Luke Metcalf scored two first-half tries and delivered a crucial sideline tackle in the dying moments as the NZ Warriors held off a late Cowboys surge to win 30-26 at Suncorp’s Magic Round.
Despite leading by 18 midway through the second half, the Warriors were forced to defend desperately after conceding three quick tries.
Injuries to Ali Leiataua and Rocco Berry led to a disrupted backline, but Metcalf’s match-saving effort and the team’s collective resilience secured a third straight win, lifting them to the top of the NRL ladder.
