KEY POINTS:
Last week we were all on edge, anticipating the clash between the Roosters and Bulldogs, a match that was highlighted by the personal duel between Willie Mason and Sonny Bill Williams.
This, however, did not eventuate and consequently neither did the close contest predicted, with the Roosters easily outclassing the Bulldogs 40-12.
It was a major disappointment to many. Was the game stolen away from spectators by media looking to create an interest? Was such hype even necessary? The rivalry between these two teams goes back to Super League days when the pair swore to be enemies forever.
Long-term friendships were obliterated overnight for no reason other than money and, unfortunately, this hatred continues today. That in itself is reason enough to anticipate a fiery encounter without over-the-top antics by an over-enthusiastic media. As it was, the 'Sonny and Willie Show' never arrived but individually they played significant roles for their respective teams; Willie dominated with a brace of tries and Sonny played outstandingly in a well-beaten side.
Unfortunately the local media are trying to hype up this weekend's fixture and Sonny Bill is again the subject of attention. Why? There's always the chance that, like last week, the encounter may not live up to the hype.
It will be a disappointment if it does not, as Sonny Bill has stolen the show on previous appearances at Mt Smart Stadium.
His power and pace were exceptional against the Roosters and the threat of his ball distribution will keep the Warriors busy. Why then is there a need to promote the game with such an angle? Normally the fact that the Warriors are playing at home is enough to draw a crowd; maybe their inconsistent form is more than likely a factor.
Last week the team were ordinary in their defeat of the Knights and, unfortunately, average is the nicest thing I can say of that performance. It was scrappy and just hanging on to win justifies such a rating.
There is a lack of killer instinct within this current squad - despite the coaching staff creating an environment to extract it from the players. Only the players themselves can deliver it.
Deliver it they must to overcome a Bulldogs side painfully recovering from last weekend's loss. The instinct to kill off the opposition is an internal issue.
Do this Warriors team lack the killer instinct or do they lack the playing personnel to inspire it out on the field e.g. Steve Price and Wade McKinnon?
Message to players: Forget the hype or the angle and motivate yourself by remembering why you are there and what to do. If you believe in your ability and perform with conviction you can look in the mirror and feel some satisfaction.
