Playmaker Luke Metcalf is back ahead of schedule for the New Zealand Warriors’ round-four clash with the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium on Friday night.
The 27-year-old’s 2025 campaign was ended by an ACL knee injury in the round 17 clash against the Broncos in Brisbane last June.
Initially slated to return as late as round 10 this season, his comeback came forward to round six last week and today he has been confirmed to slot straight back into the halves in partnership with in-form Tanah Boyd for the first time.
Boyd has again been named at halfback with Metcalf in the No 6 jersey, his return a major boost coming just a week after co-captain Mitchell Barnett came back from his knee injury to make his 50th appearance for the Warriors last Saturday.
Three other frontliners also return after missing the 38-12 win over Newcastle last week.
The Warriors are on top of the NRL table after three strong wins to start the season.
Warriors side
1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
3 Adam Pompey
4 Ali Leiataua
5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
6 Luke Metcalf
7 Tanah Boyd
8 James Fisher-Harris
9 Wayde Egan
10 Jackson Ford
11 Leka Halasima
12 Jacob Laban
13 Erin Clark
Interchange
14 Sam Healey
15 Mitchell Barnett
16 Demitric Vaimauga
17 Tanner Stowers-Smith
18 Marata Niukore
20 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Reserves
21 Taine Tuaupiki
22 Alofiana Khan-Pereira
23 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava