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Former Warrior Lewis Brown has always had high hopes for Luke Metcalf, a player he describes as a 'footy nerd' who maintains an infectious positivity in the team environment. According to Brown, Metcalf's potential has been unlocked through a combination of his innate talent, strong support network, and the right mindset. Through these, he has risen to become a key figure in the NZ Warriors' team.
Metcalf's journey to stardom, however, has been marred by unfortunate setbacks. In 2019, he suffered a devastating ACL injury, followed by two hamstring injuries in 2023. Then, in 2020, he broke his leg. Yet, despite these hurdles, he was able to rise to the occasion, leading the Warriors to an impressive 8-2 record and putting them in second place on the NRL ladder.
The former Warrior's success is testament to his resilience and determination. "The kid has been through some tough times, but he’s come out the other side by learning about his body and improving his professionalism," says Brown. "Now we’re seeing him succeed."
Brown also sees parallels between the current Warriors team and the one he was part of in 2011, which made it to the NRL grand final. This extends beyond the first-grade side. In 2011, the Warriors U20s won the grand final, while the reserve side lost in the New South Wales Cup decider. This year, the Warriors reserves are topping the table, while their under-17s have won back-to-back in the Harold Matthews Cup.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster is credited for the team's resurgence. His coaching style has been likened to Ivan Cleary's, who was the Warriors coach in 2011.
Brown believes that the club's culture and smart, mature style of play have been instrumental in its recent success. Despite the low expectations at the start of the 2025 season, the Warriors have defied the odds and delivered their best season start since 2002.
The upcoming match against the Canberra Raiders will be a special occasion for Brown, who has recently launched his own clothing line, Earls Collection. He was given the opportunity to design a jersey for the team to wear for the match. Called "Dear Warrior," the jersey is a tribute to all those who have found their way to the Warriors whānau.
Brown's return to the Warriors 12 years after leaving has been like a dream come true for him. The 'Dear Warrior' jersey has been such a hit that it became the fastest-selling jersey in Warriors history. Co-captain James Fisher Harris has even asked if they will wear it again, as he will be missing the weekend’s clash due to suspension.
The remarkable rise of Luke Metcalf and the Warriors' resurgence under Andrew Webster's leadership have given fans much to cheer about. As the season progresses, the Warriors will look to build on their momentum and keep their grand final dreams alive.
Metcalf's journey to stardom, however, has been marred by unfortunate setbacks. In 2019, he suffered a devastating ACL injury, followed by two hamstring injuries in 2023. Then, in 2020, he broke his leg. Yet, despite these hurdles, he was able to rise to the occasion, leading the Warriors to an impressive 8-2 record and putting them in second place on the NRL ladder.
The former Warrior's success is testament to his resilience and determination. "The kid has been through some tough times, but he’s come out the other side by learning about his body and improving his professionalism," says Brown. "Now we’re seeing him succeed."
Brown also sees parallels between the current Warriors team and the one he was part of in 2011, which made it to the NRL grand final. This extends beyond the first-grade side. In 2011, the Warriors U20s won the grand final, while the reserve side lost in the New South Wales Cup decider. This year, the Warriors reserves are topping the table, while their under-17s have won back-to-back in the Harold Matthews Cup.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster is credited for the team's resurgence. His coaching style has been likened to Ivan Cleary's, who was the Warriors coach in 2011.
Brown believes that the club's culture and smart, mature style of play have been instrumental in its recent success. Despite the low expectations at the start of the 2025 season, the Warriors have defied the odds and delivered their best season start since 2002.
The upcoming match against the Canberra Raiders will be a special occasion for Brown, who has recently launched his own clothing line, Earls Collection. He was given the opportunity to design a jersey for the team to wear for the match. Called "Dear Warrior," the jersey is a tribute to all those who have found their way to the Warriors whānau.
Brown's return to the Warriors 12 years after leaving has been like a dream come true for him. The 'Dear Warrior' jersey has been such a hit that it became the fastest-selling jersey in Warriors history. Co-captain James Fisher Harris has even asked if they will wear it again, as he will be missing the weekend’s clash due to suspension.
The remarkable rise of Luke Metcalf and the Warriors' resurgence under Andrew Webster's leadership have given fans much to cheer about. As the season progresses, the Warriors will look to build on their momentum and keep their grand final dreams alive.
