NZ Warriors set to lose Niukore, Ford tops Dally M
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
New Zealand Warriors second rower Marata Niukore will depart at the end of this season to continue his NRL career in Australia at the Newcastle Knights.
The 29-year-old New Zealand and Cook Islands international is off contract at the end of the 2026 campaign after returning home from the Parramatta Eels on a four-year deal in 2023.
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“Marata has made a huge contribution to our club both as a junior in his first term here and since coming home in 2023,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“We’re looking forward to him continuing to be a crucial part of our 2026 campaign as he looks to finish his time with the Warriors in the best possible way.”
A Warriors NYC and NSW Cup player before signing with the Eels, Niukore made his 161st NRL career appearance – and 65th for the Warriors – in Saturday night’s encounter with the Melbourne Storm.
Meanwhile Warriors workhorse Jackson Ford continues to lead the Dally M after six rounds he's on 23 points, two ahead of Nathan Cleary.
Tanah Boyd is currently seventh on 12 points.
