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Live sport on SN this weekendMetcalf shines as Warriors upset ladder-leading Panthers
Jasper Bruce, AAP •  August 7th, 2026 10:10 pm
Luke Metcalf has scored two tries in the Warriors' impressive win over Penrith at Go Media Stadium | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The Penrith Panthers have lost Isaah Yeo to a suspected pectoral injury in an upset 28-12 defeat to the NZ Warriors that blows open the race for the NRL's minor premiership.
The Warriors sounded the loudest warning shot yet that a first premiership could be in the offing in 2026 as they dominated the ladder leaders in Auckland.
From the moment they allowed Friday night's kick-off to bounce and scrambled to gather possession, the Panthers were behind the beat and trailed 18-0 at the break.
Star halfback Nathan Cleary cut the margin to 10 points in the final 15 minutes by scoring Penrith's first try and then putting rookie fullback Jaxen Edgar over.
But in his first game since April, out-of-favour Warriors half Luke Metcalf stepped inside to score his second try and confirm the result in the final five minutes.
Erin Clark lights up Mt Smart with an early opening try vs Penrith | Warriors Live
More worryingly for the Panthers, co-captain Yeo pulled up sore after making a tackle and left the field during the final 10 minutes of the first half.
If scans confirm a pectoral tear, the talismanic lock and NSW captain could miss the remainder of Penrith's push for a fifth premiership in six seasons.
At the very least, the Panthers will be left to fend off their minor premiership challengers without Yeo and they may only be two competition points ahead of fourth place by the end of the weekend.
Paul Alamoti could also join Yeo on the sidelines after up-ending opposite centre Leka Halasima in the first half and landing in the sin bin.
While Alamoti was missing, Halasima set up the Warriors' third try, bumping through Cleary on a ferocious break down then field then throwing a one-handed offload to Chanel Harris-Tavita.
Welcome back to first grade, Luke Metcalf! | Warriors Live
But St George Illawarra's prized recruit Metcalf shone brightest as he replaced the injured Te Maire Martin for only his third NRL game of the year.
After Erin Clark waltzed over for a very soft opening try, Metcalf backed Kurt Capewell up and scored to give the hosts a 12-0 lead.
Just after halftime, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak tapped Metcalf's kick back for Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, who gave the Warriors their fourth four-pointer.
It took Penrith until the 67th minute to crack the scoreboard, with Cleary supporting Izack Tago and Tom Jenkins on a break down the left edge.
He popped a no-look pass up for Edgar to score and the Panthers thought they had a third try when Alamoti regathered his bomb shortly thereafter.
But Liam Martin was ruled offside on the kick chase, before Metcalf's second try confirmed the hosts' win.
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Air Dallin sets up CNK against the Panthers | Warriors Live
