Warriors Coach Confirms Talks with Chanel Harris-Tavita
Warriors coach Andrew Webster has confirmed that he has had direct and personal conversations with in-form five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita regarding the possibility of extending his stay at the club beyond this season. Harris-Tavita has been a standout performer for the Warriors in 2026, but his name recently made headlines after reports surfaced that he met with Cowboys coach Todd Payten to discuss a potential move to North Queensland in 2027.
The 27-year-old player is set to come off contract at the end of 2026, and it’s not surprising that he may be exploring his options given the current backlog of halves on the Warriors’ books. This situation inevitably leads to a squeeze, which could influence his decision-making process.
When asked about the reports, Webster chose not to comment directly on recruitment matters but admitted that he has already engaged in personal discussions with Harris-Tavita about extending his time with the Warriors.
“Chanel and I are in dialogue around [extending his contract], so communication’s been good. I’ll say that … I’m having conversations with him personally,” Webster said. “We love him, don’t want him to leave, but we’ll just continue to see how it plays out.”
Webster’s comments highlight the team’s desire to retain Harris-Tavita, who has played a crucial role in the Warriors’ attacking rhythm and defensive strength this season. The team is currently positioned towards the top of the ladder after nine rounds, thanks in large part to his contributions.
Despite the challenge of managing a group of halves, Webster emphasized that Harris-Tavita has been recognized for his exceptional form. He recently celebrated his 100th NRL game against the Dolphins and has also earned 10 caps for Samoa.
“Well, I think it’s been clear at the moment that we’re just rewarding the team that’s playing well,” Webster explained. “The way it keeps going at the moment, we’ve rewarded Boydy (Tanah Boyd) and Chanel, so we’ll just keep going that way. Those things are just good headaches at the moment.”
North Queensland’s interest in Harris-Tavita is not unexpected, especially considering that current five-eighth Jake Clifford has hesitated to sign a two-year extension with the club. This hesitation is believed to have prompted the Cowboys to initiate talks with Harris-Tavita, although no formal offer has been made yet.
Key Points in the Discussion
- Andrew Webster has confirmed direct conversations with Chanel Harris-Tavita about contract extensions.
- Harris-Tavita has been a key player for the Warriors in 2026, despite his potential move to North Queensland.
- The Warriors face a challenge with multiple halves on their roster, which may affect future decisions.
- Webster expressed a desire to keep Harris-Tavita, highlighting his importance to the team’s success.
- The Cowboys’ interest in Harris-Tavita is linked to Jake Clifford’s reluctance to extend his contract.
- No official offer from North Queensland has been announced as of yet.
