Warriors coach Andrew Webster says he would only be putting Luke Metcalf "in harm's way" by playing the out-of-favour halfback while he is still determining his NRL future.
Metcalf was a leading contender for the 2025 Dally M Medal prior to suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last June, but has struggled for consistent NRL opportunities since recovering this year.
The second-placed Warriors have lost both games Metcalf has played in this season, but have won all six when Tanah Boyd and Chanel Harris-Tavita started in the halves.
Metcalf only re-signed in October but this week received permission to negotiate with rival clubs, hopeful of becoming a regular NRL starting half again.
"I've got no update at this stage on how that's tracking," said Webster.
On his return from a hamstring injury, Metcalf was named on the six-man bench for the Warriors' most recent clash against Parramatta but did not get game time.
While Metcalf is determining his future, Webster has pledged not to name the 27-year-old in either first-grade or NSW Cup, starting with Sunday's Magic Round clash against Brisbane.
"It's dumb for business, to name people, to play people, to put them in harm's way when they haven't got their future sorted," Webster said.
"The moment he does that, we'll be having him available for selection, either NSW Cup or NRL."
Metcalf is unlikely to be released before the end of the season but has been linked with winless St George Illawarra as well as forthcoming expansion franchises Perth and PNG.
The last-placed Dragons are crying out for an elite half to ignite their attack, while the Bears' roster is lacking in top-tier talent only months out from their first pre-season.
A move to the Chiefs would give the Port Moresby side a formidable starting halves combination of Metcalf and Jarome Luai for 2028.
"Luke wants to play NRL. He wants to be the guy who runs the team and steers them around," Webster said.
"He obviously doesn't feel like he can get that here. And you know, we've lost two games, you know what I mean? The form (in his absence) has been unbelievable from everyone."
Webster said he could "absolutely promise, with everything I've got" Metcalf's hopes of an exit were purely football related.
"This is not an argument or a blow-up or anything like that," Webster said.
"I haven't seen him train poorly or anything like that. It's just unfortunate that form from other players has been exceptional, there's been some injuries from Luke himself and then he now wants to explore where he wants to go from here."
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