Metcalf and Lussick extend deals
Pair sign contract extensions to remain with Warriors until end of next season
Playmaker Luke Metcalf has earned a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the New Zealand Warriors until the end of the 2026 NRL season. Confirmation of the 25-year-old’s new deal yesterday came after his 21st NRL appearance in Saturday night’s dramatic round-two defeat against Melbourne at AAMI Park.
“We identified Luke a long time ago as a player of tremendous potential,” said Andrew McFadden, the Warriors’ general manager of recruitment, pathways and development.
“From the early conversations with him right through to now, he has continued to impress us with his maturity and willingness to buy into everything we’re trying to build here.”
Head coach Andrew Webster said re-signing Metcalf meets the qualities the club seeks in their players.
“The talent is there for everyone to see, so from a football perspective, that’s exciting for us and the fans,” Webster said.
“Beyond that, Luke is exactly the type of person we want here at the club and we’re excited for him to continue to learn and develop under our staff and through the senior players he has around him.”
After making just seven appearances for the Sharks during 2021-22, Metcalf joined the Warriors for the 2023 campaign, scoring six tries in 12 games. He has started both this season’s matches.
“I’m really excited to extend. I don’t see myself going anywhere else,” Metcalf said. “I’m genuinely really happy here at the Warriors and in New Zealand. My partner loves it and we have something special building, so it was a no-brainer.
“I always just wanted someone to show me a bit of love and back me as a player.
“Obviously I have to put the hard work in, but when Webby had that chat with me and let me know like, ‘hey, we want you here long-term’, I knew in my heart extending here is what I wanted to do. I can’t wait to repay the faith they’ve shown in me.
“I grew up idolising Shaun Johnson and now he’s my teammate. It’s crazy. Then you add to that guys like Addin, Wayde, Roger . . . we’re building something pretty special here.”
Coffs Harbour-born Metcalf played Harold Matthews Cup, SG Ball Cup and NYC football for Cronulla during 2015-17, had a stint with Manly during 2018-20 and then returned to the Sharks, where he made his first-grade debut in 2021.
He lit up the New South Wales Cup in 2021 and 2022, scoring 21 tries in 22 matches.
News of Metcalf’s deal came a day after the Warriors announced hooker Freddy Lussick had also signed a twoyear contract extension.
The 23-year-old made his 36th career appearance and 25th for the Warriors when he started in the dummy half role for the injured Wayde Egan last weekend.
“Freddy has been a valuable member of our NRL squad since joining us when we were based in Queensland in 2022,” said McFadden. “He comes from a family which has an impressive background in the game, and as a player and a person, he provides exactly what we need.”
Webster said Lussick’s commitment to the club was impressive.
“Freddy does a tremendous job for us in every sense. His approach to training and improving his game during pre-season was outstanding.”
Lussick said he was committed to improving his game and contributing to the club’s goals.
“I’m extremely excited to extend my time here at the Warriors. As a team and club, it feels like we’re really clear in our direction.”
Lussick made his NRL debut with the Roosters in 2020 and also had two games on loan at the Dragons in 2021 before signing with the Warriors.
He’s the youngest of three Lussick brothers to fashion NRL careers.
The eldest, Darcy, played 117 NRL games for Manly and Parramatta during 2011-17 before turning out for Toronto, Salford and Featherstone.
Hooker Joey has played a handful of NRL games for Manly and Parramatta, sandwiched around stints with Salford and St Helens.
Their father Jason Lussick made three NRL appearances for Manly, in 1998 and 1999, two of which were against the Warriors.