Warriors Close In on Thomas Fletcher Deal
New Zealand Warriors are reportedly closing in on South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Thomas Fletcher while also set to sign Newcastle Knights outside back Kingston Seve.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
New Zealand Warriors are closing in on signing South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Thomas Fletcher, who has been granted an early release from his 2027 contract. The club is also set to sign Newcastle Knights outside back Kingston Seve on a two-year deal.
Why it matters
The moves reflect the Warriors' focus on rebuilding their squad with depth and young talent following changes in their roster. Seve's release was granted at his request so he could return home to New Zealand and continue developing as a centre.
Fletcher made four NRL appearances in 2025 and three in 2026, all off Wayne Bennett's interchange bench, plus 15 NSW Cup appearances scoring six tries. Formal confirmation of both contracts has not yet been announced.
The players
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand-based club competing in the National Rugby League, which is pursuing both players to strengthen its squad.
Thomas Fletcher
A Coonamble-born forward who has progressed through the South Sydney Rabbitohs pathways and is the subject of the Warriors' pursuit.
Kingston Seve
A Newcastle Knights outside back and New Zealand native who is set to join the Warriors after being released to return home.
The details
Fletcher, a Coonamble product and 2022 Australian Schoolboy, has risen through the Rabbitohs pathways and would sign a three-year deal with the Warriors. Seve has not made his NRL debut, having switched from the Dolphins to Newcastle and been given special permission to train with the NRL squad at age 17.
Timeline
2022: Fletcher named Australian Schoolboy.
2025: Fletcher makes four NRL appearances.
2026: Fletcher makes three NRL call-ups off the bench.
June 2026: Seve starts at centre for QLD Maroons Under-19s in a win over NSW Blues.
2027: Fletcher's South Sydney contract would have run through this year.
Season Trajectory
These transfers fit the NRL's pattern of clubs moving talent through NSW Cup and SG Ball pathways into top-grade squads. For the Warriors, adding depth from both reserve-grade and development-level players shapes their competitive position in the coming seasons.
Fantasy and NRL watchers should track Fletcher's and Seve's status as the Warriors finalize their squad, since both could affect rotation and depth chart decisions. Confirmation of the deals will determine each player's role for the coming season.
The takeaway
Watch for official club confirmations, since reported deals can shift before contracts are finalized and squad plans change.
Further reading
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