Graham Lowe: Lack of depth leaves me flat

Lance Hohaia is always looking to attack and save the game. Photo / Getty Images

The Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer threw a crucial intercept pass against the Eels last Sunday and Lance Hohaia did the same for the Warriors the night before against the Titans.

But were they responsible for their respective teams losing? No they weren't.

In Lockyer's case he is a player always looking to score tries and he knew he had to come up with something because his team were simply running on empty.

They were exhausted, as was Lockyer himself.

His effort against the Eels after backing up from the Origin earlier in the week, was one of the most inspirational performances in the NRL I've seen this year.

As for Hohaia, he is the player who is always looking to attack and save the game. He's built a reputation on doing this. This time it didn't come off.

Both these players threw passes that if they had come off could have won the game for their teams.

However, in both cases they lacked supporting options with any depth.

In the Broncos case, this is unusual because they base their attack around depth and width.

However, in the Warriors case it highlights an area that has concerned me all year.

They simply play too flat in attack and invite the poachers in.

I hope Hohaia's shin injury is okay for tonight. They need him on the field and it's tough to see them winning without him.

Playing without any depth and width has proved costly for the Warriors so far this year and more of the same tonight could prove to be terminal for this season.

I've said in this column a few weeks ago they should forget about the top eight and just concentrate on playing good footy. If they do that other results may fall their way and give them a slim hope.

If they don't, they have no chance and have wasted the season.

Against the Titans it was clear the team needs freshening up after a season of crash-and-bash football.

For example, I have a real concern for Simon Mannering. Not too long ago he was one of the Warriors most dangerous runners - he was a strike player.

He is now been developed into a battering ram and it is a shame.

All players need to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in at times, but the Warriors have enough players who can be used for crashing up with the ball one off the ruck.

Mannering is a player who used to play up on the balls of his feet at speed. He now looks worn out and offers nowhere near the threat he once did.