Luke Metcalf believes the Warriors have taken significant strides forward following their bounce-back performance, but insists the best is yet to come as his promising half's partnership with Chanel Harris-Tavita continues to grow.

After enduring heavy criticism in the wake of their disappointing 30-8 loss to the Canberra Raiders in a highly anticipated NRL clash in Las Vegas, Metcalf showed resilience to bounce back in emphatic style against the Newcastle Knights in Round Two.

The Warriors halfback, who inherited the No. 7 jersey following the departure of Shaun Johnson and an injury-marred 2024 season, silenced his critics with a standout performance, earning maximum Dally M points. His impressive contribution included scoring a crucial try, successfully slotting six goals, and setting up two additional tries, leading the Warriors to a much-needed 36-16 victory.

But despite this immediate improvement, Metcalf insists the best is yet to come from his growing halves partnership with teammate Chanel Harris-Tavita, whose return to the club has injected new optimism into the Warriors’ squad.

Reflecting on their developing combination, Metcalf expressed confidence that the duo is on the right path to becoming one of the NRL’s top halves pairings, stating their current form is just a glimpse of what the future holds.

Metcalf and Harris-Tavita both possess attacking flair and complement each other stylistically, combining well so far despite limited game time together. However, Metcalf is certain their chemistry, evident in their improved communication and cohesive play against the Knights, is just scratching the surface of their potential.

“I feel like we're building something nice,” Metcalf said confidently about his partnership with Harris-Tavita.

Metcalf highlighted their similarities both on and off the field as crucial factors that are helping to build an exciting and fluid attacking style of play.

"The individualized lesson plan is tailored to them from the beginning. And then every time that student comes for a session, there's a session recap that's written by the teacher. And then also pictures of all the work that was done. I mean, even if it's a piece of scratch paper, that picture is going to be there, there's a picture taken of it, and then that's sent to the parent. That data goes into our system, and it will evolve the lesson plan, that individualized lesson plan, so that when the student is coming, the teacher is working with that student on relevant topics and moving the ball forward."

After enduring a frustrating 2024 campaign, which saw him sidelined from Round Four onward with a broken leg, Metcalf has quickly re-established himself as a pivotal player in the Warriors’ lineup.

Though he admitted the opening round loss to Canberra hurt both personally and collectively, Metcalf has embraced the scrutiny that comes with playing a central role for the Auckland-based side, acknowledging it’s part and parcel of holding such an influential position.

“You've got to deal with the good, the bad, whatever it is, and yeah, I'm happy to take that,” Metcalf said candidly.

"I want to play that role and in that jersey, so yeah, just got to take it."

Ahead of their clash with the Sydney Roosters, the Warriors are determined to reverse an alarming home-ground record against the Sydney-based club. Notably, the Warriors haven’t tasted victory against the Roosters in Auckland since 2017—a statistic that Metcalf and his teammates are desperate to rectify this weekend.

The Roosters enter the fixture buoyed by an impressive performance against reigning premiers Penrith Panthers, a side renowned for its defensive solidity and championship-winning consistency. Metcalf himself was an admiring spectator of the Roosters' efforts, acknowledging the caliber of the opposition his team will face at Mt Smart Stadium.

He emphasized, however, that the Warriors are not preoccupied with the reputation of their opponents. Instead, Metcalf and his teammates are committed to perfecting their own game, believing internal focus rather than excessive scrutiny of the opposition will yield the best results.

“They’re a team you expect to be top four every year,” Metcalf noted of the Roosters.

“But we sort of just focus more on ourselves. I feel like as long as we turn up and really stick to what we want to do, that's sort of what we want to focus on.”

Ending their prolonged home drought against the Roosters—dating back several seasons to 2017—is a key motivator for the Warriors, who are determined to deliver in front of a passionate Auckland fanbase hungry for sustained success.

The pressure is certainly on Metcalf and Harris-Tavita to continue building their partnership and guiding the Warriors towards consistent victories. Yet, Metcalf clearly sees that pressure as a privilege rather than a burden, determined to write the next chapter of success for the Warriors faithful.

While two rounds are too soon to draw firm conclusions, Metcalf’s renewed confidence and leadership, coupled with the promise of an exciting halves pairing, signal brighter days ahead for a Warriors team desperate to return to finals contention and beyond.

As fans eagerly anticipate Friday night’s blockbuster clash at Mt Smart Stadium, Metcalf's words resonate clearly: the Warriors' best is indeed yet to come.