Halfback Luke Metcalf made a triumphant return to the NZ Warriors, leading his current team to a stunning 28-12 victory the NRL table-topping Penrith Panthers at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium.
Metcalf was summoned into the Warriors line-up, after Te Maire Martin pulled out with a hamstring injury, and celebrated his comeback with two tries and 16 points, as the home side never really let their rivals into the game.
They pounced early with a try to lock Erin Clark, before Metcalf grabbed his first, looming in support of break by second-rower Kurt Capewell.
Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita added another try before halftime, as the Warriors took an 18-0 lead into the sheds.
They had not lost a game that they led at the break this season and they took another step towards victory, when fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad – another forced to wait his turn this season – was first to score after the restart.
Penrith threatened to spoil the party, when they scored back-to-back tries to halfback Nathan Cleary and fullback Jaxen Edgar, both masterminded by Cleary.
They crossed for a third to wing Paul Alamoti, but it was overruled for offside in a kick chase.
Moments later, Metcalf sealed the win with his second try.
The result consolidates the Warriors’ position in the top three – it puts them second on points difference, with Sydney Roosters yet to play this weekend – now two points behind Penrith.
See how the game unfolded in our blog: