Warriors Land Rising Star Haizyn Mellars
The New Zealand Warriors have made a big move in the player market, securing the signature of young outside back Haizyn Mellars from the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The 21-year-old winger will depart the Rabbitohs at the end of the current season and has committed to a three-year deal with the Warriors, keeping him at the club until the end of 2028.
For Mellars, this signing is more than just a career step—it’s a homecoming. Born in Auckland, he spoke with real excitement about returning to New Zealand and pulling on the Warriors jersey. In a statement, he said that the opportunity to come back home was a blessing for him and his family. After conversations with Warriors coach Andrew Webster and learning more about the club’s direction, Mellars said he knew it was the right place to continue his development.
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Although he hasn’t yet broken into the NRL first-grade side, Mellars has been showing plenty of promise in the Rabbitohs’ system. Since joining the Souths development squad in 2020, he has played a mix of NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup games. His 2025 season has been disrupted by injury, but whenever he has been on the field, his talent has been clear. Across nine NSW Cup games this year, Mellars has crossed for seven tries, delivered two try assists, busted through 40 tackles, made seven line-breaks, and averaged 120 running metres per match. At 193 centimetres tall, he is seen as a dangerous aerial option and a potential long-term weapon out wide.
Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly described Mellars as a popular figure within the club and a young man who has always carried himself well. Unfortunately, injuries limited his chances to show consistent form at Souths, and the club has decided not to re-sign him for 2026. Solly wished him well, noting that Mellars would always be welcome back at Redfern.
The Warriors’ decision to bring Mellars onboard comes after losing Edward Kosi and Moala Graham-Taufa to South Sydney. In many ways, this move is seen as a strike back by the club, ensuring that their depth in the outside backs remains strong. Warriors coach Andrew Webster praised Mellars’ attitude and potential, saying that he brings plenty of upside to the squad and will benefit greatly from learning off some of the experienced players already at the club.
This signing also fits within the Warriors’ broader recruitment push. Alongside Mellars, the club has been linked with Gold Coast speedster Alofiana Khan-Pereira, though his availability is still uncertain.
For Mellars, the immediate focus will be finishing the season strongly with South Sydney before heading home to Auckland. While he is yet to make his NRL debut, the Warriors believe his combination of size, speed, and skill gives him every chance of breaking through in the years ahead. Fans will be eager to see how he develops once he pulls on the Warriors jersey in 2026.
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