Luke Metcalf will rejoin former Sharks teammate Shaun Johnson at the New Zealand Warriors, with a two-year deal confirmed on Monday morning.
The deal will run throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons
The 22-year-old Sharks junior appeared in the final six games of the season for Cronulla, starting two games and scoring twice.
A NSW rep at both under 16 and 18 levels, Metcalf’s electrifying speed has long had him earmarked for the top grade, yet with Nicho Hynes coming to the club for 2022, Matt Moylan being re-signed, Will Kennedy owning the fullback position and Brayden Trindall impressing as a utility, Matcalf’s claim to a regular spot in the 17 was uncertain.
Hynes' position atop the halves heirarchy was confirmed by new Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon at a Sharks members event in late October.
“A lot of people wouldn’t know, but Nicho has only just started playing fullback in the last 12 to 18 months,” Fitzgibbon said.
“He actually grew up as a half, and he’s been a half most of his life. We signed him as a half.”
“We’ve got four really good halves on our books.
“I haven’t even watched a training session with our existing halves, but competition for spots makes everything competitive.
“We need to complement a style that makes Nicho look the same way he did this year because he’s pretty exciting. If he wears No,7 or No.6, I’m not going to change the way he plays.”
Enter the Warriors, who have also brought in Parramatta’s Marata Niukore from 2023 onwards, after missing out on Joseph Manu from the Roosters.
"With Luke we've been able to sign another terrific young talent," Warriors chief executive Cameron George said. "He has been on our radar for some time and will add huge value to our club from 2023."
“Luke was really impressive when he came into the NRL late in the season,” Warriors head coach Nathan Brown said in a statement.
“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.”
The Warriors will again be based in Australia for 2022, with their NRL game confirmed for June 18 against the Panthers.
The NRL released the draw for next season on Tuesday and the Warriors have been confirmed for five games at Mt Smart Stadium, all over the back end of the season.
The Warriors’ other games in Auckland are against Wests Tigers on July 3, the Storm on July 29, the Bulldogs on August 12 and they will be home for the final round of the season, hosting the Titans on September 3.
