Hugh McGahan: Coach key to Warrior confidence

The Warriors' revival will be explained by various people in various ways - including that the team is holding on to the ball, tackling better, running with purpose, has a better game plan and a myriad other reasons. There is also a more basic explanation for the past four consecutive wins.

We must go back to the appointment of coach Ivan Cleary. The attitude, philosophy and personality of the coach are the most influential components on the psyche of any club culture. This creates the environment that influences everyone.

Ivan has a calm disposition, and does not become agitated when things do not go to plan.

At the start of the season, the team was showing inconsistent form and similar results followed. But the coach did not become uptight when questioned by the media about form. He answered honestly without trying to spin an unbelievable excuse.

Hence a relaxed air of confidence is in force at the club. The often tense environment previously found at there has evaporated to become an atmosphere in which administrators and coaching staff can make decisions without players, supporters and stakeholders feeling threatened. We have seen, week in and week out, how the team has played with enthusiasm and as if they were at the top of the table. This is because the confidence has returned.

Confidence in their ability has never been a problem but rather confidence in their approach to each fixture. But they must also have confidence in the coach, the game plan and administrators. I think now we are seeing that confidence improve each round.

We observe happier players content in their role, which is to perform on a weekly basis.

Remember, not too long ago, when players were cautious speaking to media without a media liaison to control and set the questions - only to become disgruntled when questions were too invasive?

This new-found confidence will carry the team through the rest of the season and beyond - irrespective of remaining results.

Prevalent now is a belief in those around them and a belief in the system. When teams have this belief they are hard to combat and difficult to demoralise.

I mentioned at the start of the season that if this team make the top eight, they would have had a successful season. When the salary cap issue arose and points were deducted, I followed up my comment that if the team still made the top eight they will have had an extremely successful season.

Without seeking to put the mocker on the club, this team has risen above the adversity and moved into that territory of success. Well done, Ivan.