NRL: Big names still unsigned

Manu Vatuvei is one of 14 Warriors coming off contract at the end of next season. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors have some big calls regarding player retention if they are to transform into title contenders.

While the nation made its decision last month, the Warriors brains trust have plenty to ponder in the next few months.

Fourteen players come off contract next season, including stalwarts such as Manu Vatuvei, Ben Matulino and Sam Rapira, with another 12 players potential free agents by the end of the following year.

It's a cyclical process but the need for so many renewals and upgrades will put pressure on the salary cap, meaning astute calls will need to be made in timely fashion.

Outside backs

Coach Andrew McFadden indicated that Dominique Peyroux (25 years old, 31 NRL games) did enough to earn another deal and he was re-signed to a new one-year contract last month. Promising junior Michael Sio has received offers from England as well as other NRL clubs and looks to be heading to Sydney.

Ngani Laumape (21, 30) has shown enough at wing and centre to earn an upgrade and Vatuvei (28, 194) retains the faith of the coaching staff and his team-mates. The Beast may frustrate fans with his inconsistent defending but is still a weapon and has scored more tries than any other current winger in the NRL.

Glen Fisiiahi's mammoth five-year deal comes to an end in 2015 and the club faces a tough call. The 23-year-old appeals as a good fullback or wing option but has played only 24 games since his 2011 debut, mainly due to wretched luck with injuries, and the likes of Bradley Abbey are on the horizon. Dane Nielsen (29, 110) didn't score a single try this year and must improve to be retained beyond next season.

Halves

Shaun Johnson and Thomas Leuluai are locked in to long-term deals and Chad Townsend (23, 19) did enough this year to earn a renewed deal. Tui Lolohea should feature more prominently next season but is still learning his craft. How next season unfolds will go a long way to determining if there is enough talent among this halves quartet to deliver the long-term goal of a first NRL premiership.

Second row/lock

Big decisions await regarding Jayson Bukuya, Ben Henry, Sebastine Ikahihifo and 2013 NYC Player of the Year David Bhana. Bukuya had a disappointing season and will need to show a lot more in 2015. Henry (22, 47) and Ikahihifo (23, 31) have a big part to play at the club but will need to deliver on their undoubted potential.

Front row

Ben Matulino is still only 25 but has played a staggering 152 NRL games and will be a priority to lock in for an extension, especially given his versatility. Suaia Matagi (26, 35) was solid in 2014 without reaching the heights of last year and will come under scrutiny as the club examine their propping stocks. Sam Rapira (27, 169) has been an outstanding club man but is increasingly affected by injuries. Nathan Friend (33, 196) is a paradox - supporters say his attitude, desire and workrate should be bottled and the team can't do without his defence while detractors feel the Warriors need more dynamism out of dummy half. The Queenslander is a year-by-year proposition but can hopefully be retained in an off-field role once he decides to hang up his boots.