Halfback Luke Metcalf could be out the door at the Warriors.
Metcalf has been given permission from the NRL club to explore his options for next season.
Tanah Boyd starred for the Warriors in Metcalf's original injury absence this year and since his return has kept last year's first choice halfback out of his favoured position.
Daily Telegraph sportswriter David Riccio joined D'Arcy to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talk zed.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Be Bombshell News Today. And I could tell because of
the looks on the faces of the staff in the
building when they pointed it out to me on the screen,
and they all had slack jaws, and I know why.
It was reported that Warrior's harpac Luke Metcalf's management as
approached the Warriors requesting our permission to explore us options
with our NRL clubs regards as playing future as early
(00:34):
as next season. That release came out from the Warriors
going you know what, fine, go talk. He was also
a notable omission from the playing twenty three named for
this weekend's Magic Round fixture against the Brisbane Broncos. Lot
to look at. David Riccio, as the chief sports rater
with the Daily Telegraph, is also an agitator on NRL
(00:56):
three sixty. He joins us now, good day, David.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Yeah, good afternoon and good evening. I should say, mate,
good to have me on. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Yeah, and love talking to you on our bean once,
but we'll do it again. So this story, which has
now been released, the interesting term out of the Warriors.
The one New Zealand Warriors have acceded to a request
from Luke Metcalf's management, so they basically equiesced, they gave
up the ensure whatever you want go.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yeah. Look, look, this has been bubbling along in the
background of the Warriors for I would say about two
to three weeks now on the basis that there was
always their intention to extend the future of their starting
half back Tannerboid. Now, as soon as that became public,
as far as the plans by the Warriors to continue
(01:46):
their future with Tanner at half back, that immediately put
Luke Metcalf's situation and his position within the team at risk.
I would say at risk. And I say that respectfully
because Luke was he was leading the dally Ms this
time last year before again unfortunately injury kurtail the back
(02:07):
end of the season. But ultimately this is a case
of Luke Metcalf believing the act that he is and
is quality enough to be a starting half back in
the NRL. And right now the Warriors are sticking with
Tanner Boyd. And you can probably make an argument on
whatever side of defense you sit. Really, I don't think
(02:27):
that I think the Warriors are only the winners in
this situation because they're spoiled for choice in many regards. Look,
it is a significant development that Luke Metcalfe has sought
permission to talk with rival clubs, and no doubt he
will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
When you look at this and you look at the
fact that it's very rare, but we had a case
where Webby head coach Webster came out and said, look,
I'm sticking with my starting halves and named them. This
is a couple of weeks back. That's quite rare for
web and in the NRAL in general. So it's almost
like that was the straw that broke the Camel's back
(03:06):
cause management Camels.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Yeah, yeah, that's a great indication that where Andrew Webster
was heading with his team with his spine and didn't
want to upset the Apple card. I can understand that.
I mean, they've been playing good football and you know,
there's nothing to suggest that Tanner Boyd deserves being dropped
etil you could make a case from trying to find
(03:30):
a home for both Tanner Boyd and Luke metcalf in
the team. But I come back to my original point. Look,
Metcalfe believes that he is the main man. He can
run the team, He can be the top dog that
leads the Warriors across the park. And he says that
because he's proven he can do it. And so from
his point of view, I can understand where he's coming
(03:51):
from that. I think with great respect too to his
teammate Tanner Boyd, who I know he has a good
relationship with. He doesn't want to be trying to start
for his game, styiny his game, you surp him and
push Tanner to the sixth years when ultimately Tanner's best
football is at halfback as well. The key here is, look,
(04:12):
metcalf is not going to struggle to pick up another club,
and so I think that the timing is everything. And
Luke's made the call that if you're going to stick
with Tanner, well, I will take my future elsewhere.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Coming around the office saying well, basically, met Cars made
a glass. Historically, he's not played a great deal because
he keeps breaking down. Is that fair do you think, David.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
Well history, Your history shows he's had a run of injuries.
He has the cats to it is. He's so alluring.
He's so talented that football clubs want him. Football clubs
want him in their team because he can. He's genuine
X factor speed is an incredible commodity in rugby league,
and he's got copious amounts of it despite his injuries.
(04:56):
Can you let's put that into context? Despite his injuries
and so significant have they been and so consistent have
they been? Everything good time he comes back, that genuine
speed still exists. Now. I know he's had a setback
more recently on his comeback, but I'd back him to
come back and play well. I think. I think the
(05:18):
catch for Luke is where he turns up next is
are they willing to pay the almost million dollar figure
that he's currently on at the Warriors. That's probably the
probably the only galamba for Luke. Will he be able
to get the same money at another club? Given, as
I said, just the consistency of his injuries?
Speaker 2 (05:37):
So what other club who's got the money, who's got
the hole in the cap, who extually would reach out
to someone like Metcalf and say, you know what we're
going to home for you over here? What was options
do you think, David?
