Warriors coach Andrew Webster has declared he will not select Luke Metcalf for first-grade or NSW Cup duty until the halfback resolves his playing future, describing the situation as “dumb for business” to put the 27-year-old “in harm’s way”.
Metcalf’s uncertain future
Metcalf was considered a leading contender for the 2025 Dally M Medal before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in June last year. Since returning to full fitness this season, he has struggled to secure consistent NRL opportunities. The second-placed Warriors have lost both games Metcalf has played in 2025, while winning all six matches when Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita have started in the halves.
Although Metcalf re-signed with the club in October, he was granted permission this week to negotiate with rival clubs as he seeks a regular starting halfback role. Webster offered no update on the progress of those discussions.
Return from injury
After recovering from a hamstring injury, Metcalf was named on a six-man bench for the Warriors’ most recent clash against Parramatta but did not take the field. Webster has now made it clear that Metcalf will not feature in any team until his future is sorted.
“It’s dumb for business, to name people, to play people to put them in harm’s way when they haven’t got their future sorted,” Webster said. “The moment he does that, we’ll be having him available for selection, either NSW Cup or NRL.”
Potential destinations
Metcalf is unlikely to be released before the end of the season, but he has been linked with the winless St George Illawarra Dragons, as well as expansion franchises Perth and PNG. The last-placed Dragons are desperate for an elite half to ignite their attack, while the Bears’ roster lacks top-tier talent just months out from their first pre-season. A move to the Chiefs would give the Port Moresby side a formidable halves combination of Metcalf and Jarome Luai for 2028.
Webster’s stance
Webster acknowledged Metcalf’s desire to be the chief playmaker. “Luke wants to play NRL. He wants to be the guy who runs the team and steers them around,” he said. “He obviously doesn’t feel like he can get that here. And you know, we’ve lost two games, you know what I mean? The form (in his absence) has been unbelievable from everyone.”
The coach stressed that the situation is purely football-related. “This is not an argument or a blow-up or anything like that. I haven’t seen him train poorly or anything like that. It’s just unfortunate that form from other players has been exceptional, there’s been some injuries from Luke himself and then he now wants to explore where he wants to go from here.”
