Luke Metcalf hungry to step up for New Zealand Warriors in post-Shaun Johnson era, potential SuperCoach target

Shaun Johnson’s retirement at the Warriors has created a huge SuperCoach opportunity for a Warriors half, who could be a perfect mid-range money-making option for your team.

The mentorship of a Manly legend has led New Zealand Warriors half Luke Metcalf to declare he is ready to show the NRL there’s life after Shaun Johnson.

Immense talent with a dash of unknown is how the Warriors will begin their 2025 season following the retirement of Johnson and exit of Dally M Prop of the Year, Addin Fonua-Blake.

However, in the eyes of Metcalf, this is the moment for which he’s waited his whole life.

While Warriors head coach Andrew Webster is refusing to declare who among Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin, Titans recruit Tanah Boyd and Metcalf will start in the halves, it’s the former NSW under-18s halfback who wants to take complete control of the new-look side.

“Everyone looks at my speed, but growing up I was always an organising half that did all the kicking, all the talking and that’s something that just feels natural in me,’’ Metcalf said.

“I’ve been able to get a team around the field and I’ve been able to take over kicking duties whether it’s goalkicking, kicking field goals or general-play kicking, I want to be that guy.

Luke Metcalf has declared he’s ready to step up in the post-Shaun Johnson era. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Hopefully I can stamp my authority with that.’’

Metcalf said his development under Test star Daly Cherry-Evans, while progressing through the lower grades at Manly in 2018-19, had been career-defining.

“I feel like I’ve had some pretty good mentors over the years to get me ready to where I am now and I feel like I’m ready to take on that responsibility,’’ Metcalf said.

“A big influence for me was Daly Cherry-Evans when I first went to Manly when I was an 18-year-old.

“He set a standard for me in what it takes to be an elite halfback and an elite player in the game.

“He was the Queensland halfback at the time and was always the last off the field, doing kicking drills and setting that elite standard.

“That showed me as a youngster, that’s what I have to do, if not more.’’

Having managed 26 first-grade games across four seasons, largely due to knee and hamstring injuries, Metcalf being the ultimate professional that he is, is leaving no stone unturned in his planning for 2025.

“I feel really good, my determination and mentality is still the same, I know that if I stay injury-free, I know what I can deliver on the field and I’m excited to show it,’’ Metcalf said.

“We’ve got four really good halves so if we all just combine over the pre-season and put our knowledge together, then whoever is there will get the job done.’’

Originally published as Luke Metcalf hungry to step up for New Zealand Warriors in post-Shaun Johnson era, potential SuperCoach target