Warriors lose two stars in three minutes as Metcalf, Nicoll-Klokstad go down

New Zealand Warriors rocked by injuries to key players in loss to Cronulla Sharks

Apr. 5, 2026 at 6:20am

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The New Zealand Warriors suffered a double injury blow in the dying minutes of their Round 5 NRL loss to the Cronulla Sharks, with fullback-come-centre Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and playmaker Luke Metcalf both leaving the field with potentially serious injuries.

Why it matters

Injuries to key players like Nicoll-Klokstad and Metcalf are a major setback for the Warriors, who are already struggling this season and will now have to cope without two of their most important contributors as they prepare to face the powerhouse Melbourne Storm.

The details

Nicoll-Klokstad was left prone on the turf for several minutes after an attempted tackle, while Metcalf came off the field clutching his left hamstring just moments later - a devastating blow for the star who had just returned from an ACL rupture. The club will await scan results, but both players appear set for extended stints on the sidelines.

  • In the 72nd minute of the Round 5 match, Nicoll-Klokstad was injured.
  • Just moments after play resumed, Metcalf came off the field in the 75th minute with a hamstring injury.

The players

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

A fullback-come-centre for the New Zealand Warriors who was injured in the match against the Cronulla Sharks.

Luke Metcalf

A playmaker for the New Zealand Warriors who suffered a hamstring injury after just returning from an ACL rupture.

Will Kennedy

The Cronulla Sharks fullback involved in the tackle that led to Nicoll-Klokstad's injury.

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What they’re saying

“Oh boy, it's devastating for this bloke (Metcalf), he's just got so much talent and ability and just starting the road back from an ACL. How disappointing for the Warriors, to lose their star five-eighth with a hamstring injury.”

— Michael Ennis, Fox League commentator

What’s next

The Warriors will await scan results to determine the extent of the injuries to Nicoll-Klokstad and Metcalf, but both players appear set for extended absences. The team will have to regroup quickly as they travel to face the Melbourne Storm in Round 6.

The takeaway

Injuries to key players like Nicoll-Klokstad and Metcalf are a major blow for the struggling Warriors, who will now have to find ways to compete without two of their most important contributors as they face a daunting matchup against the Storm.