League: Warriors focus on tough run-in

There is a mood of quiet determination at the Warriors as they prepare for a run of matches against NRL competition leaders.

CEO Mick Watson said the atmosphere at the club was surprisingly upbeat given the side's position on the table, off-field criticism and declining fan base.

Former All Blacks coach John Hart has this week lectured the players, coaches and management on motivation and commitment.

Watson gave three reasons for the poorer-than-expected return from the first half of the season: a group of new, young coaches; the team taking longer to gel than anticipated after the integration of four new players; and the NRL being tougher this year.

The quality of the teams that sit level with or just behind the Warriors outside the top-eight definitely supports his last point. The run-in for the last playoff spots could come down to points differential.

The loss of captain Steve Price has been a huge blow and will continue to be so. When the Warriors lost to the Sharks in the last 40 seconds in Perth, it was Price delivering the sermon to downcast heads. The club won't reveal what was said but you can imagine it was powerful.

For the 10 years of their history, the Australian clubs have always believed that if they apply consistent pressure the Warriors will crack.

Unfortunately, that was the case again early this season and crowd numbers have fallen. Watson doesn't blame the fans, saying to get them back the team has to win at home.

If that is a mental failing, then it has to be addressed within the club and not with the help of sports psychologists, Watson believes. "The best sports psychologist is in the mirror, take a long look and you'll find the answers you're looking for."

When Stacey Jones announced his coming departure in April, Watson said the team was on target to come right between rounds 12 and 15. With Price lost from the frame, he maintains they are on track.

"Blind Freddy can see we're playing a better brand of football."

He's gratified by the fact the team hasn't collapsed to ignominious losses, the margin fewer than 10 points and often fewer than six.

"We've stayed in every game."

He's also pleased with the buys, as he should be.

Price led the NRL stats before his injury, Wiki not far behind. Todd Byrne is a decent support player and has nabbed 12 tries. Nathan Fien has been aggressive around the ruck and has a useful kicking game.

"The new buys have done their job and it's up to the club to put everything else in place. Ruben and Steve brought that attitude - they didn't come here to lose."

Watson said the team remained focused on making the top eight, not least for veteran halfback Jones.

"The players that have come here have reinforced that, there is accountability and ownership."

The club will not be in the buying frenzy when the anti-tampering deadline comes off next week.

The intention is to shuffle positions next year when Jones has gone, with Fien to steer the team from halfback. Jerome Ropati moves to five-eighth after a season learning the ropes in the centres.

Lance Hohaia is recognised as long-term hooker. Tony Martin is seen as the goal-kicker for 2006 and will have regular sessions with former Kiwis and Bulldogs sharp-shooter Daryl Halligan.

"One to 17, we will be starting to look like one of the most experienced teams in the competition [next season]," Watson said.

The leadership and experience established in the form of Wiki and Price was expected to last 24 months, by which time other leaders should have stepped up.

"We're not a recruitment club."

They still need to make the eight and after the re-enactment of their first game against Brisbane at Ericsson Stadium tomorrow there are games away to North Queensland, at home to the 2004 premiers the Bulldogs and away to beaten grandfinalists the Roosters - a big ask.

Coach Tony Kemp's position was safe, Watson said. Majority owner Eric Watson was not about to sell.

At the beginning of the season Mick Watson said his head would be first to roll if the Warriors did not make the playoffs.

He's not backing away from that. "If we don't make the eight I believe everyone needs to be looked at."

The Warriors completed a sharp training session in the rain yesterday and have no injury worries, Wiki and Monty Betham both running well after missing last week with knee strains.

Kemp said the Broncos deserved their favouritism after winning 10 on the trot but he'd like to think the Warriors would take some confidence after playing well against them in recent times.

The Broncos have won 12, the Warriors five but those wins have been since 2001 and they beat the Broncos in Brisbane earlier this year.

Centre/second rower Simon Mannering will make his debut.

Broncos wing Brent Tate has been ruled out late, his replacement is Steve Michaels from the Queensland under-19s who will play his third NRL game outside Justin Hodges.

* Ericsson Stadium, tomorrow 2pm

Warriors
Brent Webb
Francis Meli
Clinton Toopi
Jerome Ropati
Manu Vatuvei
Nathan Fien
Stacey Jones (c)
Ruben Wiki
Lance Hohaia
Iafeta Paleaaesina
Awen Guttenbeil
Wairangi Koopu
Sione Faumuina
Reserves: Richard Villasanti, Karl Temata, Monty Betham, Simon Mannering

Broncos
Karmichael Hunt
Steve Michaels
Justin Hodges
Shaun Berrigan
Leon Bott
Darren Lockyer (c)
Brett Seymour
Shane Webcke
Barry Berrigan
Petero Civoniceva
David Stagg
Brad Thorn
Darren Smith
Reserves: Corey Parker, Casey MacGuire, Dane Carlaw, Sam Thaiday