Coach’s blunt admission as returning star creates Warriors headache
Luke Metcalf won’t be at the Warriors next season, but he has given head coach Andrew Webster one almighty headache for the rest of 2026.
The 27-year-old signed with the Dragons on a three-year deal after being granted an early release from the Warriors earlier this season and has been out of the NRL lineup for the past few months due to injury and form.
Luke Metcalf celebrates a try. Getty Images
Metcalf endured a long recovery from an ACL injury and then suffered a hamstring injury shortly after his return, which saw other players overtaking him.
But in the Warriors’ stunning 28-12 upset over Penrith on Friday night, the fleet-footed halfback proved his class under the bright lights.
As a late replacement for Te Maire Martin, he scored two brilliant tries and set up another, while also nailing four conversions and steering the ship with his general-play kicking against the ladder-leading Panthers at a raucous Go Media Stadium.
His stellar return could present a massive dilemma for Webster on the eve of the finals, especially if Metcalf continues to perform while Martin is sidelined.
Speaking to media post-game, the Warriors coach revealed Martin would miss at least another fortnight, but wouldn’t be drawn into the debate around who should wear the No.7 jersey as the club searches for an elusive premiership.
“I’ve got no opinion on that at all - I just thought he was good, I want to celebrate Luke, he deserves praise tonight,” Webster said in his press conference.
“Luke, particularly the last six weeks, has strung some really good footy together.
“I’m rapt with all our halves, from Tanah Boyd to Chanel [Harris-Tavita] to Te Maire to Luke - we’ve got some quality ones. You’d pick any of them with confidence.
“I’m not thinking future. There’s too many twists and turns to worry about that right now. I think the great players pick themselves each week.
“I’m not worried about selection headaches. It’s up for grabs for anyone that wants it, the boys compete that hard and anyone that’s not in the team right now, they can take it and the depth at our club, we designed it that way for a reason.
“We know that training is always the hardest part of the week ... you’ve got players making everyone better. If you don’t have that competition, you don’t get to be there tonight and have a crack at a team like Penrith.
“It’s a great thing for our club that we’ve got that depth and balance.”
With a massive off-season move to St George Illawarra on the horizon, Metcalf was asked where his short-term future lies.
He admitted while he wants to be playing NRL, he can’t control the selections and would be doing his best to support his Warriors teammates.
Luke Metcalf scores for the Warriors against Penrith. Getty Images
“I’d love to, that would be awesome,” he told Sky Sports NZ.
“I’m stoked that we got the win tonight and I said to some of them down there that whatever happens, happens and I can just control what I can control.
“If that’s me being in this team, I would love that. If it’s not, then it’s not ... I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and stay ready.
“When my time comes like tonight, whenever it is, that’s what I’ll do.”
The victory keeps the Warriors in the hunt for the minor premiership and also gives the side a massive boost in belief heading into September.
Webster, the cool and composed coach, isn’t getting carried away yet.
“It gives you confidence that you belong, but there’s a lot of dips and turns on the rollercoaster of the NRL and lots of things will change, I’m sure,” he said.
“We’re gonna have to improve, that’s the best thing about tonight is that we still have improvement in us, but we definitely have to celebrate what we did well.”
