Breakthrough Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf has penned a two-year contract extension with the Auckland NRL club amid speculation over his future in New Zealand.
The 26-year-old became somewhat of a cult hero during the 2025 NRL season after being named as successor to Shaun Johnson in the No 7 jersey.
He led the Dally M Medal race halfway through the season before an ACL injury in the Warriors’ round 17 loss to the Brisbane Broncos sidelined him for the remaining nine regular season NRL games.
Metcalf finished his 15-game campaign with 117 points from eight tries, 42 goals and a field goal. He also averaged 71m a game and had nine try assists, eight line breaks and 28 tackle breaks.
The announcement comes just over a week before Metcalf was due to become a free agent, with overseas media reporting interest from New South Wales-based side St George Illawarra Dragons.
The new deal means Metcalf will be with the Warriors through to the end of the 2028 NRL season.
“As a family we couldn’t be happier to extend our stay here in Auckland with the Warriors. We love it here,” Metcalf said.
“I have so much to thank Webby [coach Andrew Webster] for as well as our football staff and my teammates. It’s a great club to be part of and I want to be here to continue what we’ve started as well as repaying the faith everyone has shown in me.”
Halfback Luke Metcalf suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the Warriors' round 17 loss to the Brisbane Broncos. Photo / Photosport
Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club was “absolutely thrilled” to have locked Metcalf in for another three seasons.
“It’s a critical signing which underlines how much Luke means to us and equally how much the club means to him and his family.”
Webster said the playmaker’s signing was “really important” for the future of the Warriors.
“He showed this season the impact he had on our side and, with the right luck with injury, I know he’ll improve again and be dominant.
“I’m so happy he and his family have faith in us to go to the next level.”
Warriors’ general manager of recruitment, pathways and development, Andrew McFadden, said the club admired Metcalf’s knowledge of the game and keenness to be involved in taking the club forward.
“What we saw from Luke this season reinforced our thinking from the outset about his huge potential – and he still has lots more development in him.”
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers sport and breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
