Riley Price is returning to Auckland to join the One New Zealand Warriors on a two-year deal, marking his return after a decade in Australia. Price, the son of former Warriors captain Steve Price, will initially be on a development contract until the end of 2026 before joining the top 30 squad next year. He spent much of his childhood in Auckland before moving to Australia.
Price, a forward, joins the club via a mid-season transfer from Queensland Cup club Redcliffe. He has played in both the Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup competitions. His father, Steve Price, began his career with the Warriors in 2005, serving as captain for five seasons. Riley Price becomes the fourth son of a former Warrior to join the club this season, alongside Jett Cleary, Haizyn Mellars, and Braelan Marsh.
Andrew McFadden, the Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways, and development, expressed enthusiasm about Price’s return. McFadden noted Price’s familiarity with the club from his time in Auckland and highlighted his footballing background through his father. He also mentioned Price’s professional attitude and work ethic as valuable additions to the squad.
Price began his playing days with the Mount Albert Lions before moving back to Australia at the age of 15. He made his NRL debut with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2023 and has made three top-grade appearances, including one for the Penrith Panthers. He has played 81 games across the Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup competitions.
Laulilii and other mid-season transfers
In addition to Price, the Warriors have also brought in Luke Laulilii, an outside back from the Wests Tigers. Laulilii was granted an early release to join the Warriors, providing depth to their backline, which has been affected by injuries to players like Alofiana Khan-Pereira and Rocco Berry. Laulilii had been part of the Tigers’ NRL team throughout the year and has already signed with the Perth Bears for next season, but will have the opportunity to push for playing time with the Warriors for the remainder of 2026.
Laulilii expressed his gratitude to the Wests Tigers, acknowledging his upbringing in the area and the lifelong memories created during his time with the club. He thanked Benji and the coaches for their support.
Elsewhere, the Melbourne Storm have seen changes in their forward pack. Lazarus Vaalepu was granted an immediate release to join English Super League club Leigh Leopards. Vaalepu debuted in 2024 and played in the grand final but has not featured in Melbourne’s NRL squad this year. Andrew Henderson, Leigh’s Director of Rugby, stated that Vaalepu will bring presence, power, and punch to their middle unit.
The Storm also confirmed the addition of former Dolphins second-rower Oryn Keeley. Keeley had previously agreed to join the Storm on a two-year deal from 2027, but his move was brought forward. He played games for the Dolphins after making his NRL debut in 2022 with the Knights. Keeley played games for the Dolphins in 2025 but made six appearances this year. Frank Ponissi, Director of Football for the Storm, welcomed Keeley’s earlier arrival, thanking the Dolphins for facilitating his release ahead of the Round 18 bye.
Impact on squad depth
The acquisition of Price and Laulilii is expected to bolster the Warriors’ squad depth. Price is described as a high-work-rate player in the middle of the park, while Laulilii is seen as a first-grade quality back-up option for the backline. These additions are particularly relevant as the Warriors are considered a premiership contender, and depth becomes increasingly important as the season progresses.
Keeley’s arrival at the Storm aims to strengthen their pack. His experience from games with the Dolphins is expected to be beneficial. The Dolphins also confirmed Keeley’s immediate departure, thanking him for his contributions to the club.
These player movements occurred before the NRL’s mid-season deadline on June 30.
Source: foxsports.com.au
