New Zealand Warriors signing and contract update with…………

Earlier, Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson has called time on his 14-season NRL career, announcing he’ll retire at the end of the season.

Johnson, who’ll turn 34 next month, informed his teammates of his decision before confirming it publicly.

“There’s an entire generation of kids in this country who picked up a rugby league ball because of Shaun Johnson,” One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George said.

“His impact on not only this club but also rugby league is New Zealand is something that will be remembered here forever.”

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have further extended the contract of prop Taniela Paseka until the end of 2029.

Off contract at the Sea Eagles at the end of 2026, the new three-year-deal will give the 26-year-old front-rower an opportunity to finish his career as a one-club player.

“He is still in his mid-20s, so his best footy is going to continue to develop over the next four of five seasons, which is the reason why we have signed him long term,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said.

His extension comes after the recent re-signing of fellow prop Josh Aloiai who signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until at least the end of the 2027 season.

Aloiai, 28, has played 150 NRL games, 60 of those for Manly, while also representing Samoa at international level.

Elsewhere, Melbourne Storm has landed the signature of representative prop Stefano Utoikamanu on a three-year contract until the end of the 2027 season.

Utoikamanu, who advised Wests Tigers officials earlier this week that he was leaving, last year made his Origin debut for New South Wales and represented Samoa in the Pacific Championships.

A Parramatta junior, he has played the last four seasons at Wests Tigers, but exercised a get out clause in his contract and the Storm were among the clubs interested in his services.

“Stefano is an exciting young forward and also an impressive young man,” Storm GM of football Frank Ponissi said.

“I’m sure he’s going to come with a working hard attitude and be ready for a big pre-season when he joins us later this year. We are excited to welcome Stefano and his family to the club.”

Parramatta’s effort to retain exciting youngster Blaize Talagi has fallen short with the outside back to depart the club.

Retaining the 19-year-old emerged as a priority for incoming coach Jason Ryles after Talagi declined an option in his favour to explore opportunities elsewhere.

A number of rivals have circled the fullback and the Eels confirmed in a statement he has informed the club of his decision to leave at the end of the season.

Official 2024 NRL squad lists of New Zealand Warriors

Development List

2024 gains

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (rugby union), Chanel Harris-Tavita, Kurt Capewell (Broncos).

2024 losses

Viliame Vailea (Cowboys), Bayley Sironen (Catalans Dragons), Brayden Wiliame (retired), Josh Curran (Bulldogs), Ronald Volkman (Dragons), Valingi Kepu (released).

2025 gains

James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers).

2025 losses

Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks).