The Dragons’ pursuit of out-of-favour Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf has been given a boost after reports emerged the Bulldogs have withdrawn their interest. The NRL community was stunned this week when the Warriors gave Metcalf permission to speak to rival clubs.
Metcalf appears to have fallen out of favour in regards to selection with the Warriors sitting in second place. The halfback returned from an ACL injury this season, but sits behind Tanah Boyd as the team’s first-choice playmaker.
The Dragons (L) appear the front-runners for Luke Metcalf after the Bulldogs (R) withdrew from the race. Image: Getty
(Getty)
Boyd’s name has been thrown around as a potential debutant for Queensland in State of Origin considering he is one of the form halfbacks of the competition. And after Boyd re-signed with the Warriors, Metcalf was given permission to talk to rival teams.
The Bulldogs have withdrawn from the race to sign Luke Metcalf from the Warriors in a huge boost for the Dragons. (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Both the Bulldogs and Dragons jumped out of the gate showing interest. There is plenty of talk around both teams’ halves situation, and Metcalf showed last year he could be a general for any side.
Fans have been urging Cameron Ciraldo to make a change to his halves with Lachlan Galvin and Matt Burton struggling to gel. Although it appears the interest from the Bulldogs has gone, with Channel 9 reporter Danny Weidler reporting the club is no longer in the race for Metcalf.
“They are not going to make an offer for the Warriors halfback. As a result, this puts the Dragons firmly in the box seat to try and sign Luke Metcalf for next year,” Weidler said. “His asking price is around $1 million a year. I don’t think the Bulldogs were willing to go anywhere near that…obviously now the Dragons are the No.1 contender.”
The $1 million per year price tag might place an incredible amount of pressure on either club’s salary cap for next season. Neverthless, it’s a blow for Bulldogs fans who are desperate to see a traditional No.7 wear the jersey and switch Galvin back to No.6.
Dragons receive boost in Luke Metcalf pursuit
The Dragons have used a number of halves combinations across the last two years with no player cementing the jersey. Kyle Flanagan has been named this week after Kade Reed was ruled out with a hand injury. There were doubts over Reed’s time in first-grade with some suggesting he needed more time in NSW Cup to develop his game.
And fans were excited to hear their club linked to Metcalf for next year. And the Dragons seem to be the front-runners for Metcalf if they can find the salary cap space for the playmaker. Damien Cook’s departure at the end of 2026 might make it easier for the club. However, they will still have to free up space for close to $1 million a season for the halfback.
The Bulldogs appear to be out of the race to sign Luke Metcalf. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)Luke Metcalf out of favour at halfback
Even when Metcalf has played alongside Boyd in the halves this season, he’s been used at five-eighth by Webster despite making it clear he prefers the No.7 jersey. Metcalf has also been forced to spend time on the bench, with Chanel Harris-Tavita impressing in the No.6 role for the high-flying Warriors.