Warriors Sign Warbrick, Storm Respond with Isaako Deal

2026-03-30 - 05:06

Outstanding Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick will join the One New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal from next season following official confirmation of his signing today. The Kawerau-born 28-year-old’s move home comes after veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck announced on Friday that he will finish his NRL career with the Warriors at the end of the season to join Wakefield in the Super League. Warbrick underlined his ability yet again with the second four try haul of his career in the Storm’s 24-28 round four loss to North Queensland on Saturday night. “Like a number of other players we’ve signed in the last few years, a huge attraction for Will was to come back home to play for the Warriors,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, development and pathways Andrew McFadden. “He has made a brilliant transition to rugby league to become one of the elite wingers in the competition. We’re thrilled to have him joining us from next season.” Making his NRL debut in 2023, Warbrick has now scored 43 tries in 60 appearances for the Storm while he made a try-scoring Test debut for the Kiwis against the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Championships. “Bringing Will home to play for the Warriors is huge for us,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. “He’ll be a terrific asset on the wing with his height, pace, aerial ability at both ends of the field, his work rate and attitude. He also comes out of a great system at the Storm.” Warbrick, who played in the Storm’s back-to-back grand finals in 2024 and 2025, averages more than 150 metres a game across his career while he’s returning more than 170 metres a game so far this season. He switched to rugby league from rugby union in 2022 after spending three years with the All Blacks Sevens which included being a member of the silver medal-winning squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. He has the distinction of representing New Zealand in three codes, not only rugby union and rugby league but also Australian Rules football. Isaako, a proven points-scorer and versatile backline option, brings a wealth of NRL experience, with 164 first-grade appearances across stints with the Dolphins, Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos. The 29-year-old has built a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable try-scorers and goal-kickers, with 77 tries and 525 goals for a career tally of 1,363 points. Isaako enjoyed a standout 2025 campaign, finishing the season as the NRL’s leading point-scorer with 278 points. Storm Director of Football Frank Ponissi said the Club was delighted to secure Isaako’s signature. “Jamayne is a high-quality and experienced player who adds speed and versatility to our backline,” Ponissi said. “With Jamayne’s partner Abby having her parents based in Melbourne, this move suits both parties incredibly well, and we’re confident he’ll be an excellent addition to our Club and make a strong contribution to our squad over the next few years.” An international representative for both Samoa and New Zealand, Isaako will join Melbourne Storm ahead of the 2027 NRL season.