Metcalf masterclass turns critics' attitudes

Two words can be used to sum up the Warriors' charge into the top four after 10 rounds - Luke Metcalf. The Warriors' halfback is a player reborn in 2025, playing the best football of his career. Many critics - myself included - thought Te Maire Martin would have been the best fit to replace the retired Shaun Johnson this season. But coach Andrew Webster went with Metcalf and the Warriors haven't looked back. On form, Metcalf is going as well as any halfback in the league and could well take the Wahs all the way this season.

Clubs 'desperate' to lure Martin back to Australia

Several Aussie clubs are trying to snare in-form halfback Te Maire Martin away from the Warriors. Martin, who has done a great job leading the Kiwi team around the paddock in the absence of marquee man Shaun Johnson, is under contract until the end of 2025. That means rival clubs can't talk contracts with him until this November - but Wide World of Sports has learned he has had a couple of "informal chats" with Aussie-based teams. But the 28-year-old has told the clubs he has no intention of leaving the Warriors, despite having to play second fiddle to Johnson whenever the face of the franchise is fit. Ironically, the Warriors, who have had a patchy season, have won all four games when Johnson has been missing and Martin has worn the number seven jumper. Last weekend, Martin was outstanding as the Warriors got their finals challenge back on track with a win over the Broncos. Johnson, who has played well below his best this season, has yet to sign on with the club for next year.

Te Maire Martin signing tipped to boost ageing 'class act' Shaun Johnson

A new coach, plenty of new players - but will it be the same old Warriors?That's the question all Kiwi fans are asking as the countdown to the new season continues.Andrew Webster is an unknown quantity in the coaching ranks, but coming out of the superb Penrith system, he knows what it takes to win games.After finishing second last in 2022, the Warriors should improve, but may fall short of a finals berth.2022 finishing position: 15th.

Gains: Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos), Jackson Ford (Dragons), Brayden Wiliame (Perpignan). Losses: Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Reece Walsh (Broncos), Eliesa Katoa (Storm), Aaron Pene (Storm), Jack Murchie (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Dragons), Taniela Otukolo (released), Otukinekina Kepu (released).

Are the Broncos finals bound?

There are few stories that warm the heart as much as Te Maire Martin's comeback to football after his career seemed over due to head knocks three years ago.Martin has really sparked the Broncos over the past couple of weeks and showed what a talent he is.Injury to Tesi Niu gave him his chance and when Niu returns, coach Kevin Walters will have a pleasant headache.But there is room for both in the team - Martin has played much of his first grade football at five-eighth and what a combination he could form with the veteran Adam Reynolds.The Broncos have now won four of their eight matches.If they keep up that 50 per cent win rate they could well find themselves playing finals footy in September.