Luke Metcalf will make his much anticipated NZ Warriors NRL debut, coach Andrew Webster has revealed, starting at five-eighth against Brisbane Broncos in Napier on Saturday.
Metcalf, 24, was a coveted signing for the Warriors when he put pen to paper at the end of 2021, having to wait out 2022 with Cronulla Sharks before moving across the Tasman.
But a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season has kept Metcalf out of action for the Warriors' NRL campaign thus far.
However, off the back of Metcalf getting through 40 minutes for the Warriors' New South Wales Cup reserve grade side, Webster appears set to throw the youngster in the deep end for his full club debut.
Playing at halfback, Metcalf got through 41 minutes, scoring once and landing his only conversion attempt, breaking the line once, creating one linebreak assist and breaking four tackles on attack.
"I'll give you a scoop now, Luke's going to start at five-eighth this week," Webster said. "That's exciting.
"I'm just happy for Luke that he gets this opportunity. He's worked really hard to get there.
"Frustration, for me, has been more excitement for the next person who gets an opportunity. That's probably a better mindset than doom and gloom in who's not available.
"We've had that next man mindset that whoever plays in the jersey will do the job.
"Now it's Luke's turn."
Metcalf will likely partner Shaun Johnson in the halves, with the Warriors to confirm their side to face the Broncos later on Tuesday.
In his time with Cronulla, Metcalf played seven NRL games in two years, scoring three tries.
