LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The New Zealand Warriors have been hit hard with the news that five-eighth Luke Metcalf has been ruled out of action due to a broken leg.
Metcalf, who managed to secure a spot alongside Shaun Johnson in the Warriors' halves at the beginning of the season, will now have to sit out as he undergoes surgery to mend his injury sustained during a nail-biting Round 4 clash against the Newcastle Knights.
It's a tough break for Metcalf, who had beaten out competition from Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita to earn his spot in the team.
The Warriors have confirmed that he has a broken tibia and are hopeful for a late-season return, although his availability for the rest of the 2024 season hangs in the balance.
This setback is particularly heartbreaking for Metcalf, who has had his fair share of injury woes in the past.
He spent time on the sidelines during the 2023 season due to a hamstring issue that required specialized treatment in the United States.
Despite this setback, the Warriors will need to rally together as a team and find a way to fill the void left by Metcalf's absence.
It's times like these where the true character of a team shines through, and the Warriors will need to dig deep and show what they are made of to overcome this adversity.