'Important part of our squad': Warriors keep faith in injury-plagued centre

The Warriors have kept faith with injury-plagued centre Rocco Berry, with the 25-year-old re-signing on a one-year deal for the 2027 NRL season.

Since making his NRL debut in 2021, Berry has appeared only 52 times, suffering from hamstring, shoulder and brachial plexus nerve injuries stemming from multiple shoulder dislocations.

However, when fit, he has shown he is one of the best defensive centres in the NRL, boasting a 90% tackle completion rate and scoring 13 tries.

The Warriors hope he can put his injury troubles behind him and return to his best next season, with the new deal giving him another chance to establish himself as a regular.

Last month, Warriors coach Andrew Webster publicly declared his desire to keep Berry at the club, and said he was determined that he would be ready for next season.

“We have so much belief in him,” Webster said.

“He competes like mad, he’s so fit, he makes our edges chase like he does and he gives balance to our team. He’s such an important part of our squad.“

Berry didn’t play first grade this year, with his campaign restricted to six appearances for the club’s NSW Cup side.

His future had been unclear, and he was set to become a free agent on November 1.

He was linked with a move to the Melbourne Storm and reportedly had a medical there. However, Melbourne signed fellow Warriors centre Adam Pompey on a two-year deal after he was given permission to negotiate with other teams.

“We know the player Rocco can be, and we’re committed to giving him every opportunity to return to his best,” Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden said.

“While he has faced challenges along the way, especially this year, Rocco has shown how resilient he is as he does all he can to return to the NRL.“

Berry will compete with the likes of Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima and recruit Grant Anderson for one of the two starting centre spots. Jye Linnane, Kurt Capewell and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad are also capable of covering the position.

The signing means the Warriors now have 28 contracted players for next season.

The team finished second in the standings after a gruelling regular season, but were beaten in both their finals games.

Berry is the son of former All Blacks utility Martin Berry.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.