I don't know about any of you guys but I actually feel sorry for Metcalf a little bit. He just re-signed not long ago and now he's gonna cut his stay short. I reckon he genuinely liked it here. Nobody could have predicted Boyd was gonna play so well and keep Metcalf out of the team. Its a shame he didn't want to give 5/8 a go. No player is before the team. If Boyd does get injured who is gonna be backup half with no Metcalf here?
Highlighted posts
As I said days ago, while a lot of fans are getting emotional and angry, Webster is calm and mature about the whole thing. We should follow that lead.
'Treat him with respect': Webster's message to Warriors fans over Metcalf
'I know he's very grateful for this club and loves this club.'www.nzherald.co.nz
This 100%. Competition for places in squads is healthy, but this is such a unique situation. Boyd can now have the confidence he isn't just in a caretaking role.
And for Metcalf I don't begrudge what's transpired. He could've stayed with Cronulla but took the risk in coming here, bought into the NZ culture and wanted to be one to make a difference. I've always had admiration for players we've had like that. But the succession of injuries has sadly curtailed it all. He's 27 now so the next year and a half is crucial for him to turn a career of what could've been into a great one and he will make a difference at the Dragons if he can stay fit.
'Treat him with respect': Webster's message to Warriors fans over Metcalf
'I know he's very grateful for this club and loves this club.'
Surplus to requirements I think
Happy with a halves group of
Boyd
CHT
TMM
Cleary
With Linnane and Thompson in line too
And if CHT leaves I think we need to sign someone to fill that spot, or go all in on Cleary
It has been reported he will sign with the dragons and move there immediately.
Dippa
👍
As quickly as Luke Metcalf has been flying back and forth to Sydney to sort out his next move, I think Warriors fans should just as quickly shift their energy towards backing Tanah Boyd this weekend against the Broncos. This is a massive opportunity for Boyd to put in a high-quality performance and help solidify the club’s decision to view him as the halfback moving forward.
And as a bonus, if Tanah can keep building form and force his way into the wider Queensland conversation, that would only validate the club’s call even further.
And as a bonus, if Tanah can keep building form and force his way into the wider Queensland conversation, that would only validate the club’s call even further.
The guy never complained (publicly)
And made a good fist of playing prop in that grade.
Lussick now playing FG for Penrith.
A team first guy?
I am starting get Blake Green vibes and thinking good riddance
If you read the press release (bolded by me):
The One New Zealand Warriors have acceded to a request from Luke Metcalf’s management to engage with other NRL clubs regarding his playing future from 2027 and beyond.
“We will not make any further comment on this matter until a further update is provided by Luke and or his management,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
This is George pointing the finger at the player and management forcing the club's unwilling hand. Any questions? - go talk to Luke and his manager, not us
Hope he signs a new deal quickly and GTFO of MSS
If you read the press release (bolded by me):
The One New Zealand Warriors have acceded to a request from Luke Metcalf’s management to engage with other NRL clubs regarding his playing future from 2027 and beyond.
“We will not make any further comment on this matter until a further update is provided by Luke and or his management,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
This is George pointing the finger at the player and management forcing the club's unwilling hand. Any questions? - go talk to Luke and his manager, not us
Hope he signs a new deal quickly and GTFO of MSS
I don’t think the Warriors will play Metcalf again in any grade until his deal for next year and beyond is fully sorted. The risk is too high. If he does his ACL again, potential suitors could walk away and the club may be left paying his 2027 wages while he rehabs and can’t play. This whole drama is probably a blessing in disguise for the club. Metcalf is very clearly not a team-first player and the types of injuries he has had tend to compound over time, making him way more vulnerable as his career goes on.
Beyond that, while he had plenty of personal highlight moments in 2025, the Warriors were generally eking out wins with him at halfback. The attack was predictable and flat, and despite his own view of himself, he never looked like a natural organiser. It is also telling that he was picking up Dally M points but not Players’ Player awards. The Dally Ms are media-driven, and once the media finds a narrative it likes, it tends to hammer it. Last season that narrative was “Metcalf is on fire”, so even when he was clearly not one of the best players on the field, he kept getting votes.
Webby brought him straight back into the side ahead of an in-form CHT, stuck with him for a second game despite a poor return, and then carried him on the bench while the team was on a three-match winning run. The Warriors also re-signed him on a major deal despite him barely playing first grade across seven years and being out injured for the season at the time. In the clearer light of time, I think he might look back and regret how this all played out.
The Warriors have dodged a bullet here. They get Boyd for less money, a genuine team player on the rise, and they reopen a pathway for Jett and Jack Thompson that looked blocked for several years. They can also upgrade some of the talented juniors coming through and look to strengthen areas of genuine need, like centre and fullback, at least until Ratcliffe is ready to take that spot.
Beyond that, while he had plenty of personal highlight moments in 2025, the Warriors were generally eking out wins with him at halfback. The attack was predictable and flat, and despite his own view of himself, he never looked like a natural organiser. It is also telling that he was picking up Dally M points but not Players’ Player awards. The Dally Ms are media-driven, and once the media finds a narrative it likes, it tends to hammer it. Last season that narrative was “Metcalf is on fire”, so even when he was clearly not one of the best players on the field, he kept getting votes.
