Warriors coach Andrew Webster looks set to spring a surprise in naming the retired Shaun Johnson‘s replacement for the start of the premiership next month.
Most critics expected Te Maire Martin to fill Johnson’s sizeable boots – but Luke Metcalf was given first crack in the No.7 jumper on Friday night.
And Metcalf shone in the 12-all draw against his former club Cronulla, having a hand in a try, kicking a 40/20 and using his pace to make several darting runs.
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Martin also played in the scrappy trial – but wasn’t as impressive as Metcalf and the versatile youngster now looks the favourite to start the season at halfback.
BIG SHARK ON THE RISE
Tom Hazelton’s stocks continue to rise with the Sharks’ cult hero prop scoring the opening try of the trials in the draw with the Warriors.
The big forward is off contract at the end of the season and has yet to commit himself to the Sharks, letting his football do the talking as rival clubs circle.
Big and strong, Hazelton should be a fine foil for marquee signing Addin Fonua-Blake in the strong Sharks pack.
At least three rival clubs are keen to swoop on the big man – but he is taking his time and will be one of the most sought-after middles on the open market for 2026.
RAIDERS ROOKIE HEADING TO VEGAS?
Rookie back-rower Noah Martin may have secured himself a surprise ticket to Vegas with his performance in Canberra’s 22-16 win over Penrith on Saturday night.
A 19-year-old from Lismore, Martin, sporting a flying mullet, split the Panthers defence with an eye-catching 20 metre solo try to seal a deserved Canberra win.
A NSW under 19 representative against Queensland last season, Martin also played in the trials in 2024 – and again scored a try.
Martin probably won’t make the Raiders’ 17-man team for Vegas, but could get a trip to gain experience and train alongside the big boys.
The Raiders rate the well-built youngster among their best prospects and he is likely to make his NRL debut at some stage of the year.
Hooker Owen Pattie was another to stand out, bagging two tries in three minutes to turn the game in pouring rain.
FORMER TEEN STAR’S MIRACLE RETURN
The Panthers showcased some of their best young talent at Cronulla but it was an ‘old’ hand who gave the coaching staff most satisfaction on Saturday night.
Sione Fonua, a 25-year-old former teenage prodigy who gave the game away for three years and ballooned up to 130 kilos, looked sharp in the centres against the Raiders.
In 2017, Fonua made the NSW under 18 team but then fell out of love with footy, all but disappeared off the map.
He made a comeback to the game last year, playing a handful of NSW Cup games for the Panthers, before getting his chance on Saturday night and making it count.