New contracts for Going, Stowers-Smith and Pasikala
New South Wales Cup captain Kalani Going, promising front rower Tanner Stowers-Smith and exciting outside back Motu Pasikala have all re-signed with the One New Zealand Warriors.
Going and Stowers-Smith have been secured on development contracts for 2025 while Pasikala has signed a three-year deal to the end of the 2027 season.
“Kalani and Tanner have again been outstanding for us in the New South Wales Cup this season while Motu is a hugely exciting talent who has come through the pathways teams to establish himself in reserve grade,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“They’re examples of the benefits we’re already seeing from our development system.
“Kalani’s experience and consistency is critical working alongside the younger players while Tanner and Motu have been taking every opportunity on offer.”
The 27-year-old Going, who made his NRL debut last year, has been ever-present this season appearing in all 20 of the One New Zealand Warriors’ NSW Cup games so far following 24 of 27 matches last year when he was named the club’s NSW Cup player of the year. He’s averaging 138 metres and 31 tackles a game this year.
Stowers-Smith started last season as an 18-year-old captaining the SG Ball Cup under-19 side but was soon up in more senior company in the New South Wales Cup where he made 13 appearances.
Turning 20 in March and still eligible for the under-19 and under-21 teams this year, he played in the Warriors’ first NRL trial against Wests Tigers in February before continuing his role with NSW Cup side. Used as a starting prop and off the bench he has appeared 18 times so far averaging 88 metres and 20 tackles a game.
Pasikala (18) joined the club from a schoolboy rugby union background where he starred for Liston College in Auckland’s First XV competition. Starting the 2024 season in the SG Ball grade, he moved up to the under-21 side in the Jersey Flegg Cup and then made his NSW Cup debut in round nine in May.
He has now made 11 appearances on the wing or at fullback, scored seven tries, kicked 20 goals and averaged 108 metres a game with 30 tackle breaks.
All three players line up for the One New Zealand Warriors in their 23rd-round NSW Cup match against South Sydney at Bruce Pulman Park in Takanini on Sudnay (12.00pm kikc-off).