Webby brought him straight back into the side ahead of an in-form CHT, stuck with him for a second game despite a poor return, and then carried him on the bench while the team was on a three-match winning run. The Warriors also re-signed him on a major deal despite him barely playing first grade across seven years and being out injured for the season at the time. In the clearer light of time, I think he might look back and regret how this all played out.
The Warriors have dodged a bullet here. They get Boyd for less money, a genuine team player on the rise, and they reopen a pathway for Jett and Jack Thompson that looked blocked for several years. They can also upgrade some of the talented juniors coming through and look to strengthen areas of genuine need, like centre and fullback, at least until Ratcliffe is ready to take that spot.
These clauses wouldnt exist
This is exactly what happened. Wont be written in stone but its obvious to me. Metcalf is a massive injury risk. We had to roll that dice last year, we dont now.
Some how the club has managed to have its cake and eat it too. We signed Mets as the reigning halfback when it looked like we had no other options, and when we found another option, we managed to replace him AND punt his contract. TBH i'm kinda impressed
Definitely hoping cht re-signs but if he was to leave burton would be a perfect replacement- big ball running 5/8, also has a left foot (and not any old left foot) I reckon he’d kill it here next to Boyd and under Webby- he’s been playing without a halfback at the dogs.
Could do an immediate trade and play him at center this year before taking over the 6 from cht next year.
Still only 26… should be coming into his best years.
I’d imagine Webby worked with him at Penrith.
Could do an immediate trade and play him at center this year before taking over the 6 from cht next year.
Still only 26… should be coming into his best years.
I’d imagine Webby worked with him at Penrith.
Davo
🎲
Feel good about the way this is all panning out. Impressed with the Warriors managements stance and strategy.
Boyd is a key component in this Warriors success story, he's doing his job and doing it very well.
Metcalf might have been equally as good on his return, maybe better we'll never know.
Our strength in depth and philosophy of next man up is a revelation, as is the vibe.
As NRL 360 tonight referenced we're not afraid to let players go for the greater good and we have integrity and respect.
Boyd is a key component in this Warriors success story, he's doing his job and doing it very well.
Metcalf might have been equally as good on his return, maybe better we'll never know.
Our strength in depth and philosophy of next man up is a revelation, as is the vibe.
As NRL 360 tonight referenced we're not afraid to let players go for the greater good and we have integrity and respect.
Stgeorgenz
🛡️
Dave Riccio just said his mail is CHT will resign with the Warriors. He’s very close with Warriors mgmt so I’d assume it’s close to being done
RiceOwl
👍
I can’t help but not enjoy this whole situation, but somehow feel it will be the best for all parties.
I had the pleasure of meeting Luke and chatting to him for some time at the Canberra game before his comeback and he was an approachable, affable young guy who clearly was passionate about playing footie. He clearly has big dreams, which I admired, but clearly that was only to play 7 and drive a team around the park. I don’t begrudge him for wanting to chase that dream if that’s the case. No hate on the guy from me. I had just really hoped he would be that guy for us, even though I often had my doubts about his ability as a true 7. He clearly loved it here and seemed to have a tight bond with many players, so am hoping it doesn’t rock the ship too much. Can only wish the guy the best.
On Boyd, I really admire the guys approach and work ethic to just knuckle down and nail this opportunity. When he signed I was hopeful he would kick on with us to reach his potential after recalling him in the AUS schoolboys jersey that tore the Jnr Kiwis up able ago. He 100% has my support now, and imo is a true 7 that suits our style of play currently.
Chitty - I think his form also threw a spanner in the works for LM. As it shows when LM got game time at 6 how important a strong defensive 6 is. Will be interested to see his next move.
The Club - I wouldn’t be surprised if Robbo has had some significant involvement here as well. Just comes across as the type of guy who doesn’t fk about when something is having a negative influence on culture.
Professional sport can be a ruthless business sometimes.
I had the pleasure of meeting Luke and chatting to him for some time at the Canberra game before his comeback and he was an approachable, affable young guy who clearly was passionate about playing footie. He clearly has big dreams, which I admired, but clearly that was only to play 7 and drive a team around the park. I don’t begrudge him for wanting to chase that dream if that’s the case. No hate on the guy from me. I had just really hoped he would be that guy for us, even though I often had my doubts about his ability as a true 7. He clearly loved it here and seemed to have a tight bond with many players, so am hoping it doesn’t rock the ship too much. Can only wish the guy the best.
On Boyd, I really admire the guys approach and work ethic to just knuckle down and nail this opportunity. When he signed I was hopeful he would kick on with us to reach his potential after recalling him in the AUS schoolboys jersey that tore the Jnr Kiwis up able ago. He 100% has my support now, and imo is a true 7 that suits our style of play currently.
Chitty - I think his form also threw a spanner in the works for LM. As it shows when LM got game time at 6 how important a strong defensive 6 is. Will be interested to see his next move.
The Club - I wouldn’t be surprised if Robbo has had some significant involvement here as well. Just comes across as the type of guy who doesn’t fk about when something is having a negative influence on culture.
Professional sport can be a ruthless business sometimes.
Deliberately used to let everyone know Metcalf was DEMANDING a release and there is nothing compassionate or mutual about itHands up those of you who didn’t know what acceded meant.
CG - use plain english next time
