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Storm star Warbrick on brink of blockbuster move to Warriors
Sport Nation • March 10th, 2026 9:16 am
It has been an incredibly frustrating year for Will Warbrick | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick is reportedly set to make a return to New Zealand, with the Warriors emerging as favourites to secure his signature from the start of the 2027 NRL season.
According to reports out of Australia, the Warriors are close to finalising a multi-year deal for the powerful outside back, in what would represent a significant recruitment coup for the Auckland-based club.
Warbrick has been a regular fixture in Craig Bellamy’s side since switching from rugby sevens to the NRL, quickly establishing himself as one of Melbourne’s most dangerous finishers. While concussion issues limited parts of his 2025 campaign, the 26-year-old has impressed either side of those setbacks with his trademark power running and aerial ability.
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Should the move be confirmed, the switch would also represent a homecoming for Warbrick, who previously represented New Zealand in rugby sevens before transitioning to rugby league.
The potential signing comes as the Warriors consider the long-term make-up of their outside backs. Both Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak are off contract at the end of 2026, while the club continues to assess its wider backline depth despite the recent arrival of Alofiana Khan-Pereira from the Gold Coast Titans.
For Melbourne, losing Warbrick would add to a period of roster change. The club was already preparing for life after fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, who retired at the end of the 2025 season, while star winger Xavier Coates is also off contract at the end of 2027.
If Warbrick does depart, the Storm are expected to look either to the open market or to internal options such as Moses Leo and Hugo Peel to bolster their back five.
The move is yet to be officially confirmed by either club.
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