After an extra week on the training paddock, NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster is teasing the best is still to come from his new halves pairing of Shaun Johnson and Luke Metcalf.
Fresh from a bye after victory over Canberra Raiders two weeks ago, the Warriors return to action on Friday night, when they travel to Sydney to face St George Dragons.
While many in the squad would have used the week to freshen up, Johnson and Metcalf have worked behind the scenes to solidify their combination.
After the start of his season was ruined by injury, Metcalf, 24, has gone from strength to strength, since making his club debut against Brisbane Broncos in round 13.
Playing in the No.6 jersey in place of Te Maire Martin - out with a broken leg - Martin has scored two tries in three games, while Johnson has assisted three tries and scored one from halfback.
Rather than just keeping the jersey warm for Martin's returns, Metcalf has gone the extra mile to cement himself as a Warriors regular.
"Without going into the gameplan, Luke and Shaun haven't had time [together]," said Webster. "Luke was recovering from his injury for so long.
"Luke and Shaun have got together and worked on some combination stuff that we haven't been able to do. because of normal turnarounds. We've been lucky there."
Aiding the Warriors against the Dragons, utility Dylan Walker will also make his return, named in the No.14 jersey for the first time since the round 11 win over the Bulldogs.
The utility injured his toe in the lead-up to the Brisbane loss, but adds an extra playmaking option for the Warriors.
After arriving in Auckland from Manly Sea Eagles, Walker, 28, has found a home off the bench and Webster is thrilled with the options he gives the Warriors against tiring defences.
"Just his foot speed, how fast he catches the ball over the advantage line," Webster added.
"When Tohu's [Harris] tired - because Tohu does so much work - when he comes on, he can give Tohu a bit of a hand in organising the forwards, because he's very good at that.
"He can pass the footy, but it's his impact off the bench and how fast he can come over the advantage line at the defence... that's what we love about him being in the middle and he'll do that role again."
Victory could see the Warriors climb anywhere from fourth to second on the ladder, depending on points differential.
Join Newshub at 10pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Dragons NRL clash