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Yeah? Straight away, the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs and the Saint
George La Warrior Dragons. They're the two clubs that have
emerged in quick time with serious interest in Luke Metcalf.
And if I have to have a wager, I'm learning
towards the can every Bulldogs given their current climate, with
their halves, their current form, and also to just their
(06:10):
progression plan for their next in line halves in the club,
they're probably just not ready for NRL and the addition
of the Luke Metcalf immediately adds speed, adds experience, and
it probably takes the pressure off Lochlan Galvin given the
incredible spotlight that he has been under ever since he
arrived at the club. So I've got the bull Dogs
(06:30):
just in front of the Dragons, who for obvious reasons
need a Luke Metcalf at their club.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
And about four or five more, dare I say? David
Riccio joins the State of Telegraph Chief sports writer. When
you lose someone like that and the Warriors let them
go without too much of a fight, now does that
say to you? It says to me, if a guy
doesn't want to be there, he doesn't want to be there,
(06:56):
let him go. Is that basically what's happened because this
is not unusual is it? In rugby league?
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Yeah, I think there's a genuine element of that. Rugby
league clubs tend to lean that way, where roster spots
are like diamonds in your salary cap because the NREL
operates under a salary cap system, and given Luke's significant salary,
being top three four highest paid players at the Warriors
(07:22):
and knowing that he's sitting in jersey number eighteen or
number nineteen whenever Tanner Boyd and Chanel Harris to be
are playing, the Warriors as a football club have to
ask the question is this this is financially viable from
a salary cap point of view in keeping this player
at our club? Can we make it work for us? Now?
(07:42):
When I say that, when this key continues down the
negotiation phase for Luke Metcalf and where he turns up next,
is there something in it for the Warriors? Is there
the potential? Because right now as we stand, there is
no interest in letting Luke go immediately, that is at
the end of this season, and that's based on the
(08:02):
fact that the Warriors have a clear belief that they
can go and win a premiership. This year and should
anything happened to Tanner Boy, Luke Matcarp will come straight in.
But in the interim, if the Warriors can get something
out of the buying club of met Carp, this could
expediate his exit. It really could. Is there a player
at the Bulldogs at the Warrior's need? Is there a
player at the Dragons the Warrior's needs? So I think
(08:24):
it's all it's all salary cap management. And as you said,
there's not much point having a player at the club
that doesn't want to be there and wants to go
and become a starting half back at another club.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Next cabs off the rank. I mean you look to
young Luke Hanson of course is to mighty Martin and
conversation as Jet Cleary to young or is he ready
do you think come next season?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah? Look so far are all my discussions with the
Warriors coaching staff and their Pathways program. Is that Jet
he's definitely developing. Jet Cleary definitely developing. Is he ready
for NRL? Well maybe probably not yet. Certainly tomorrow Martin
would be next in line should anything happen, and clearly
(09:10):
he needs to get back onto the football field. Luke
Hanson we've seen bits and pieces off in the NRL
so far. It's not as though Luke Metcalfe's departure leaves
the Warriors high and dry. There's definite options there. But
I think it's a case of if they were to
remove Luke Metcar's salary from their cap next season, there's
(09:31):
about nine hundred thousand dollars for the Warriors to go
and spend next year on the open market. So it
puts them right back in the frame to pick up
a marquee player.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Let's wind this up, David, thanks very much for joining us.
With the last thought on this, you said that there
are gaps in the Warriors roster. Maybe they can look
at some kind of negotiation. As far as you're concerned,
where are the gaps in this roster?
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Yeah, well, I've got to say they look they're looking.
I don't see too many flaws at the moment. And
I say that in considerations the outstanding pedigree of players
that are coming through the Warriors system and what the
Warriors would be loath to do is blocked that path
of a hugely talented now Dimitric Bayman, la Ahalaesima, et cetera.
(10:24):
So they have to be careful and it's probably just
a matter of what does life look like without Roger
Tuvasask in the team? Is there is there an outstanding
outside back across the NRL that the Warriors could pick up?
As I said, that's that's that state of origin player
quality eight hundred nine hundred thousand dollars players. So if
(10:46):
they're smart and they play their cards right, they could
actually finish in front here knowing that Tannaboid is doing
the current job that they're in, you know, inside the
top eight finals bound at this stage, and then go
and add to their roster with a representative player following
the departure of Metcalf. So could it could turn into
real win for the Worries.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
How you want to hear more about this you can.
David Ricky is not only the chief sports writer of
the Daily Telegraph, he's an agitator on NRL threex C
sixty eight ninety zellan time, he'll be on there talking
about this exact topic. David, always a pleasure, Thanks for
your time.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Anytime, absolutely otherwise.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
For more from sports Talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio,
You're listening to the sports Talk podcast with Dancy Wildergrave
from News Talk zed.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Be Bombshell News Today. And I could tell because of
the looks on the faces of the staff in the
building when they pointed it out to me on the screen,
and they all had slack jaws, and I know why.
