Hugh McGahan: Continuity is the key to long-term success

The Warriors have failed to achieve consistency this season but it's no surprise given the fact they chop and change their side with alarming regularity.

Last night they made a late change with Nathan Fien coming back into the side at five-eighth and, while it's great to see him back, it doesn't change the fact they have used five different halves combinations within 10 weeks.

There has been a maximum of only two games when the half/five-eighth have been the same. How is the team supposed to progress?

We all recognise that the Warriors need two competent halves to control the team and stabilise the flamboyancy of individuals. Another playmaker will release pressure on Stacey Jones and keep the opposition defence split.

The ball runners haven't been able to get used to anyone, other than Stacey, which means delivery of the ball from different players has been inconsistent.

The player who has shown the most potential in his time there has been Jerome Ropati but his versatility has counted against him for the No 6 jersey. At the time he showed his skill level was up to the task and his ability to handle the pressure could not be questioned.

If the current combination is to remain (Jones/Fien), it will take another few weeks for the team to become accustomed to, and confident in, the two players controlling the game.

But last week they were saying Sione Faumuina was a long-term solution at five-eighth. I may be wrong but I thought he was too high risk in his play which, on occasion, may see the ball go to ground. If it does, it makes him look bad and starts to create doubt in his mind and in the minds of other players.

If the high-risk offload goes to hand, then confidence rises and the flamboyant style of play will come to the fore and, if so, opposition teams beware. It is exceptionally hard for teams to defend against another team that throws caution to the wind and the Warriors are the best at this brand of football.

I come back to the point of continuity and the need for the Warriors to show faith in a combination. The club administration have announced there will not be many buys in the off-season and Fien and Hohaia have been touted as the future halves. For the long-term survival of the Warriors, the coaching staff should make changes as soon as possible. Fix your long-term halves in place and, wait for it, play Stacey Jones at hooker.

Before everyone starts calling for the ambulance to cart me off to the asylum, hear me out. Stacey gives you speed and service from dummy half as well as a kicking game. His option to run from the ruck will keep questioning the defence and create space. The attacking triangle (hooker, halfback and five-eighth) is more complete but, more importantly, the long-term halves will have more time to gel while still utilising Stacey Jones. I'm not too sure how Stacey will feel about putting his head in a scrum but he can't keep his baby-faced good looks forever.

It is a fact that Stacey will not be at the club in 2006 so take the opportunity to build for next year and beyond. This should not be viewed as disrespecting Stacey Jones in his final year at the club; he can still play a vital role but maybe not in his preferred position of halfback.

The fans will still see him play and it may help kick-start the player and the club back to the success of a few seasons back.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY