KEY POINTS:
If you asked anyone what would be the worst thing that could happen to the Warriors, or who would be the last person you would want to see out for any length of time, there is no question that name would be Steve Price.
His presence is immense
and I've no doubt the younger players love to see him alongside them when they take the field.
Psychologically, this could have more of an influence than people realise despite the club claiming they have good cover within their ranks.
But it's not the playing replacement that worries me, it's the on-field leadership that is going to be hard to replace; it cannot be replicated by another player.
During my time with the Kiwis it was a pleasure when Mark Graham was captaining the side. There was nothing more reassuring than looking across the field, just prior to kick off, gazing at this colossus and feeling his presence alongside you.
His aura was indescribable and, for an instant, calmness fell over me, which in turn exuded an inner confidence within, simply because he was there.
When he wasn't there, a void existed and someone else had to stand up and lead in his own way - and not try to be another Mark Graham.
Price has this presence about him and I believe he will have the same affect on a number of Warriors.
Yes, Ruben Wiki will still be there and there is enough experience to cover the physical attributes of Price, but the emotional aspects need to be understood.
Wiki's playing minutes do not extend to that of Price and even though their roles are similar they achieve them in different ways.
Wiki has a blockbusting style akin to that of a sledgehammer, whereas Price is more a 500-ton hydraulic press powering his way through defensive lines. Either way, their presence is respected but different, and Price's injury will affect the team.
If they are to overcome the Eels today, who were highly impressive in their second-half comeback against the Bulldogs last week, it must be achieved with confidence.
Subconsciously, the Warriors will be questioning themselves and their credentials to beat the opposition, having lost their two best players (Price and Wade McKinnon) for extended periods.
It is an uphill task despite it only being the second game this season - the wins will come at some stage this season but it's now time for this organisation to look ahead to the future without Price.
They are still learning to live without Stacey Jones, just like the Roosters are without Brad Fittler; the Knights without Andrew Jones and the Broncos without Allan Langer. They are clubs that were detrimentally affected by the retirement of such players without replacements ready to step in.
It is time to take stock and prepare while Price has time out from playing.
What the Warriors do not want is to have a third player out for a long time, especially when Price has only this season left to play.
That is the worst thing that could happen to this club.
