Andrew Webster names new look halves pairing ahead of Tigers clash

New Zealand Warriors coach Andrew Webster has named a new-look halves combination for Round 4, recalling Luke Metcalf at five-eighth while retaining Tannah Boyd at halfback following his strong start to the season.

Metcalf will slot straight into the No.6 jersey alongside the in-form Boyd, marking the pair’s first on-field partnership as Webster reshapes his spine for Friday night’s with the Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium.

Metcalf’s return has come significantly earlier than first expected. Initially slated to return as late as Round 10, his comeback was brought forward to Round 6 last week before being accelerated again, with the playmaker now confirmed to be back in Round 4.

The 27-year-old’s 2025 campaign was cut short by an ACL knee injury suffered in Round 17 against the Broncos in Brisbane last June, but he has progressed strongly through his rehabilitation to earn an early recall.

His inclusion is a timely boost for the Warriors, coming just a week after co-captain Mitchell Barnett returned from his own knee injury to bring up his 50th appearance for the club in last Saturday’s win over Newcastle.

While Metcalf has been cleared to return, his minutes and workload are expected to be carefully managed as he eases back into full match fitness following the long-term layoff.

Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and utility Chanel Harris-Tavita both return after missing last week under concussion protocols following head knocks in the Round 2 win over the Canberra Raiders. Nicoll-Klokstad resumes at fullback, replacing Taine Tuaupiki, while Harris-Tavita has been named on an extended bench as he builds back into contention.

Centre Adam Pompey is also back on deck, returning to his left-edge centre role after missing last week for the birth of his daughter, Kiara Dawn, who arrived on the same day his teammates beat the Newcastle Knights.

Leka Halasima shifts from the centres back into the second row after filling in last week, having been one of the early-season standouts with four tries in the opening three rounds.

The extended bench features Sam Healey, Barnett, Demitric Vaimauga, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Marata Niukore, Harris-Tavita, Tuaupiki, Alofi Khan-Pereira and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.