Could Tohu Harris' shock retirement allow the Warriors to snare Dylan Brown from Parramatta?

Questions are being asked about how the New Zealand Warriors will respond to Tohu Harris' devastating retirement - both in the short term and long term. And one player who has been continually linked to the New Zealand club is Dylan Brown.

Warriors captain Harris said he was "devastated" at having to announce his immediate retirement on Thursday, but a debilitating wrist injury meant he simply couldn't continue. "I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year but I'm devastated I won't get the chance to pull on the jersey again," said Harris.

"I'm dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy. My body has been feeling good in training but the reality is I can't perform as a player with this injury."

Harris had been contracted for the 2025 season, meaning the Warriors now have some space in their salary cap. They've also lost Shaun Johnson (retirement) and Addin Fonua-Blake (to Cronulla), although that's been off-set by the key signing of James Fisher-Harris from Penrith.

Regardless, rumours are rife the Warriors could look to try and snare a big-name signing with the extra crash freed up by the retirements of Harris and Johnson. And Brown's name has been tossed up as a key target after he was previously linked to the Warriors.

Brown was born in Auckland and has played eight games for New Zealand at Test level. It's believed the 24-year-old is open to a return to his home country - and his unique contract at Parramatta might allow it to happen.

The five-eighth is technically under contract with the Eels until the end of 2031, but has a player option built into every year of his deal. It means Brown is free to leave the Eels whenever he wishes to do so.

Could the Warriors look to bring Jahrome Hughes home to NZ?

Another big name that could be on the Warriors' radar is Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes. The Melbourne Storm halfback is contracted until the end of 2026, but it was previously revealed he nearly signed with the Warriors in 2019.

Also born in New Zealand, Hughes had all-but decided to leave the Storm and head home when he couldn't get regular first-grade time in Melbourne. His manager Tas Barrett said in October after he won the Dally M: "Jahrome felt it was time to go home and the Warriors offered him $1 million, which was big money for a halfback four or five years ago.

"We were all set to go over there with his partner, look at accommodation and facilities and almost certainly sign a contract. But COVID came in and prevented us from making the trip. We had a couple of Zoom chats (with Warriors officials) but it wasn't the same - and he decided to stay in Melbourne."

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Who plays lock for the Warriors after Tohu Harris' retirement?

The Warriors also need to decide who will start at lock in 2025 now that Harris has retired. Dylan Walker has played a lock role off the bench the last two seasons, but has struggled when thrust into the starting role. While Mitch Barnett could be asked to switch after playing second row and prop in 2024.

Speaking on SEN radio this week, former NRL player Jimmy Smith said: "Dylan Walker does it well but he's been more effective at 14." Journalist Michael Carayannis said: "He's another guy (like Harris) who looked battered throughout last season at times, and those shots from the big men in the middle caught up with him at times."

Fellow former NRL player Justin Horo pointed out how the Fisher-Harris signing is all the more important now that Harris' experience is missing, but it also means the Kiwi captain will take on a bigger role - on and off field. "Fisher-Harris can fill the leadership void," Harris said. "But they'll sorely miss Harris' skill. He was as good as any of the best locks in the game. If I'm (coach) Andrew Webster I'd be trying to keep Dylan Walker on the bench so he can come on when the opposition is tired."