​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

The NRL mid season transfer deadline brought four confirmed player moves before the June 30 cutoff, with the New Zealand Warriors strengthening their squad through the arrivals of Luke Laulilii and Riley Price, while the Melbourne Storm signed Oryn Keeley and farewelled Lazarus Vaalepu. The transfers are significant as clubs prepare for the final stretch of the 2026 premiership race and seek to improve squad depth ahead of the finals.

Warriors strengthen squad with two additions

The Warriors were among the busiest clubs before the deadline, completing deals for outside back Luke Laulilii and middle forward Riley Price.

Laulilii joined the Warriors after receiving an early release from the Wests Tigers. The young outside back had featured intermittently in first grade this season and will provide valuable depth across the backline for a Warriors side firmly in premiership contention.

The move comes at an important time for the Auckland based club, which has been dealing with injuries in the outside backs. Wing option Alofiana Khan Pereira remains sidelined with a leg injury, while centre Rocco Berry is expected to miss more matches because of a hamstring issue.

Laulilii had already agreed to join the Perth Bears from next season, but the early transfer allows him to contribute immediately as the Warriors push towards the finals.

Speaking after the move, Laulilii reflected on his time with the Tigers.

"Wests Tigers will always hold a special place in my heart. I've grown up in the area and have made friends here for life."

"To come through the grades at the Magpies, play with my brother and make it to the NRL to represent the Wests Tigers are lifelong memories that will always be special to me."

"I'm grateful to Benji and the coaches for their support this year and wish all the boys all the best for the rest of the season."

Riley Price returns to New Zealand

The Warriors also confirmed the signing of Riley Price on a two year agreement.

Price will finish the current campaign on a development contract before joining the club's top 30 squad next season.

The son of former Warriors captain Steve Price spent much of his childhood in Auckland before moving to Australia. He has since played within the North Queensland Cowboys and Penrith Panthers systems before representing Redcliffe in the Queensland Cup.

Warriors General Manager of Recruitment, Pathways and Development Andrew McFadden welcomed the signing.

"It’s exciting for us having Riley back at the club he knows so well from his time living in Auckland when his father was here."

"Riley has tasted NRL football and gained a lot of experience playing in the Queensland Cup and New South Wales Cup. He has terrific footballing pedigree through his father and will bring a lot to our squad with his professional attitude and work ethic."

"It’s also a thrill seeing the next generation coming through with yet another son of one of our former players joining the club."

Price is regarded as a hardworking middle forward who will provide additional depth as the Warriors continue their pursuit of a strong finish to the season.

Storm complete forward pack changes

​Melbourne also completed important business before the transfer deadline by signing second row forward Oryn Keeley while confirming the departure of Lazarus Vaalepu.

Keeley arrived earlier than originally planned after securing an immediate release from the Dolphins. The talented forward had previously agreed to join Melbourne from 2027, but both clubs reached an agreement to accelerate the move.

The 2025 season saw Keeley establish himself as an important member of the Dolphins forward rotation, making 16 appearances during an injury affected campaign. This season he featured six times before the transfer.

Storm Director of Football Frank Ponissi said the club was pleased to secure Keeley's services immediately.

"He’s a quality young player and having him arrive earlier than expected is a great outcome for both the club and Oryn."

"We thank the Dolphins for working with us to facilitate his early release and look forward to welcoming Oryn and his partner Cloe to Melbourne."

The Dolphins also released a statement thanking Keeley for his contribution during his time at the club.

Vaalepu heads to the Super League

The Storm also confirmed that forward Lazarus Vaalepu had been granted an immediate release to join Super League side Leigh Leopards.

Vaalepu made his NRL debut in 2024 and even featured from the interchange bench during Melbourne's grand final appearance. However, he was unable to break into the first grade squad this season, prompting the move overseas.

Leigh Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson believes the signing will strengthen the club's middle rotation.

"We’re really excited to bring Lazarus to Leigh."

"He’s a player with genuine presence, power, and punch, giving us a real point of difference within our middle unit."

"We’re looking forward to helping him take the next step in his career."

The transfer gives Vaalepu an opportunity for regular top level football while opening a place within Melbourne's forward group for the remainder of the NRL campaign.

As clubs turn their attention to the closing months of the regular season, these deadline moves could prove influential in shaping the finals race, particularly for the Warriors and Storm, who are aiming to remain among the competition's leading contenders.