The Warriors have continued their impressive recruitment drive by snaring promising Sharks playmaker Luke Metcalf on a two-year deal from 2023.
Metcalf, who has played six NRL matches and debuted for Cronulla this year, could form a halves partnership with former Sharks teammate Shaun Johnson at the Warriors.
However, he is set to play out the 2022 season at Cronulla, with the 22-year-old among the likes of Braydon Trindall and Matt Moylan vying to combine with new five-eighth Nicho Hynes.
“Luke was really impressive when he came into the NRL late in the season,” Warriors coach Nathan Brown said in a statement released on Monday.
“He had to wait for his chance after seeing next to no football in 2020 because of COVID but he showed just why he has been so highly regarded coming through the grades with both the Sharks and Manly.”
Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed Metcalf, who impressed with his speed and skill at the 2020 Perth Nines tournament for the Sea Eagles, had been “on our radar for some time”.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“With Luke we’ve been able to sign another terrific young talent,” George said.
The acquisition of Metcalf adds to the doubt around the futures of playmakers Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita, both unsigned beyond next season.
The Warriors have also signed former Titans halfback Ash Taylor to a train-and-trial deal with an option for a top 30 roster position in 2022.
With Johnson returning to the club and seemingly guaranteed the number seven jersey, it leaves the Warriors with some tough decisions to make.
They have revamped their squad with talent including Reece Walsh, Addin Fonua-Blake, Matt Lodge, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Bayley Sironen coming aboard in 2021.
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