‘I hate to tell him but he was my favourite player’: Metcalf

Warriors half Luke Metcalf grew up idolising Shaun Johnson.

He even snapped a photo with his idol in Sydney as a child, though Metcalf was too nervous to ask and his brother had to approach the Warriors star.

Fast-forward a decade and Metcalf is not only able to talk to his hero, but he has formed a potent partnership with Johnson in the halves.

“I hate to tell him but he was my favourite player when I was younger.”

The 24-year-old vividly recalls watching Johnson’s stunning solo effort against the Broncos in his debut season.

“There’s always one I remember I think was 2011. I would have been like 11 or 12. That makes him sound old. So I like it. He got the ball and just step, step.

“As he watched in awe of Johnson’s skill, the thought never occurred to Metcalf that he would one day be teaming up with him.

“I couldn’t picture living in New Zealand when I was a kid living in Coffs Harbour. I didn’t even picture myself leaving there and going to Sydney let alone coming here. So it’s pretty cool. I actually sit back and think 10-year-old me would be going crazy.”

The pair were reunited while playing at Cronulla in 2021, years after first meeting.

“He played a game in Coffs Harbour when I was 12 and I’ve actually got a photo with him. I’ve been trying to find it, I’ve been ringing mum and dad because I wanted to get a comparison photo of us now but they can’t find it so I’m filthy.”

Metcalf will again partner Johnson in the halves this weekend as the Warriors host the Raiders in Auckland. Second rower Marata Niukore and prop Bunty Afoa are back on deck for the Round 21 clash, with coach Andrew Webster leaving his backline unchanged.

The Warriors’ 10-7 record has them in fifth spot on 26 points two behind the fourth-placed Raiders, who had their third and final bye last weekend. — RNZ