NZ Warriors have moved quickly to secure the services of five-eighth Luke Metcalf for another two years through the 206 NRL season.
Metcalf, 25, joined the Auckland club last season from Cronulla Sharks, but his debut was delayed by injury, which returned to curtail his campaign early. In the meantime, he scored six tries in 12 appearances, hinting at his potential long-term value to the franchise.
"The talent is there for everyone to see, so from a football perspective, that's exciting for us and for the fans," said coach Andrew Webster. "Beyond that, Luke is exactly the type of person we want here at the club, and we're excited for him to continue to learn and develop under our staff, and through the senior players he has around him."
Metcalf entered this season competing against Te Maire Matin and Chanel Harris-Tavita for the No.6 jersey, outside star half Shaun Johnson. So far, he has made every post a winner, starting the Warriors' first two games and scoring a try against the Sharks in the opener.
"I'm really excited to extend," said Metcalf. "I don't see myself going anywhere else.
"I'm genuinely really happy here at the Warriors and here in New Zealand. My partner loves it and we have something special building, so it was a no-brainer.
"I always just wanted someone to show me a bit of love and back me as a player. Obviously, I have to put the hard work in myself, but when Webby had that chat with me and let me know, like, 'Hey, we want you here long term', I knew in my heart extending here is what I wanted to do. "I can't wait to re-pay the faith they've shown in me."
With Johnson, 33, currently on a one-year contract, Metcalf looms as a possible replacement, if and when he hangs up his boots.
"I grew up idolising Shaun Johnson and now he's my teammate," he said. "It's crazy.
"Then you add to that guys like Addin, Wayde, Roger… we're building something pretty special here."
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