NZ Warriors have bolstered their halves depth with the addition of promising Australian Luke Metcalf.
The club has confirmed Metcalf, 22, will join the Warriors on a two-year deal for the 2022 and 2023 NRL seasons.
Late last season, Metcalf made his first-grade debut with Cronulla Sharks, starting the final six games of their campaign in the absence of injured Shaun Johnson.
He featured in the Sharks' Round 21 loss to the Warriors, before putting himself on the map with a statement performance against Wests Tigers, scoring two tries and creating another in an emphatic 50-20 win.
Metcalf represented New South Wales at age-group level, developing through both the Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles junior ranks.
An ACL injury to his knee sidelined him for the entire 2019 season, returning in a training capacity only for the COVID-19-reduced 2020 campaign.
Warriors coach Nathan Brown says they've kept a patient eye on Metcalf, who can also play fullback, and are confident he'll add plenty to the squad.
"Luke was really impressive when he came into the NRL late in the season," says Brown.
"He had to wait for his chance after seeing next to no football in 2020 because of COVID, but he showed just why he has been so highly regarded coming through the grades with both the Sharks and Manly."
The Warriors believe they've unearthed another unpolished gem in the Coffs Harbours native.
"With Luke, we've been able to sign another terrific young talent,” says Warriors chief executive Cameron George. "He has been on our radar for some time and will add huge value to our club from 2023."
Metcalf's addition rounds out an encouraging week of recruitment for the Warriors, who have also added Parramatta Eels star Marata Niukore on a four-year deal, starting in 2023.
