Luke Metcalf made a successful return from his long injury layoff to help the One New Zealand Warriors to a big 46-10 win over Parramatta in Friday night’s round 22 New South Wales Cup clash at Go Media Stadium.
Sidelined for four months after breaking his right leg in late March, the 25-year-old was heavily involved in a 40-minute stint before making a scheduled exit from the match at halftime.
His starts showed 55 metres from eight runs, five tackle breaks, 17 receipts, four tackles without a miss, 70 metres from two kicks and no errors
He and halfback Te Maire Martin created havoc down Parramatta’s right edge as the Warriors bolted to 30-0 lead with five converted tries in the first 31 minutes.
Responding to last Friday night’s shock loss to Western Suburbs, the Warriors were in ruthless mood as they stretched the Eels almost every time they were in possession.
Winger Motu Pasikala showed great strength as he wrestled his way over for the opening try in the ninth minute before a Paul Roache bust up the middle created a try for his captain Kalani Going 12 minutes later.
Match: Warriors v Eels
Round 22 -
home Team
Warriors
5th Position
away Team
Eels
10th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
There was a double for second rower Jacob Laban, his first coming as he ran through and shook off multiple defenders, while Roache caught Parramatta out with a try from dummy half.
The Warriors lapsed just before the break conceding a try but were back on the scoreboard two minutes into the second half with a slick Taine Tuaupiki try to restore their 30-point advantage.
The Eels came back with a second try but it would be their last as the Warriors finished off the contest with Pasikala going long range for his second try followed by Eddie Ieremia-Toeava with his side’s eighth try of the day.
The Warriors’ 12th win of the season bounced them up to 29 points but left them in fifth place once the round was completed on Sunday.
