Melbourne winger Will Warbrick is poised to sign a multi-year deal to return to the New Zealand Warriors, a move that would deal another blow to the Melbourne Storm. Thursday at 9: 30 a. m. ET — the expected switch matters because Warbrick is off-contract at the end of this season and would be an immediate walk-in starter, fueling will warbrick warriors transfer talk.
Will Warbrick Warriors Deal Expected to Begin in 2027
One account in the available coverage says Warbrick is on the brink of a multi-year move to the Warriors that would begin at the start of 2027. Warbrick, an Olympic silver medalist in Rugby 7s, missed much of 2025 with concussion-related problems but has returned to strong form since then. He is off-contract at the end of this season and, if the transfer proceeds as indicated, would be due to join the Warriors when the 2027 window opens.
Melbourne Storm Facing Shortage of Proven Wing Options
Melbourne already faces pressure on its outside backs: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are available options but only Tuivasa-Sheck is currently without a contract beyond this season. The potential loss of Warbrick would come after other recent exits for the club and would leave the Storm evaluating internal options such as Moses Leo and Hugo Peel for long-term roles in the back five.
Warbrick’s Profile Matches Warriors’ Long-Term Back-Five Questions
Warbrick began his representative career playing rugby sevens for New Zealand before switching to the NRL, and his powerful running and finishing earned regular selection under Craig Bellamy. The move to the Warriors would also address questions the club has around its back five: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are both due to be out of contract at the end of 2026, Alofiana Khan-Pereira was picked up from the Gold Coast Titans this season, and there are noted concerns about Rocco Berry’s fitness and the readiness of youngster Ali Leiataua.
For now, clubs and fans are watching the timing: Warbrick is off-contract at the end of this season, and clarity on any transfer is expected when that contractual window closes; that status is unconfirmed as of Thursday at 9: 30 a. m. ET.
