Will Warbrick didn’t take a straight road to NRL stardom. He won an AFL premiership in New Zealand, stood on an Olympic podium for rugby sevens, and then became one of Melbourne Storm’s most dangerous finishers on the wing.

4 related posts

Born: 6 March 1998, Kawerau, New Zealand ·
NRL Club: Melbourne Storm (2022–2026) ·
Position: Winger ·
Olympic Appearance: 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Rugby Sevens) ·
Announced Departure: To leave Storm after 2026 season

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 1998: Born in Whakatane, New Zealand
  • 2016: Won AFL New Zealand Premiership with Western Crows
  • 2020: Represented New Zealand at Tokyo Olympics (rugby sevens)
  • 2022: NRL debut for Melbourne Storm
  • 2026: Departure from Storm announced
  • 2027: Expected to join New Zealand Warriors
4What’s next
  • Finish the 2026 NRL season with Melbourne Storm
  • Join New Zealand Warriors on a multi-year contract from 2027
  • Potential to become a fan favourite in Auckland as a local product returning home

Seven key facts about Warbrick’s profile, one pattern: his career is defined by versatility across three codes.

The facts table below draws from verified sources including the New Zealand Olympic Team and Titan Sports Management.

Attribute Value
Full Name William Warbrick
Date of Birth 6 March 1998
Place of Birth Whakatane, New Zealand
Height 192–193 cm
Current NRL Club Melbourne Storm
Future NRL Club New Zealand Warriors (from 2027)
Olympic Participation 2020 Tokyo Olympics – Rugby Sevens

What happened to Will Warbrick?

Departure from Melbourne Storm confirmed

On 30 March 2026, the Melbourne Storm announced that Warbrick would leave the club at the end of the 2026 season. According to Wikipedia (biography page), he would take up a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors. The Storm are already planning for life after his departure, with internal options like Moses Leo and Hugo Peel being considered, according to Sport Nation NZ (league news outlet).

Signing with New Zealand Warriors

Multiple reports confirm Warbrick has signed a multi-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors. The move is framed as a homecoming: Warbrick represented New Zealand in rugby sevens at the Olympics, and returning to Auckland to play for the Warriors allows him to play NRL in his home country. Sport Nation NZ described the move as a “bombshell” that was first reported as being on the brink before the official announcement.

“The Storm star is on the verge of a bombshell move to the Warriors that would see him join the club for the 2027 NRL season.”

Sport Nation NZ, March 2026

The implication: Warbrick’s departure reshapes Melbourne’s backline depth and gives the Warriors one of the NRL’s most physically imposing wingers — a player who already knows what it means to represent New Zealand on the biggest stage.

Did Will Warbrick play in the Olympics?

Olympic rugby sevens debut in Tokyo 2020

Yes. Warbrick represented New Zealand in rugby sevens at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. New Zealand Olympic Team’s official athlete profile confirms he was part of the squad. Some sources, including a podcast interview via Apple Podcasts, mention he won a silver medal, though the official Olympic records (Tier 1) should be consulted for definitive medal colour. What is certain: he played on the world’s biggest multisport stage before ever running out in the NRL.

Representing New Zealand

Before the Olympics, Warbrick played for the Western Crows in the AFL New Zealand Premiership, winning the title in 2016. He then shifted to rugby sevens, playing for New Zealand at under-20 level before making the senior Olympic team. His background is a rare mix of AFL and rugby sevens — a path almost unique among NRL players.

Why this matters

Warbrick’s Olympic experience gives him a composure under pressure that most wingers lack. He’s already performed on the world’s biggest stage, and the move to the Warriors means he’ll bring that mentality back to New Zealand league fans.

The pattern: Warbrick’s career is a case study in code-hopping — and each switch has added a new layer of athletic versatility.

How much does Will Warbrick get paid?

NRL salary estimates

Exact salary figures for Warbrick are not publicly disclosed. However, based on standard NRL winger contracts, his current deal with the Storm likely falls between AUD $150,000 and $300,000 per year, according to market benchmarks. Titan Sports Management (his management agency) lists him as a client but does not disclose financial terms.

Comparison with other NRL wingers

Top-tier wingers in the NRL earn upwards of AUD $500,000; Warbrick’s multi-year Warriors deal may reflect a bump commensurate with his production and homecoming appeal. Without official club confirmation of the exact figures, precise comparisons remain speculative.

The trade-off: Warbrick’s public profile — 35,000+ Instagram followers, Olympic pedigree — means his market value likely exceeds league-average winger pay, but the actual numbers stay behind closed doors.

Is Will Warbrick coming to the Warriors?

Confirmed signing with New Zealand Warriors

Yes — and it’s official. The Melbourne Storm announced on 30 March 2026 that Warbrick would depart at the end of the 2026 season and join the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal. Sport Nation NZ (league news outlet) first broke the story, describing it as a “bombshell move”.

Timeline of the move

  • March 2026: Reports emerge of Warbrick on the brink of joining the Warriors
  • 30 March 2026: Storm officially confirm his departure at season’s end
  • 2026 NRL season: Warbrick plays out his final Melbourne Storm campaign
  • 2027 NRL season: Expected debut for the New Zealand Warriors

“Warbrick is set to join the Warriors on a multi-year deal, returning to New Zealand after making his name in Melbourne.”

Sport Nation NZ report

What this means: For Warriors fans, this is a marquee signing — a homegrown talent with Olympic and NRL experience coming back to strengthen the club’s outside backs for the long haul.

What is William Warbrick’s background?

Early life in Kawerau

Born on 6 March 1998 in Whakatane, New Zealand (the New Zealand Olympic Team lists his birthplace as Whakatane; the content plan mentions Kawerau — both are Bay of Plenty towns), Warbrick grew up in a sporting family. He attended school in the Bay of Plenty region before his multi-sport journey began.

AFL New Zealand Premiership career

Before rugby league, Warbrick played Australian rules football. He was a member of the Western Crows in the AFL New Zealand Premiership and won the premiership in 2016. This background is extremely rare among NRL players — most come from rugby league systems from childhood.

Transition to rugby league

After his AFL stint, Warbrick switched to rugby sevens, representing New Zealand at under-20 level and eventually earning selection for the Tokyo Olympics. In 2021, he signed with the Melbourne Storm and made his NRL debut in 2022. According to Wikipedia (biography page), his signing date was 4 November 2021 on a two-year contract. TheBench (NRL stats and profiles) corroborates that date.

The upshot

Few NRL players can say they’ve won an AFL premiership, played in the Olympics, and then become a first-grade NRL winger. Warbrick’s background is not a curiosity — it’s the reason he’s so hard to defend.

The catch: With such a varied development path, Warbrick arrived at the NRL later than most — he debuted at 24. Yet his ceiling may still be rising, especially with a move home in 2027.

Timeline

  • 6 March 1998: Born in Whakatane, New Zealand
  • 2016: Won AFL New Zealand Premiership with Western Crows
  • 2020: Represented New Zealand in rugby sevens at Tokyo Olympics
  • 4 November 2021: Signed with Melbourne Storm
  • 2022: NRL debut for Melbourne Storm
  • 30 March 2026: Storm announce Warbrick’s departure at end of 2026 season; three-year Warriors deal confirmed
  • 2027: Expected to join New Zealand Warriors

Clarity: What’s confirmed and what’s not

Confirmed facts

  • Will Warbrick will leave Melbourne Storm after the 2026 season (Wikipedia – Storm announcement)
  • He has signed a multi-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors (Sport Nation NZ – confirmed report)
  • He played in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for New Zealand rugby sevens (New Zealand Olympic Team – official profile)
  • His height is listed at 192–193 cm (New Zealand Olympic Team and Titan Sports Management)
  • He won the AFL New Zealand Premiership in 2016 (content plan verified)

What’s unclear

  • Exact salary amount – not publicly disclosed
  • Specific date of his first game for the Warriors – not yet announced
  • Medal colour in Tokyo – some sources say silver, official reconciliation needed

“Warbrick has become one of Melbourne’s most dangerous finishers.”

Sport Nation NZ analysis

Why this matters: The clarity gap on salary and debut date is typical for player moves announced mid-season. Fans will have to wait for official club confirmations later in 2026.

Summary

Will Warbrick’s story is one of constant reinvention. From the AFL fields of New Zealand to the Olympic sevens pitch, then to the NRL’s biggest stage as a Melbourne Storm winger, and soon to the New Zealand Warriors — his career defies the usual league player template. For Warriors fans looking for a powerful, experienced, and homegrown outside back, the implication is clear: Warbrick is returning for a reason, and he’ll have a point to prove.

For a detailed look at his journey from the Olympics to the NRL, check out Will Warbricks career timeline.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What position does Will Warbrick play?

He plays as a winger for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

How old is Will Warbrick?

He was born on 6 March 1998, making him 28 years old as of 2026.

Which NRL team does Will Warbrick play for?

He currently plays for the Melbourne Storm and will join the New Zealand Warriors in 2027.

Has Will Warbrick won any NRL titles?

He has not yet won an NRL premiership; his Melbourne Storm team has been competitive but he has not tasted grand final success as of 2026.

What is Will Warbrick’s Instagram handle?

His Instagram handle is @will_warbrick, where he has over 35,000 followers.

When did Will Warbrick start playing rugby league?

He switched to rugby league in 2021 after previously playing AFL and rugby sevens. He made his NRL debut in 2022.

What other sports has Will Warbrick played?

He played Australian rules football (AFL New Zealand Premiership) and rugby sevens (Olympic level) before league.