Luke Metcalf STAYS with the Warriors - signs extension

Luke Metcalf has locked in his long-term future, signing a two-year contract extension with the One New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2028 NRL season.

The 26-year-old halfback was off contract at the end of 2026 and tipped to attract major interest from rivals once he hit the open market.

Instead, he’s chosen to stay put in Auckland and build on what he started under Andrew Webster.

It’s a major retention win for the club ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Warriors secure key playmaker

“We’re absolutely thrilled Luke will be with us for another three seasons,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George.

“It’s a critical signing which underlines how much Luke means to us and equally how much the club means to him and his family.”

Metcalf’s breakout 2025 season saw him lead the Dally M Medal count with 31 points when voting went behind closed doors.

An ACL injury in Round 17 ended his campaign early, but he still finished eighth overall on 41 points.

“What we saw from Luke this season reinforced our thinking from the outset about his huge potential,” said Warriors GM of recruitment Andrew McFadden.

“What we’ve always admired about him is his knowledge of the game and his keenness to be involved in all we’re doing to take the club forward.”

Webster’s faith rewarded

Taking charge as the Warriors’ chief playmaker, Metcalf produced 117 points in 15 games with eight tries, 42 goals and a field goal.

He also notched nine try assists, eight line breaks and 28 tackle busts.

“Luke’s signing is really important for our club’s future,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.

“He showed this season the impact he had on our side and, with the right luck with injury, I know he’ll improve again and be dominant.”

Metcalf said the faith shown by the club’s leadership was a decisive factor.

“I’m so lucky to have a coach like Webby and a CEO like Cam who trust and believe in me,” he said.

“They gave me the chance to be a halfback and the keys to the team. That’s something I’ve only ever wanted in my career.”

Chasing history in Auckland

Metcalf said the ultimate goal of winning the Warriors’ first premiership was central to his decision.

“There's that lingering thing of trying to win the Warriors their first comp,” he said.

“You want to go down in history as one of the greatest teams and greatest players to play the game.”

Since joining the Warriors, Metcalf has added 34 NRL games to his career tally, winning 23 of them.

“I’m really happy to get it sorted and get it done,” he said.

“We've got a really good team here and I think we can do something special.”

Metcalf said his time in New Zealand has become deeply personal.

“The way the New Zealand public have taken me in ... I love the whole place,” he said.

“I came here with my partner, we’ve had a baby and created a home away from home here.”