KEY POINTS:
The Warriors lack killer instinct which is clear from their loss to the Rabbitohs. The question is: is it time to panic yet? Can the Warriors improve or can the players who missed Friday's encounter help the team be a threat in this competition?
The fixture against the struggling Rabbitohs was so full of contrast but instead of a game of two halves the Warriors played a game of four quarters. But it is still hard to believe the Warriors lost, especially after such an outstanding opening 20 minutes and leading 14-0.
Without being outstanding, their control was due to ball retention and playing smarter football and better vision. Then, within the blink of an eye and with no apparent turning point, the Rabbitohs transformed the Warriors into a team that resembled one playing away from Mt Smart.
Comically, the transformation happened twice more before the final whistle and we were all left wondering what had happened and how the Warriors lost.
It's also difficult to pinpoint who was responsible or who didn't play well enough or what the reasons were for the loss. Like most people who watched the game, you'd find it hard to explain the performance. There were good aspects about the Warriors' performance and there were some bloody awful ones too.
Currently missing is the killer instinct. The ability to put teams away when you have them on the rack is the difference between good teams and very good teams. The ability to do it consistently defines a great team and, unfortunately, the Warriors are lacking in that category.
This team many times have shown attacking qualities up there with that of the Roosters, Storm, Manly and Broncos. Defensively, however, mental lapses have cost them dearly.
Having the worst defence in this competition will never place you in the top eight let alone win the competition, but the ability to finish off teams is paramount to make any sort of impression.
I assume Ivan Cleary and John Ackland have tried to address this issue and are at their wits' end to try and extract what is required. Very quickly, this team is looking decidedly vulnerable and a major shake up is required by the coaching staff and management if attitudes are to change.
I know everyone will be talking positively and replying that there have been discussions and any underlying issues have been addressed but - I'm sorry - it looks like there is still something missing.
The critical step is to fix whatever is wrong now, not next week or the week after, time will run short for this season but it is crucial to ensure the problem does not continue.
Is it time to panic?
