Hugh McGahan: The key is confidence as new guys look to gel

After the loss to Manly last weekend, it would have been easy for all and sundry to pour scorn on the Warriors for losing to a team not given a chance by so-called experts. The fact there was little criticism portrays a sense of resolve that we are allowing the team time to find itself over the first few weeks of the competition.

Yes, there are combinations that need to formulate and there is leniency from the fans to allow the team to grow.

I would like to have seen the Warriors play more than two pre-season games. That is not enough to prepare, especially when there are new personnel who need to understand how other players operate. Yes, it is a long season and players and coaches will complain about burn-out but how long a season will it be if you start off poorly and struggle to make the grade?

Three or four games against strong opposition is the minimum to be conditioned for an NRL season.

As I mentioned last week, time is not a luxury this club has, as the fans will not wait too long. This team has to do well for the good of the game in this country and the Warriors will need to show a confidence it displayed in its season opener in 2001.

That was the dawning of a new era and there was no question it showed in the way the team conducted itself on the field, with confidence, vigour and purpose. Bear in mind they'd only been together for around 12 weeks due to a takeover process and the signing of players after an initial stand-off, and was all the more reason why praise was heaped on the club.

Currently the jury is still out and I don't want to pass judgement until time has passed and we can all see where the team is heading.

Confident displays by the team are all that is expected at the moment - get that right and all the rest will fall into place. Motivation was evident from all involved, including coaching staff and management, though anxiety is the best word I can use to describe what I saw by all involved and it appeared the players were more interested in getting the monkey off their back.

There did not seem to be a purpose in attack and no plan to confuse the opposition defensive line.

Steve Price, Ruben Wiki and Nathan Fien proved their worth with the latter showing the willingness to 'dig in'. But other senior players will have to stand up if this team is to move forward over the coming weeks.

The idea of bringing the knowledge of Peter Sterling into the camp was a very clever tactic. His expertise in reading play, a team and an individual is second to none and what is even more outstanding (and brave) is his ability to say it moments before it happens.

To have Sterlo on a consultancy format brings vast knowledge and use it they must. He can direct advice for the purpose of recommendation or suggestion without implying censure.

Hopefully the Warriors' international phone bill will significantly increase over the next seven months.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY