"When you get the attitude right and the desire right that is the most critical part to being a good defensive team," said coach Andrew McFadden. "They are realising that it works. We could have finished it [off] a little better, but it was just pure courage that got us over the line in the end."
Captain Simon Mannering said his team would take confidence form the win. "It was probably our most complete performance [this year] and [it was] one of the toughest games I have played in for a while."
Aside from the new found defensive resilience, there are several other reasons why this match may come to be seen as a stepping stone.
The coach's cap fits
McFadden, who carries the nickname 'Cappy', desperately needed this win for his own self belief. It was his first victory as a head coach in the NRL and what a way to do it, beating the Storm on their own patch.
Remember it took Matt Elliott a decade to beat a Craig Bellamy-coached side — McFadden has done it at his first attempt. Another loss, with a two-week break before a tricky game at Eden Park against the Raiders and the pressure would have been immense. McFadden has been quick to put his stamp on the side with some inspired selections and deserved to be rewarded.
The greenhorns thrive
In the second half the Warriors edge defenders were David Fusitua, Ben Henry, Konrad Hurrell and Ngani Laumape. Four youngsters with fewer than 100 NRL games among them. But they are the future. Henry needs to stay at centre - he is just as solid as Dane Nielsen on defence and has much more on attack - while Laumape (15 runs, 129 metres) continues to show maturity beyond his years.
Fusitua was outstanding and has immense potential while Hurrell (93m from just nine runs, three tackle breaks) was a constant menace. He is one of top attacking weapons across the NRL and needs to be utilised. Sure, his defensive positioning remains a work in progress but his place to learn is the NRL.
Tomkins delivers
It was the best display so far from the England fullback. He was constantly involved, a genuine third play-making option, and his long and short kicking was well placed. The imminent return of Kevin Locke should lift his play even more.
The pack gets back up
The Warriors forwards have held their own in most matches this year, only to be let down by poor execution and defence by the backs.
The pack was again superb on Friday, highlighted by Jacob Lillyman (17 carries for 153m, 23 tackles), Simon Mannering (85m, 29 tackles) and Jayson Bukuya (75m, 31 tackles), which laid the platform which the backs took advantage of.
Townsend turns up
In the absence of Thomas Leuluai, Chad Townsend deputised with aplomb. He still has a lot to learn but it was a gutsy effort from the former Cronulla Shark (25 tackles, 61m).
