Luke Metcalf‘s time at the New Zealand Warriors is seemingly coming to an end, with the club officially granting him permission to talk with NRL rivals.

The fleet-footed playmaker has fallen down the pecking order this season after coming back from an ACL injury, with Tanah Boyd starring at halfback across nine games.

Hours after the news of a potential exit was confirmed by the club, Metcalf’s name was nowhere to be seen in the Warriors’ 22-man squad for Magic Round.

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He is now seeking an early exit from Auckland, despite only signing an extension at the end of last year – a contract which doesn’t kick in until 2027.

Luke Metcalf. Getty

The club released a short statement on Tuesday afternoon, stating they had “acceded” to a request from Metcalf’s management to speak to other teams.

“We will not make any further comment on this matter until a further update is provided by Luke and or his management,” Warriors boss Cameron George said.

It’s a shocking turn of events for Metcalf, who this time last year was leading the Dally M Medal leaderboard before suffering the serious knee injury.

Warriors officials clearly had the 27-year-old earmarked to be their long-term halfback, but the form shown by Boyd early in the season has resulted in a change of tact.

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While it’s a surprising outcome after he looked to be the future of the club, Metcalf will have no shortage of suitors now that he is available for 2027 and beyond.

“That’s surprising isn’t it? Given how good he was last year, he was a revelation before he did his ACL,” league great Matty Johns said on SEN’s The Run Home.

“The other thing that surprises me a little bit – Chanel [Harris-Tavita] and particularly Tanah have been very good – but how could I say this respectfully, not good over a long period of time. I think sometimes when you’ve got guys who have been firing for two or three seasons and you’ve got three of them, you can let one go.

Luke Metcalf became a popular figure at the Warriors. Getty

“Chanel sort of found his form half-way through last season and for Tanah, it’s been this year. He struggled in previous seasons, but he’s had a fantastic year.

“It does surprise me they are letting Luke go.”

The attention now turns to where Metcalf will land – whether immediately or next year.

The most obvious team who will no doubt chase his signature will be the Perth Bears, who are desperate for a marquee acquisition for their inaugural season.

After already missing out on some big names – most notably Cameron Munster and Jayden Campbell – being able to land Metcalf would be a major boost.

The other obvious landing spot for Metcalf would be the struggling Dragons, who have made no secret of their desire to bring in top-line halves.

Kade Reed. NRL Imagery

While the club have invested long-term in Kade Reed and Daniel Atkinson, players of Metcalf’s class and ability don’t come on the market every day.

Parramatta could also be on the lookout for someone to partner Mitchell Moses, while the Bulldogs have also struggled for stability in the halves but already have Lachlan Galvin, Matt Burton and youngster Mitchell Woods signed for next season.

“You’d imagine the one that will throw a lot of money at him will be the Dragons, they will be desperate … Perth as well,” Johns said.

“But I’ll tell you the one I think behind the scenes – the Dogs negotiate very well in the dark, they are very clever. I think Gus [Phil Gould] would be very interested in him.

“It would allow the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place – he could play seven, [Lachlan] Galvin plays six and it’s been mooted for a while about Matt Burton going to Perth.

Bulldogs boss Phil Gould. Nine

“I reckon Parramatta might have a look as well. They’ve got Jonah Pezet there and they’re gonna lose him. I just reckon they’re gonna be looking for someone full-time to sit alongside Mitchell Moses and I think he’d be ideal as well.

“He’s gonna get plenty of offers.” 

A left-field option for Metcalf would be South Sydney, who have a rather fluid halves situation heading into next season with veteran Cody Walker unsigned and the likes of Ashton Ward, Jayden Sullivan, Jamie Humphreys and Jonah Glover yet to cement a spot.

Metcalf could also be a target for the PNG Chiefs, but that would require him either staying put with the Warriors in 2027 or signing a one-year deal elsewhere.