Warriors-bound Metcalf defends NRL’s advanced signings

It has been an issue that has caused much frustration among fans, and NSW State of Origin coach Brad Fittler has labelled it ridiculous.

But Sharks young gun Luke Metcalf believes signing with a club a year in advance only safeguards the future of NRL stars.

Metcalf, 23, was super impressive in his first six games at NRL level at the Sharks last year.

He won the club’s Rookie Of The Year award.

His best performance came against Wests Tigers in Round 23, where he scored two tries, came up with a try assist and linebreak, five tackle busts and 124m in a big 50-20 victory.

But he is off to the Warriors next year, signing a two-year contract for 2023 and 2024 back in November last year.

Players signing elsewhere well in advance while still contracted to their current club has irked a legend of the game like Fittler, calling it ridiculous because of the way it can cause frustration among fans.

But Metcalf is adamant he will not lose focus on performing for the Sharks this year, before linking up with Nathan Brown’s side next year.

“I think it’s good to be able to sign in advance. You look at people who get injured – what if someone tears an ACL in Round 1 and they’re off contract and they don’t get to play first grade?” Metcalf told BettingSite.com.au.

“It’s hard for that player because then he might not be able re-sign because he’s coming off an ACL injury.

“Look at Cam McInnes – he signed with Cronulla (while contracted with the Dragons) and then tore his ACL in February (last year).

“I’m not saying they wouldn’t have signed him, but I think it’s good.

“The system we have right now – I don’t mind it.

“I think most players would (support the current system). I can’t speak for everyone. I’m not saying it’s the right or wrong way, but I think it’s OK.

“I think players should have the freedom to do what they want.

“I signed with the Warriors in November a year in advance and I think it’s fine.”

Metcalf said he was looking forward to linking up with Warriors fullback sensation Reece Walsh next year.

“That’ll be great. He’s a freak. He’s going to be one of the best fullbacks in the game,” he said.

In the meantime, Metcalf has assured Sharks fans his commitment to the southern Sydney club will not waver for the rest of 2022.

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The talented half/fullback is currently sidelined with cracked cartilage in his sternum.

That occurred in the Sharks’ feeder club Newtown Jets’ 18-16 win over Newcastle in Round 4 NSW Cup action on April 2.

Metcalf said his injury was a “two- to four-week” setback.

And when he returns to full health he won’t be far off playing first grade – he was named as the Sharks’ 18th man on three occasions before being sidelined.

“I’ve enjoyed it (with Craig Fitzgibbon as Cronulla’s first-grade coach this year). I’m learning a lot from him,” Metcalf said, the Sharks currently in second place with a 4-1 record.

“He’s real big on having set principles and making sure we all stick to little discipline things.

“We kept Newcastle to zero (winning 18-0 in Round 4).

“I want to be playing first grade, and it was good to get that experience at the end of last year.

“Now I want to build on that and get back to where I was.”

Metcalf said he was enjoying learning off Cronulla’s star halves pairing of Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan.

“They’re good. Moyza is really good. He’s played for New South Wales and he’s great to learn off,” he said.

“And Nicho is great coming up from the Melbourne system. I’m learning a lot off him.

“You don’t even have to ask him too much – he’ll just say something to you. And I love to learn.

“I’m 23 and not that old. I always want to get better.”

Metcalf had the same continual desire to learn while he was in the Manly system.

After making an impression at the 2020 NRL Nines, scoring three tries in three matches before being named in the team of the tournament, his opportunities were then limited during the NRL season.

That was due to the Covid situation and no NSW Cup competition, and it was after a season-ending ACL injury in 2019.

“I have a lot of good friends at Manly. I went there as an 18-year-old. Learning off (Sea Eagles captain) Daly Cherry-Evans was crazy,” Metcalf said.

“I can’t explain how good he was for me. I probably annoyed him at the start.

“I used to always ask him questions, but he was good for me. I’m still friends with all the boys there.

“I’m glad I’m back at the Sharks, but it (being at Manly) set me up to get to where I am now and where I want to be after what I learnt there.”

Metcalf starred for NSW Under-18s against Queensland in 2017, scoring three tries and claiming man-of-the-match honours in a Blues victory.

He played through the junior grades in the halves, but lit up the nines tournament from fullback in 2019, with his blinding speed a feature of that competition.

The young talent from Coffs Harbour now wants to make a name for himself as a five-eighth back at Cronulla.

“I like playing at seven or six. I get my hands on the ball more – I touch the ball 40 or 50 times a game, so I like that better,” Metcalf said.

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