It was reported that Warrior's harpac Luke Metcalf's management as
approached the Warriors requesting our permission to explore us options
with our NRL clubs regards as playing future as early
(00:34):
as next season. That release came out from the Warriors
going you know what, fine, go talk. He was also
a notable omission from the playing twenty three named for
this weekend's Magic Round fixture against the Brisbane Broncos. Lot
to look at. David Riccio, as the chief sports rater
with the Daily Telegraph, is also an agitator on NRL
(00:56):
three sixty. He joins us now, good day, David.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Yeah, good afternoon and good evening. I should say, mate,
good to have me on. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (01:04):
Yeah, and love talking to you on our bean once,
but we'll do it again. So this story, which has
now been released, the interesting term out of the Warriors.
The one New Zealand Warriors have acceded to a request
from Luke Metcalf's management, so they basically equiesced, they gave
up the ensure whatever you want go.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Yeah. Look, look, this has been bubbling along in the
background of the Warriors for I would say about two
to three weeks now on the basis that there was
always their intention to extend the future of their starting
half back Tannerboid. Now, as soon as that became public,
as far as the plans by the Warriors to continue
(01:46):
their future with Tanner at half back, that immediately put
Luke Metcalf's situation and his position within the team at risk.
I would say at risk. And I say that respectfully
because Luke was he was leading the dally Ms this
time last year before again unfortunately injury kurtail the back
(02:07):
end of the season. But ultimately this is a case
of Luke Metcalf believing the act that he is and
is quality enough to be a starting half back in
the NRL. And right now the Warriors are sticking with
Tanner Boyd. And you can probably make an argument on
whatever side of defense you sit. Really, I don't think
(02:27):
that I think the Warriors are only the winners in
this situation because they're spoiled for choice in many regards. Look,
it is a significant development that Luke Metcalfe has sought
permission to talk with rival clubs, and no doubt he
will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Speaker 2 (02:44):
When you look at this and you look at the
fact that it's very rare, but we had a case
where Webby head coach Webster came out and said, look,
I'm sticking with my starting halves and named them. This
is a couple of weeks back. That's quite rare for
web and in the NRAL in general. So it's almost
like that was the straw that broke the Camel's back
(03:06):
cause management Camels.
Speaker 3 (03:08):
Yeah, yeah, that's a great indication that where Andrew Webster
was heading with his team with his spine and didn't
want to upset the Apple card. I can understand that.
I mean, they've been playing good football and you know,
there's nothing to suggest that Tanner Boyd deserves being dropped
etil you could make a case from trying to find
(03:30):
a home for both Tanner Boyd and Luke metcalf in
the team. But I come back to my original point. Look,
Metcalfe believes that he is the main man. He can
run the team, He can be the top dog that
leads the Warriors across the park. And he says that
because he's proven he can do it. And so from
his point of view, I can understand where he's coming
(03:51):
from that. I think with great respect too to his
teammate Tanner Boyd, who I know he has a good
relationship with. He doesn't want to be trying to start
for his game, styiny his game, you surp him and
push Tanner to the sixth years when ultimately Tanner's best
football is at halfback as well. The key here is, look,
(04:12):
metcalf is not going to struggle to pick up another club,
and so I think that the timing is everything. And
Luke's made the call that if you're going to stick
with Tanner, well, I will take my future elsewhere.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
Coming around the office saying well, basically, met Cars made
a glass. Historically, he's not played a great deal because
he keeps breaking down. Is that fair do you think, David.
Speaker 3 (04:33):
Well history, Your history shows he's had a run of injuries.
He has the cats to it is. He's so alluring.
He's so talented that football clubs want him. Football clubs
want him in their team because he can. He's genuine
X factor speed is an incredible commodity in rugby league,
and he's got copious amounts of it despite his injuries.
(04:56):
Can you let's put that into context? Despite his injuries
and so significant have they been and so consistent have
they been? Everything good time he comes back, that genuine
speed still exists. Now. I know he's had a setback
more recently on his comeback, but I'd back him to
come back and play well. I think. I think the
(05:18):
catch for Luke is where he turns up next is
are they willing to pay the almost million dollar figure
that he's currently on at the Warriors. That's probably the
probably the only galamba for Luke. Will he be able
to get the same money at another club? Given, as
I said, just the consistency of his injuries?
Speaker 2 (05:37):
So what other club who's got the money, who's got
the hole in the cap, who extually would reach out
to someone like Metcalf and say, you know what we're
going to home for you over here? What was options
do you think, David?
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Yeah? Straight away, the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs and the Saint
George La Warrior Dragons. They're the two clubs that have
emerged in quick time with serious interest in Luke Metcalf.
