NSW Cup Preview: Metcalf confirmed for comeback for Warriors

Author: Richard Becht & photosport.nz
Timestamp: Sat 30 May 2026, 07:43 PM

Luke Metcalf is set to make his comeback with the One New Zealand Warriors’ New South Wales Cup side in Sunday’s round 13 encounter with the Panthers at Parker Street Reserve in Penrith (1.00pm kick-off local time; 3.00pm NZT).

The 27-year-old has made only two NRL appearances this season, the last in round five against the Sharks on April 5.

Also initially named on the NRL team’s extended bench, he is listed in the #6 jersey with the NSW Cup team’s regular halfback Jett Cleary selected in #7.

After dropping back-to-back games to the North Sydney and Parramatta, the Warriors rebounded after their round 10 bye with consecutive wins over the Storm (46-4) and their grand final opponent last year St George Illawarra (24-20).

While they’re sitting eighth on 14 points despite those victories, they’re only two points out of the top five (the Roosters are fifth on 16 points).

A third victory on end will be a big challenge against a Panthers side leading the competition.

Included in Penrith’s lineup are four familiar faces, all members of the Warriors’ all-conquering squad – Kalani Going at loose forward, Tom Ale at prop, Patrick Moimoi in the centres and Toby Crosby on the bench.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Sunday 31 May

Full Time

Panthers

Warriors

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Jaxen Edgar

Fullback for Warriors is number 21 Joseph Ratcliffe
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Nick Murphy

Winger for Warriors is number 5 Harry Tauafiafi-Iutoi
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Sione Fonua

Centre for Warriors is number 4 Jye Linnane
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Jesse McLean

Centre for Warriors is number 18 Rocco Berry
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Jirah Liddiard

Winger for Warriors is number 20 Sio Kali
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Haami Loza

Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Kurt Falls

Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Jett Cleary

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Luron Patea

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Cooper Page-Wilson
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Vea Tapa'atoutai

Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Makaia Tafua
Prop for Panthers is number 10 Tom Ale

Prop for Warriors is number 10 Rodney Tuipulotu-Vea
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Zakauri Clarke

2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Bishop Neal
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Harry Armstrong

2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Connor Bowden
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Kalani Going

Lock for Warriors is number 14 Jacob Auloa

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Toby Crosby

Interchange for Warriors is number 3 Jeremiah Lemana
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Josh Ruxton

Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Christian Sikuvea
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Hokafonu Lemoto

Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tyson Hansen
Interchange for Panthers is number 18 Cayne Nicholas

Interchange for Warriors is number 22 Emosi Ravosai