Richie Barnett: Hard-graft the reason why Warriors refused to buckle

Matthew Allwood and Chad Townsend of the Warriors after scoring a try during the round four NRL match against the Broncos. Photo / Getty Images

The Warriors' defeat to Brisbane last Sunday was disappointing but there were some positives to come out of the match that illustrate the progress being made under coach Andrew McFadden.

Considering the Warriors had to defend so much and committed 21 errors, it was remarkable they were still able to claw their way back into the game after being down 16-0 at halftime.

If that had occurred two years ago we could have seen them capitulate and concede another 30 points.

The fact that they didn't can be attributed to the outstanding and relentless work of their middle men, particularly the back row of Ryan Hoffman, Bodene Thompson and Simon Mannering.

Throughout the opening four rounds these guys have been getting through a mountain of defensive work and on Sunday came close to making 40 per cent of the side's tackles.

Their efforts are helping the Warriors to be more consistent and will ensure the side can narrow the gap between their best and worst performances.

It is also noticeable how the Warriors' attack has been simplified this season with little reliance on executing plays from set-piece.

They are playing more to their strengths and the likes of Chad Townsend are leading the way in supporting Manu Vatuvei's carries and Ben Matulino's offloads, while a number of others can also bust the line.

Being on hand to support those runs is a smart way of gaining an advantage and the Warriors are benefiting, particularly early on in the tackle count.

It is also glaringly apparent how much they are missing the input of injured fullback Sam Tomkins, despite the encouraging form of his replacement Tui Lolohea.

His work ethic is massive and it is really obvious when a guy like him isn't there, what a profound effect it has on the chemistry of the whole backline.

For all of Lolohea's ability and potential, he doesn't bring that organisational ability and vision of an experienced player. It's really hard for a young guy who is new to the team to tell people what to do. Tomkins' ability to chat and organise those around him is so critical, especially with the speed of the game now.

His distinctive running style, speed and footwork are also extremely impressive and help create doubt in the defensive line. He can get around players like a greyhound and score tries others wouldn't, with his amazing ability to swerve and glide to the outside.

He doesn't get the credit he deserves for what he brings to the side. He is phenomenal and one of the best players in the competition. Seriously, he is that good.

As for the question why Shaun Johnson hasn't been so prominent in the Warriors' attack, we've seen that most of their attack has been on the left where the bulk of their strike power lies. With Vatuvei, Solomone Kata, Hoffman and even Matulino favouring that left channel, and Konrad Hurrell missing from the right, the No7 hasn't had much to work with.

As with Tomkins, Hurrell's absence has highlighted his importance to the right edge, because creating a scoring chance can be as simple as giving him quick ball with time and space before the line.

When he and Tomkins return the Warriors should find their groove and take their game up a couple of notches.