The Warrior who needs a 'big game' in potential GF clash

Luke Metcalf is set to make his NRL return after four months, with Chad Townsend backing the halfback to lead the Warriors to a crucial win for their season.

After a career-best season which saw Metcalf lead the Dally M at stages before rupturing his ACL in Round 17, the 27-year-old has struggled to find game time in 2026.

Having missed the start of the season, Tanah Boyd was promoted into the No. 7 jersey and led the club through a stellar start to the season. This saw Metcalf shifted out to five-eighth for his return in Round 4 before then straining a hamstring in his second game back.

Following Boyd’s ACL rupture against the Broncos in Round 11, Te Maire Martin has held down the halfback spot throughout the season with Metcalf having only played NSW Cup since.

But with Martin sustaining a hamstring injury during training this week, coach Andrew Webster has recalled the former Shark to the starting line-up for his third NRL game this season.

With a big clash against a top four opponent in Penrith, the 2016 Premiership player believes Metcalf is capable of rising to the occasion to secure some crucial premiership points.

“Big game for Luke Metcalf,” Townsend told SEN’s Kick Off.

“He'll need to play well. The Warriors haven't won with Luke Metcalf in the side this year, so that tends to worry me a bit.”

“But I think the rise of the occasion, the home crowd, the way that this team has got themselves up, I think this is a game they can absolutely get themselves up for.”

“So, that's why I like them this week.”

The Warriors will host the Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Friday night with kick-off taking place at 6pm AEST.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 5pm across our radio network and on the SEN app.