After a starring performance in the win over the Panthers, halfback Luke Metcalf has been retained his place in the Warriors starting lineup to face the Broncos in Brisbane on Sautrday night.

Veteran forwards Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell are in contention to back up from State of Origin duty after being included on the NZ Warriors’ extended bench for Sunday’s round 16 NRL clash against North Queensland at Christchurch.

Co-captain Mitchell Barnett heads a group of four players who return to the New Zealand Warriors’ squad for their NRL Magic Round encounter with the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday