Both Egan and Healey come off contract at the end of 2027, meaning they can negotiate with rivals from November 1 if the Warriors can’t lock either down before that date.
Warriors hookers Wayde Egan (inset) and Sam Healey both come off contract at the same time. Photo / Photosport
And unless the Warriors can come to an agreement, more than one club will certainly fancy their chances at pinching one or the other.
For Healey in particular, November will represent a huge chance in his career, after relocating across the Tasman after standing out in leading the Newtown Jets to the New South Wales Cup in 2024.
As far as his coach goes, though, there is plenty of reason to think the 24-year-old will recommit.
“I asked him at the start of the year, ‘do you want to stay?’ he said ‘yes I do’,” Webster said of Healey.
“I get asked these questions often, and people doubt us. We’ve got some wrong, we haven’t got them all right – but we really like Sam, he’s certainly in our plans.
“I’m not going to discuss major details, but we want both of them to stay at our club.”
Healey backs up his coach’s words in saying he wants to stay. However, he could also be forgiven for exploring his options, especially with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs entering the NRL and giving out tax-free contracts from 2028.
As he enters the prime years of his career, Healey won’t want to play second fiddle to any player, even one as good as Egan, who at 29 will have different expectations from his next contract.
The Warriors have already seen this situation play out this season, when halfback Luke Metcalf opted to join the St George Illawarra Dragons, rather than be stuck behind Tanah Boyd.
But with the ball largely in his court, Healey is also happy to let things play out before any discussions over his future are finalised.
“I’d love to stay,” Healey said. “It depends if we can get the right thing done for both parties.
“I’m looking forward to finishing off the year strong and then we’ll sort that sort of stuff out then.
“I’d obviously have ambitions to start. I haven’t fully thought too deeply about that at the moment.
“I’m just focusing on footy. I’m sure that will take care of itself at the end of the year.”
Warriors hooker Sam Healey in action in a pre-season game against the Manly Sea Eagles in Napier in February. Photo / Photosport
One solution could see Healey take the reins fulltime at No 9, however it’s unclear how that would be received by Egan.
The 29-year-old has grown into one of the NRL’s best during his years at the Warriors, and has made more than 150 appearances for the club, as well as captained the side when called upon.
As far as Webster is concerned, though, Healey is doing everything right. Since his debut for the club in a 30-26 win over the North Queensland Cowboys last year, Healey has made himself undroppable, resulting in Freddy Lussick moving to the Penrith Panthers.
And with few clubs able to name two hookers of the same quality as Egan and Healey, Webster is thrilled with what he’s seen from his youngster.
“Over time, Sam will play [for] longer,” Webster said. “I’m calling him ‘the finisher’, like in baseball, they bring on a pitcher at the end to make sure they ice the game.
“He does it through his defence as much as his attack. He’s very gifted with the ball.
“He brings a different level of intensity at the end of the game. He’s very crafty, I’m stoked with what he’s doing.”
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.