“Two s**t games” – Willie Mason slams treatment of Warriors star

New Zealand Warriors are preparing to bring back a number of key players for the business end of the NRL season.

The Wahs have done it tough all season with injuries, but to the relief of coach Andrew Webster, captain James Fisher-Harris, Leka Halasima and Rocco Berry are expected back for Round 19.

One player who is not injured and who has been on the outer all season at the Kiwi club is halfback Luke Metcalf.

The 27-year-old was once considered the chief playmaker for the Warriors, but an ACL injury last season saw him lose his starting spot to Tanah Boyd.

Boyd made the No.7 jersey his before suffering an ACL injury of his own earlier in the season, but his absence has not paved the way for Metcalf’s return.

Instead, Te Maire Martin was selected at seven by coach Webster and the 30-year-old has shown career-best form alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves.

READ MORE: New Zealand Warriors secure mid-season signing

Willie Mason slams Luke Metcalf treatment

The success of Harris-Tavita alongside Martin has left Metcalf out in the cold, something rugby league great Willie Mason has taken issue with on the latest episode of the Levels Network Podcast he hosts alongside Justin Horo.

“Te Maire Martin has to be spot on because you’ve got Metcalf waiting for his chance,” said Mason. “Te Maire and Chanel Harris-Tavita are playing lights out because they have to.

“They know they are on a run here, and they could do something special. But they know if they have two s**t games in a row, then Metcalf is getting a start, but they aren’t letting it go.

“Surely the Warriors have got to somehow use Metcalf in the game somewhere? I mean, don’t just not play him.”

Just days before Boyd suffered his season-ending injury, Metcalf agreed a deal to join the Dragons from 2027 due to his lack of playing time in Auckland.

Mason believes his decision to leave has negatively impacted his chances of selection this season for the Warriors.

“I look at this kid Metcalf. He’s a good kid and he’s still a big part of their plans. I don’t think the Warriors win the Grand Final without him being in the 19.

“You don’t just have him there not playing just because he is going to the Dragons next season.

“Credit to Harris-Tavita and Martin in the halves, they are playing great football, and you know they are playing great football, because you have got Metcalf there who can’t get a game.”