NRL

He’s been an unused reserve five times and hasn’t seen NRL action since way back in Round 5.

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But Luke Metcalf is set for just his third NRL appearance of 2026 when the Warriors host the Panthers on Friday night in Auckland following a late change in the Wahs’ Round 23 squad.

One of Andrew Webster’s most important players just a season ago, Metcalf has tumbled down the Warriors playmaking pecking order after a season-ending ACL injury in 2025 followed by the spectacular rise of back-up No.7 Tanah Boyd.

Even when Boyd suffered an ACL of his own in Round 11 this season, Metcalf was overlooked for 30-year-old Te Maire Martin who has partnered Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves since Round 12.

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Exiled in NSW Cup for much of 2026, it was a situation that ultimately saw Metcalf sign with the Dragons from 2027 after being granted an early release from his Warriors contract.

The 27-year-old will start in the halves for the first time since April with Te Maire Martin a late withdrawal after suffering a calf injury at training this week.

Meanwhile the Panthers have also been forced to make a late change in the halves, with Blaize Talagi named to make surprise return at five-eighth with Jack Cogger remaining in Sydney for the imminent birth of his child.

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