The Melbourne Storm are bracing for a significant loss as winger Will Warbrick appears set to join the New Zealand Warriors after the current season.
This news comes just a week after the announcement that Zac Lomax would not be joining the Storm to strengthen their outside backs. Reports from News Corp indicate that Warbrick is nearing a multi-year contract with the Warriors, starting in 2027.
Although Warbrick faced a challenging 2025 due to concussion issues, he has shown remarkable resilience, performing strongly in other periods.
His dynamic running and scoring prowess have consistently made him a preferred choice for coach Craig Bellamy, a trend likely to continue throughout 2026.
The potential departure of Warbrick adds to the Storm's worries, particularly with rumors of Xavier Coates possibly leaving at the end of 2027. Coates signed a short-term deal last season, indicating he might join the PNG Chiefs.
Following Ryan Papenhuyzen's unexpected retirement at the conclusion of 2025, the Storm may find themselves with a significant war chest to explore talent in the market, while considering internal options like Moses Leo and Hugo Peel for their backline.
Warbrick's move to the Warriors is logical, especially considering both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are set to be off-contract by the end of 2026, with the latter holding a mutual option in his contract.
However, the futures of both players with the Warriors beyond 2026 remain uncertain.