‘It was a no-brainer’: Luke Metcalf signs new deal with the Warriors

Luke Metcalf just wanted a club to show him a bit of love, and that’s exactly what the Warriors have done, with the five-eighth extending his stay across the ditch.

Luke Metcalf is staying in New Zealand for another two years after the five-eighth agreed to a new deal with the Warriors. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

The Warriors have moved swiftly to extend Luke Metcalf’s contract, with the speedy five-eighth signing on for a further two seasons after an impressive start to the year alongside his idol, Shaun Johnson.

Metcalf moved to the Warriors in 2023 but was limited to just 12 appearances due to hamstring concerns, but he appears to have put those behind him with the 25-year-old looking sharp in the opening two rounds.

The five-eighth scored a try against his former club in round 1 and then set up another one in Saturday’s thrilling loss to the Storm.

Luke Metcalf is staying with the Warriors after agreeing to a new deal. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

“I’m really excited to extend. I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” he said.

“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 repay the faith they’ve shown in me.

“I grew up idolising Shaun Johnson and now he’s my teammate. It’s crazy.”

Metcalf battled injuries last season but has started 2024 with a bang. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Metcalf is now locked in until the end of the 2026 season and takes yet another star half off a player market that is getting thinner by the day.

“The talent is there for everyone to see, so from a football perspective that’s exciting for us and for the fans,” Warriors coach Andrew Webster said.

“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.”