KEY POINTS:
Ivan Cleary is still targeting 28 points for the Warriors this season, even though that would mean winning nine of their remaining 13 games.
The Warriors are on 10 points heading into today's round 13 match with the Storm - where they have been stuck after five straight losses, slipping from near the top to close to the bottom.
Historically, 28 points has been the benchmark for making the playoffs but that might slip to 26 or even lower given the introduction of the Titans in 2007 - meaning teams no longer pick up a guaranteed two points for a second bye - and the close nature of this season.
"We are still looking to make 28," Cleary said. "Obviously it is our goal to make the playoffs and I still have faith we will make it. We're still fighting hard to get there."
When Cleary gained the Warriors coaching job for the start of the 2006 season, he had a three-year plan.
The first year, when they missed the playoffs and finished 10th of the 15 teams, was all about development and rebuilding. They might have even made the top eight had it not been for the salary cap debacle which cost them four competition points.
The second year was supposed to be when Cleary's side at least made the playoffs and gained some valuable finals football experience.
The third year, 2008, was when the Warriors would at least replicate the club's greatest achievement - making the 2002 grand final.
Missing the top eight this season would be a serious setback in Cleary's masterplan.
The Warriors coach played finals football in nine of his 11 years as a player, including twice with the Warriors in 2001 and 2002. He realises the importance of his younger players gaining finals experience.
There are more than a couple of facts from which the Warriors should take comfort. Heading into this weekend's round, the closeness of the competition meant they were only two points outside the top eight and four points behind the fourth-placed Eels.
The Warriors of 2006 also twice put together runs of four consecutive victories and won eight of their last 12 matches then.
A win today against a heavily-depleted Storm outfit missing nine regular starters due to injuries and Origin duties would be a step in the right direction. After all, there's nothing like winning to breed confidence.
