New Zealand Warriors Engage in Talks with Tanah Boyd
The New Zealand Warriors have initiated discussions with halfback Tanah Boyd regarding his future with the club. As one of the most in-form players in the game, Boyd is expected to maintain his position in the team for the upcoming weeks, unless there is a significant drop in his performance. This development is particularly notable considering Luke Metcalf, who was previously regarded as the best player in the Warriors’ number seven position and led the Dally M Medal before suffering a knee injury last year.
Despite a slight dip in form towards the end of 2025, Boyd has shown remarkable improvement in 2026, leading to discussions about him being considered as a backup option if Queensland experiences injuries or major form issues in the halves. His value is anticipated to increase further with the introduction of new teams into the competition. According to reports, Boyd has started talks about a multi-year contract extension in Auckland, which would begin next year, although it is suggested that he will be out of contract by the end of 2027.
Zero Tackle has reached out to the Warriors to confirm the status of Boyd’s current deal. Regardless of the details, the Warriors are determined to prevent Boyd from joining either the Perth Bears or the PNG Chiefs, both of whom are actively seeking halfbacks. The Bears have already signed Tyran Wishart and Toby Sexton for their inaugural season, while the PNG Chiefs have secured Jarome Luai for 2028, utilizing a loophole in contract rules to engage with the halfback before November 1.
Boyd could be an ideal fit for both clubs, as well as other struggling teams at the bottom of the ladder, such as the St George Illawarra Dragons. Although Boyd did not reach his full potential on the Gold Coast, his potential was always evident. Now, as he begins to realize this potential in Auckland, a new contract with the Warriors could raise significant questions about the club’s future direction.
Luke Metcalf has played two games at five-eighth this year between injuries, but his previous comments on SEN Radio about wanting to be a halfback seemed promising. However, the Warriors’ underperforming squad lost both of those games. Despite this, the team has otherwise been nearly flawless, currently sitting in second place on the NRL ladder after nine weeks, only behind the Penrith Panthers.
There are also uncertainties surrounding the futures of Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita, both of whom will be out of contract at the end of 2026. Harris-Tavita has already been linked with the North Queensland Cowboys, although Todd Payten has expressed his desire to keep the halfback in his squad.
