Warriors playmaker Luke Metcalf faced a disappointing setback on Easter Sunday, suffering a hamstring strain during just his second match back from an ACL injury, as the Warriors lost 36-22 to the Sharks. Compounding the team’s woes, centre Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad sustained a head injury while attempting a tackle, while Shark’s centre Jesse Ramien appeared to suffer a knee injury.
The incident involving Nicoll-Klokstad occurred in the 74th minute when he was struck in the head while tackling Will Kennedy, subsequently being knocked again by the Cronulla player upon his fall. Although a stretcher was brought onto the field for him, the New Zealand international managed to walk off. Warriors coach Andrew Webster reported that Nicoll-Klokstad passed his head injury assessment, yet continues to cope with a “jarred” neck.
Ramien’s injury, occurring shortly before the hour mark, is suspected to be a medial collateral ligament tear. His departure was particularly troubling for the Sharks, who were already dealing with injury woes.
Metcalf’s injury unfolded dramatically as he was in the act of passing to teammate Roger Tuivasa-Sheck with five minutes remaining when he suddenly clutched his left hamstring. He left the field immediately, limping towards the sidelines. Coach Webster acknowledged Metcalf’s history with hamstring issues but expressed hope for a quicker recovery, noting that while Metcalf feels it’s not a long-term problem, he will still miss several matches.
Previously, Metcalf was a leading contender for the Dally M Medal prior to his ACL rupture last season, and his return had been highly anticipated. The setback is considered a significant disappointment for both the player and the team.
Former Sharks player Michael Ennis expressed his sympathy for Metcalf, highlighting the personal toll these injuries take on athletes. The Warriors will need to contend with these injuries as they navigate the rest of the season.