KEY POINTS:
It's a simple equation for both the Warriors and Panthers today, win or start thinking about 2009.
The spoils will go to the team which is more desperate. But which one is it?
Both teams suffered losses last weekend and lost the opportunity to give themselves some breathing space and relieve some pressure with two games to play.
It was always going to be hard for Penrith to beat the Storm, last year's premiers, even at home. The Warriors, though, squandered a more realistic chance against the Dragons.
It's hard to know which team will respond in a manner worthy of one that wants to be taken seriously and compete for a place in the Grand Final.
Both would say they were embarrassed last week and I can guarantee that both teams will improve their efforts to erase those memories. But wanting to bounce back to forget the past is the wrong sort of motivation - there needs to be something more substantial if you want to be a consistent team.
Motivation should not be a problem for the Warriors and Panthers today because winning allows each to stay in the playoffs race for another week.
For the Warriors there is also the factor of a home farewell for three important players.
Ruben Wiki, Logan Swann and Wairangi Koopu have all served this club well.
Wiki will attract the most attention but we can't underestimate the contributions of Swann and Koopu.
It's often amazing how much work is done by players who don't score the tries, or make the big runs and tackles.
The little jobs on a field are done by important players who go unobserved except by their team-mates and these are the players appreciated more ny their colleagues than the superstars.
Personally, I would like to thank all three for their contributions to the club and the game over the years.
For me, the prime motivation for the Warriors today should be about wanting to regain some the respect which has grown over the past couple of months.
Self respect is the key to this team if they are to be successful as it is always hard to forgive yourself for poor performances.
Will Penrith have the same motivation today?
