Luke Metcalf in pre-season action for the Warriors. Photo: AAP/www.photosport.nz
Halfback Luke Metcalf will occupy the driver's seat again for NZ Warriors, when they host Manly Sea Eagles at Go Media Stadium.
True to his word, coach Andrew Webster has stuck with the same line-up that wilted under the bright lights of Las Vegas two weeks ago, bowing to Canberra Raiders 30-8 in their NRL season-opener.
With the retirement of Warriors stalwart Shaun Johnson, Metcalf was handed the coveted No.7 jersey, but didn't enjoy the happiest of days, providing the match-defining moment, when his pass near the tryline was intercepted and resulted in a length-of-the-field try to Raiders wing Xavier Savage.
Webster's message to his half was to "back himself", when he matched up against one of the competitions best - and oldest - performers, Daly Cherry-Evans.
"Honestly, Luke had such a good pre-season and I thought he was fantastic in the trials," said Webster. "I just want him to not care about anything else, but going after the moment and enjoying it.
"Don't be shy at all, be excited and back yourself. He's a helluva player and we've got so much faith in him."
Webster hoped the Warriors faithful would allow his charge some leeway, as he found his feet in his unaccustomed position.
"I'd love fans to always be patient, but they'll see a really good football player in Luke Metcalf," he said. "He'll be a really good NRL player and I believe he can be this week.
"He wasn't perfect last week, but we're certainly not hanging it on Luke. I think the fans have already seen moments of what Luke can do, and when we put it all together for him - the forwards go forward, the defence is better, our outside backs do their job - guys like Luke will be able to shine."
While Webster has opted for the same starting unit named against Canberra, he pulled a last-minute switch before kickoff, moving Jackson Ford from the bench to the front row, co-captain Mitch Barnett to lock and Erin Clark to the interchange.
Meanwhile, Manly have made one change to their line-up, with former Kiwi international and one-game Warrior Siosiua Taukeiaho sidelined by a knee injury and replaced by Josh Aloiai in the front row.
Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Taine Tuaupiki, 3 Ali Leiataua, 4 Adam Pompey, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris (cc), 9 Wayde Egan, 10 Mitch Barnett, 11 Kurt Capewell, 12 Marata Miukore, 13 Erin Clark
Interchange: 14 Dylan Walker, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitiric Vaimauga, 17 Leka Halasima, 18 Sam Healey, 20 Te Maire Martin, 21 Eddie Ieremia Toeava, 22 Bunty Afoa, 23 Ed Kosi
Sea Eagles: 1 Tom Trbojevic, 2 Jason Saab, 3 Tolutau Koula, 4 Reuben Garrick, 5 Lehi Hopoate, 6 Luke Brooks, 7 Daly Cherry-Evans, 8 Taniela Paseka, 9 Jazz Tevaga, 10 Josh Aloiai, 11 Haumole Olakau'atu, 12 Ben Trbojevic, 13 Jake Trbojevic
Interchange: 14 Jake Simpkin, 15 Corey Waddell, 16 Ethan Bullemor, 17 Tof Sipley, 18 Clayton Faulalo, 19 Tommy Talau, 20 Gordon Chan Kum Tong, 21 Jake Arthur, 22 Dean Matterson
