metres-eater with finals experience. For Warbrick, the move represents a return to his roots and an opportunity to contribute to a New Zealand-based squad. Supporters and analysts will watch how his running game and physical presence integrate into the Warriors’ structures in the coming seasons, and how this signing fits into the club’s broader recruitment strategy.