WFR News
Silverstream Wild Announce Powerhouse Recruits for WFRXXXI Redemption Campaign
2026-09-11 12:06:33
UPPER HUTT, NZ — Following a disappointing WFRXXX campaign that saw them finish 9th out of 12 teams, the Silverstream Wild have launched a major roster overhaul for the upcoming WFRXXXI season. The franchise has secured a wave of elite international and domestic talent to fix the execution errors that cost them dearly last year, where an agonizing six games were lost by 14 points or less.
Headlining the stellar recruitment drive is the signing of All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta, who steps into the first-five role to replace the departing Jackson Garden-Bachop. Perofeta's arrival comes alongside a wider squad clearance that sees high-profile departures in Charlie Lawrence, Francis Saili, and Ben Tuiomanufili. Perofeta brings world-class tactical kicking, flair, and high-stakes experience to a revamped Wild backline.
Reinforcing the outside backs and midfield alongside Perofeta is the versatile Sam Gilbert, whose booming boot and ability to cover both wing and centre positions add immense tactical depth. In a highly anticipated move for the club, powerful midfielder Kienan Higgins joins the Wild, setting up an exciting family dynamic as he links up with his brother, Riley Higgins, in the squad. Rising star Jordi Viljoen rounds out the new backline additions.
The Wild have equally bolstered their pack with dynamic loose forward Che Clark, alongside destructive tighthead prop Sione Mafi. The tight five receives further muscle with the signings of formidable front-rowers Jericho Wharehinga and Nathaniel Pole, alongside clinical young hooker Josh Findlay, ensuring Silverstream boasts one of the most physical forward packs in the competition.
Head Coach Scott Waldrom believes these signings signal a definitive turning point for the franchise.
"Last season was incredibly tough, finishing 9th wasn't where we belonged," Waldrom said. "When you look back and see six games lost by 14 points or less, it tells you our execution let us down in the final moments. We knew we needed to reshape this squad, which meant making tough decisions with quality players like Charlie, Francis, and Ben moving on. Getting Stephen [Perofeta] to steer the ship is massive, and adding the versatility of Sam Gilbert on the wing or in the centre, alongside our new hooker Josh Findlay, gives us the squad depth we drastically lacked last year."
Midfielder Riley Higgins expressed his excitement about the prospect of lining up alongside his brother Kienan this season.
"It’s a bit of a dream come true, to be honest," Riley Higgins said. "Kienan and I have always talked about playing together at this level. He brings a lot of power and intent to the midfield, and knowing each other's game so well is going to give us a massive advantage on the field. The energy in the squad is already lifting."
Club Captain Siya Kolisi echoed the enthusiasm, throwing down the gauntlet for the pre-season.
"As players, WFRXXX hurt deeply, but the response from management has been incredible," Kolisi said. "Those close losses showed us we weren't far off, but close isn't good enough for this club. Stephen's vision on the field is exactly what we need, and the sheer power coming into our forward pack is going to give us a massive platform. There are no excuses this year. We owe it to our fans in Silverstream to put pride back in the jersey."
The Silverstream Wild will assemble for pre-season training next month, with the WFRXXXI draw expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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Headlining the stellar recruitment drive is the signing of All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta, who steps into the first-five role to replace the departing Jackson Garden-Bachop. Perofeta's arrival comes alongside a wider squad clearance that sees high-profile departures in Charlie Lawrence, Francis Saili, and Ben Tuiomanufili. Perofeta brings world-class tactical kicking, flair, and high-stakes experience to a revamped Wild backline.
Reinforcing the outside backs and midfield alongside Perofeta is the versatile Sam Gilbert, whose booming boot and ability to cover both wing and centre positions add immense tactical depth. In a highly anticipated move for the club, powerful midfielder Kienan Higgins joins the Wild, setting up an exciting family dynamic as he links up with his brother, Riley Higgins, in the squad. Rising star Jordi Viljoen rounds out the new backline additions.
The Wild have equally bolstered their pack with dynamic loose forward Che Clark, alongside destructive tighthead prop Sione Mafi. The tight five receives further muscle with the signings of formidable front-rowers Jericho Wharehinga and Nathaniel Pole, alongside clinical young hooker Josh Findlay, ensuring Silverstream boasts one of the most physical forward packs in the competition.
Head Coach Scott Waldrom believes these signings signal a definitive turning point for the franchise.
"Last season was incredibly tough, finishing 9th wasn't where we belonged," Waldrom said. "When you look back and see six games lost by 14 points or less, it tells you our execution let us down in the final moments. We knew we needed to reshape this squad, which meant making tough decisions with quality players like Charlie, Francis, and Ben moving on. Getting Stephen [Perofeta] to steer the ship is massive, and adding the versatility of Sam Gilbert on the wing or in the centre, alongside our new hooker Josh Findlay, gives us the squad depth we drastically lacked last year."
Midfielder Riley Higgins expressed his excitement about the prospect of lining up alongside his brother Kienan this season.
"It’s a bit of a dream come true, to be honest," Riley Higgins said. "Kienan and I have always talked about playing together at this level. He brings a lot of power and intent to the midfield, and knowing each other's game so well is going to give us a massive advantage on the field. The energy in the squad is already lifting."
Club Captain Siya Kolisi echoed the enthusiasm, throwing down the gauntlet for the pre-season.
"As players, WFRXXX hurt deeply, but the response from management has been incredible," Kolisi said. "Those close losses showed us we weren't far off, but close isn't good enough for this club. Stephen's vision on the field is exactly what we need, and the sheer power coming into our forward pack is going to give us a massive platform. There are no excuses this year. We owe it to our fans in Silverstream to put pride back in the jersey."
The Silverstream Wild will assemble for pre-season training next month, with the WFRXXXI draw expected to be released in the coming weeks.