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Tanner Stowers-Smith extends stay with Warriors
Sport Nation • September 2nd, 2026 1:27 pm
Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
Front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith has secured his future with the New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2030 NRL season after signing a second contract extension in just over a year.
He was initially locked in for three years last June just a month after making his first-grade debut against the Dolphins. Now a further two seasons has been added to stretch his NRL career with the club to at least six years.
The 22-year-old Christchurch-born and raised Stowers-Smith made 13 appearances in his rookie campaign and is set for his 19th outing this year in the Warriors’ final regular season encounter with the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday.
“Tanner has been so impressive since he started with the club four years ago,” said Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
In just over a year he has gone from being a first-grade rookie to establishing himself as a quality first grader in the middle of the field. His progress has been outstanding.”
Warriors forward Tanner Stowers-Smith's "scary" growth | Running It Straight
Stowers-Smith has come through the Warriors’ pathways programme alongside fellow young guns Demitric Vaimauga, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Ali Leiataua and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.
In his 18 games this year – 15 off the bench and three starting – Stowers-Smith averages 122 metres and 24 tackles while he has made 37 tackle breaks.
“Once Tanner adjusted to being a first grader, you wouldn’t get a more professional, hard-working player,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He’s got a big motor and he just wants to learn and be the best.
“He’s going to be a wonderful asset for our club for years to come. We all love him.”
Stowers-Smith has made a rapid rise since starting out as the Warriors’ SG Ball Cup (under-19) captain in 2023 and stepping up to the New South Wales Cup team the same season.
Last season he played a total of 25 matches at NRL and New South Wales Cup level ending his campaign helping the Warriors to victory in the New South Wales premiership and the NRL State Championship final.
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