Luke Metcalf, Adam Pompey and Tom Ale review Wendy’s new Warriors-themed range

Playing top-flight rugby league can build a mean hunger.

When burger chain Wendy’s, a supporter of the Warriors for 18 years, this week launched a new range of menu items themed around the team, the Herald turned to the squad to get their ratings for the food.

Five new Warriors-inspired items have been added to the menu, including sweet and smoky chicken and beef burgers, onion rings, loaded fries and a Hokey Pokey frosty.

After receiving the thumbs-up from the team’s nutritionist, Warriors Tom Ale, Adam Pompey and Luke Metcalf entered uncharted territory by putting down the boots to become food reviewers.

Baconator fans Tom Ale, Adam Pompey and Luke Metcalf. Photo / Dean Purcell

The trio sat down with Herald reporter Ben Francis and shared their thoughts on the new menu items.

Before trying the food, the players went behind the counter to try their hands as fast-food workers.

They all agreed that the Baconator was their burger of choice after a Warriors match. But would their views change after trying the Warriors-inspired burgers?

After defeat to the Raiders last weekend, the Warriors this week welcome back co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett for Sunday’s round-13 NRL clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Fisher-Harris returns having served a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge in their win against the Redcliffe Dolphins, while Barnett will back up from playing State of Origin for New South Wales on Wednesday night.

Centre Rocco Berry also returns for the first time since round nine after overcoming a hamstring injury, replacing Ali Leiataua, who drops out of the side after one game back from an ankle injury.

The Warriors sit third on the NRL ladder with eight wins and three defeats this season, while the Rabbitohs are sixth with six wins and five losses.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.