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Metcalf sweepstakes begin as rivals line up for Warriors half
Alex Chapman • May 13th, 2026 3:37 pm
Better for the run: Luke Metcalf's combination with Tanah Boyd will only grow at the Warriors | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/AAP
Opposition teams are wasting little time to join the queue to try and sign Luke Metcalf.
In a 58-word statement, the Warriors announced late Tuesday that the club’s “acceded to a request from Luke Metcalf’s management to engage with other NRL clubs regarding his playing future from 2027 and beyond.”
And that engagement has swiftly begun.
Sport Nation understands the Australian half and his management are meeting with at least two NRL clubs over the next few days to discuss his future for next year and beyond.
It’s understood Metcalf and his representatives are due to catch up with the Bulldogs, whose general manager of football is renowned rugby league figure Phil Gould, while the bottom of the table Dragons are believed to also be in strong contention - if not the leading contenders - to land him, pending upcoming discussions.
The release of the 27-year-old would free up enormous cap space for the Warriors, after he last year signed a two-year extension which is due to kick in at the start of the 2027 season and is believed to be worth $900,000 per year.
What now for Luke Metcalf at the Warriors? | Running It Straight
At the time of the recommitment, Metcalf was recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, suffered in round 17 of the 2025 NRL season.
He had been leading the Dally M medal race at the time, with the Warriors keen to instil confidence in him and reward the form shown by offering a new contract, despite the long road back.
Metcalf’s decision to look outside of Mount Smart is reportedly due to being unable to be guaranteed of the Warriors’ seven jersey going forward.
Having not been fit to start the 2026 campaign, Metcalf made his return in round four – one of just two games he’s played.
Both were at five-eighth in losses to the Tigers and Sharks.
He had been leading the Dally M medal race at the time, with the Warriors keen to instil confidence in him and reward the form shown by offering a new contract, despite the long road back.
Metcalf’s decision to look outside of Mount Smart is reportedly due to being unable to be guaranteed of the Warriors’ seven jersey going forward.
Having not been fit to start the 2026 campaign, Metcalf made his return in round four – one of just two games he’s played.
Both were at five-eighth in losses to the Tigers and Sharks.
Tanah Boyd | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Metcalf suffered a hamstring injury in round five, and hasn’t been able to force his way back into the starting lineup since recovering.
In Metcalf’s place at halfback this season, Tanah Boyd has guided the side to seven wins in nine games as their chief playmaker.
The 25-year old’s had 10 try assists, nine line break assists and scored three tries, while he averages 537.7 kick metres and 71 run metres a game.
That form has, according to Australian media reports, seen him offered a contract extension through until the end of the 2029 NRL season.
Boyd signed a two-year deal from the Titans, which finishes at the end of 2026, and has made 87 career appearances, more than double that of Metcalf.
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