And if I have to have a wager, I'm learning
towards the can every Bulldogs given their current climate, with
their halves, their current form, and also to just their
(06:10):
progression plan for their next in line halves in the club,
they're probably just not ready for NRL and the addition
of the Luke Metcalf immediately adds speed, adds experience, and
it probably takes the pressure off Lochlan Galvin given the
incredible spotlight that he has been under ever since he
arrived at the club. So I've got the bull Dogs
(06:30):
just in front of the Dragons, who for obvious reasons
need a Luke Metcalf at their club.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
And about four or five more, dare I say? David
Riccio joins the State of Telegraph Chief sports writer. When
you lose someone like that and the Warriors let them
go without too much of a fight, now does that
say to you? It says to me, if a guy
doesn't want to be there, he doesn't want to be there,
(06:56):
let him go. Is that basically what's happened because this
is not unusual is it? In rugby league?
Speaker 3 (07:00):
Yeah, I think there's a genuine element of that. Rugby
league clubs tend to lean that way, where roster spots
are like diamonds in your salary cap because the NREL
operates under a salary cap system, and given Luke's significant salary,
being top three four highest paid players at the Warriors
(07:22):
and knowing that he's sitting in jersey number eighteen or
number nineteen whenever Tanner Boyd and Chanel Harris to be
are playing, the Warriors as a football club have to
ask the question is this this is financially viable from
a salary cap point of view in keeping this player
at our club? Can we make it work for us? Now?
(07:42):
When I say that, when this key continues down the
negotiation phase for Luke Metcalf and where he turns up next,
is there something in it for the Warriors? Is there
the potential? Because right now as we stand, there is
no interest in letting Luke go immediately, that is at
the end of this season, and that's based on the
(08:02):
fact that the Warriors have a clear belief that they
can go and win a premiership. This year and should
anything happened to Tanner Boy, Luke Matcarp will come straight in.
But in the interim, if the Warriors can get something
out of the buying club of met Carp, this could
expediate his exit. It really could. Is there a player
at the Bulldogs at the Warrior's need? Is there a
player at the Dragons the Warrior's needs? So I think
(08:24):
it's all it's all salary cap management. And as you said,
there's not much point having a player at the club
that doesn't want to be there and wants to go
and become a starting half back at another club.
Speaker 2 (08:36):
Next cabs off the rank. I mean you look to
young Luke Hanson of course is to mighty Martin and
conversation as Jet Cleary to young or is he ready
do you think come next season?
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Yeah? Look so far are all my discussions with the
Warriors coaching staff and their Pathways program. Is that Jet
he's definitely developing. Jet Cleary definitely developing. Is he ready
for NRL? Well maybe probably not yet. Certainly tomorrow Martin
would be next in line should anything happen, and clearly
(09:10):
he needs to get back onto the football field. Luke
Hanson we've seen bits and pieces off in the NRL
so far. It's not as though Luke Metcalfe's departure leaves
the Warriors high and dry. There's definite options there. But
I think it's a case of if they were to
remove Luke Metcar's salary from their cap next season, there's
(09:31):
about nine hundred thousand dollars for the Warriors to go
and spend next year on the open market. So it
puts them right back in the frame to pick up
a marquee player.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Let's wind this up, David, thanks very much for joining us.
With the last thought on this, you said that there
are gaps in the Warriors roster. Maybe they can look
at some kind of negotiation. As far as you're concerned,
where are the gaps in this roster?
Speaker 3 (09:59):
Yeah, well, I've got to say they look they're looking.
I don't see too many flaws at the moment. And
I say that in considerations the outstanding pedigree of players
that are coming through the Warriors system and what the
Warriors would be loath to do is blocked that path
of a hugely talented now Dimitric Bayman, la Ahalaesima, et cetera.
(10:24):
So they have to be careful and it's probably just
a matter of what does life look like without Roger
Tuvasask in the team? Is there is there an outstanding
outside back across the NRL that the Warriors could pick up?
As I said, that's that's that state of origin player
quality eight hundred nine hundred thousand dollars players. So if
(10:46):
they're smart and they play their cards right, they could
actually finish in front here knowing that Tannaboid is doing
the current job that they're in, you know, inside the
top eight finals bound at this stage, and then go
and add to their roster with a representative player following
the departure of Metcalf. So could it could turn into
real win for the Worries.
Speaker 2 (11:07):
How you want to hear more about this you can.
David Ricky is not only the chief sports writer of
the Daily Telegraph, he's an agitator on NRL threex C
sixty eight ninety zellan time, he'll be on there talking
about this exact topic. David, always a pleasure, Thanks for
your time.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Anytime, absolutely otherwise.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
For more from sports Talk, listen live to News Talks
it'd be from seven pm weekdays, or follow the podcast
on iHeartRadio,
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