Chad Townsend is ready to step up after playing mainly a supporting role. Photo / Getty Images
Chad Townsend is ready to step up after playing mainly a supporting role. Photo / Getty Images
Halfback is a dynamic player who will play a similar role to Shaun Johnson, says coach.
Chad Townsend believes his new halfback partner Tui Lolohea has what it takes to replace the injured Shaun Johnson.
The pair will form a new combination in the halves as the in form Cronulla Sharks visit Mt Smart tomorrow night.
Last week's loss to Manly was a catastrophic night for the Warriors but Townsend says he and the rest of the team are ready to reignite their season.
Head coach Andrew McFadden revealed the Warriors have earmarked Lolohea for a halfback role in the future and Townsend is ready to guide the rookie into his new role.
"To lose the golden boot winner in any team is a massive loss and we're not playing that down. We'll be looking for everyone to step up for this weekend and for the rest of the year.
"I'm excited to play with Tui. He's the future of this club.
"He's a confident kid and he came into our team at the start of the year playing fullback - a role he didn't know much about.
"To his credit he handled it really well and he's done that all season, whether it's been in the centres or out on the wing or at fullback.
"I'll guide him along where I can and give him advice but he feels most confident in the halves and we've definitely got confidence in him to do the job this weekend."
Townsend, 24, said he was also ready to take on extra responsibility and it could well be the making of the Australian halfback, who's largely played a supporting role in the halves since joining in 2014.
He started his NRL career with the Sharks in 2011 and will be returning to Cronulla at the end of the season.
He's been leading the attack down the Warriors' left edge but he said he'll now be switching sides when he can to support Lolohea.
"I'll be doing a bit of both," he said. "With Shaun being a right-footed kicker, he was on the right side but now I'll switch over to the right side when I can and do some kicking.
"I've got a bit more experience than Tui so I'll probably be the dominant half. I'll make a lot of the calls and hopefully let Tui feed off it."
Lolohea's versatility has been invaluable for the Warriors this year with injuries, suspensions and constant changes in the back line.
The 20-year-old told the Herald after the Manly defeat he was "ready to play halfback" and it's where he wants to play.
McFadden said the Warriors have played with Lolohea in Johnson's position in training throughout this year and now he'll get his chance in the NRL.
"Tui is a very similar player to Shaun as well. He's very dynamic and he's got a good running game so he'll play a very similar role," McFadden said.
"He's handled the pressure well so far and I expect him to."
Gubb: we'll take fight to the Sharks
Charlie Gubb has impressed with his performances this year. Photo / NZME
Charlie Gubb is back in the fold and he says the Warriors have to bully the Sharks this weekend.
The 25-year-old forward had impressed with his performances this year before he was struck down with a shoulder injury a few weeks ago.
The Warriors forward pack has reshuffled again for the Sharks' visit to Mt Smart after Bodene Thompson injured his ankle in last week's defeat to Manly.
Ben Matulino switches to the second row and Albert Vete is promoted to starting at prop while Gubb is back on the interchange bench.
Sebastine Ikahihifo moves up from the New South Wales Cup to start at loose forward with captain Simon Mannering switching to 12.
Gubb said the forwards were used to swapping around positions and they were ready for the Sharks' challenge.
"Everyone who's come in has already played together before," said Gubb. "It will show from here on out that everyone's gained experience this year and with forwards it's pretty simple - run hard, tackle hard."
The Warriors will be facing an experienced Cronulla pack this weekend and the Sharks moved above the Warriors and the Bulldogs into sixth last weekend after their narrow victory in Canterbury.
"They're a pretty old pack and they've been in these situations before. They've come to New Zealand plenty of times and there's players like Luke Lewis so they will be hard.
"We have to go out and be the bullies this week and we need to take that mentality out there."
Gubb hasn't featured since the thrilling 28-14 win over Melbourne in round 18 and he could only watch as the Warriors suffered two crushing losses to the Roosters and Manly.
