‘Heartbreaking’: Injury-hit Warriors’ star Luke Metcalf faces new setback as three players fall at Shark Park

Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf encountered a significant setback on Easter Sunday, suffering a hamstring strain in just his second match back from an ACL injury. The Warriors fell to the Sharks with a final score of 36-22.

In addition to Metcalf’s misfortune, Warriors centre Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also departed the field with an injury following a heavy hit to the head at Shark Park. Meanwhile, Cronulla centre Jesse Ramien was forced to leave due to a knee issue.

A stretcher was brought out for Nicoll-Klokstad after he received a blow to the head while tackling Will Kennedy, only to be struck again as the Cronulla fullback landed on him. Fortunately, the New Zealand international was able to walk off the field after the incident in the 74th minute.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster confirmed that Nicoll-Klokstad had passed his head injury assessment but was experiencing a “jarred” neck.

Ramien limped off the field with a suspected medial collateral ligament injury shortly before the hour mark.

He was substituted in the centres by Siosifa Talakai, who, bound for Perth, barged over for a try in his typical fashion after initially coming off the bench at lock.

Metcalf had just five minutes remaining in the match when, while attempting to make a cut-out pass to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck on the left wing, he abruptly halted and grabbed his left hamstring, departing the field immediately with a limp.

“Luke has had a few hamstring strains in the past, but he currently feels it’s alright,” Webster stated.

“He’s going to miss some time due to this, but he doesn’t believe it’s a long-term issue. He’s referencing his previous experiences with similar injuries.”

Metcalf’s ACL rupture was one of the most heart-wrenching stories in rugby league during 2025.

He was leading the Dally M Medal count when voting was halted after round 12, but his hopes of securing the prestigious award were dashed when he suffered his ACL injury in round 17.

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“It’s a devastating blow for this young man,” remarked Sharks premiership winner Michael Ennis about Metcalf on Fox League.