Rugby League: Adam Blair admits to poor form as Warriors look to avoid another Melbourne Storm 'ambush'

Name: ANZ Sports Scene: The All Blacks first-five debate continues
Uploaded: 2019-04-23T12:14:31+12:00
Duration: 422 s
Description: The debate continues for the All Blacks on who should replace Damian McKenzie, The Warriors go down to the bottom of the table Cowboys and we catch up with Ross Taylor only 5 weeks out from the 2019 cricket world cup

NZ Herald

22 Apr, 2019 05:00 PM2 mins to read

The debate continues for the All Blacks on who should replace Damian McKenzie, The Warriors go down to the bottom of the table Cowboys and we catch up with Ross Taylor only 5 weeks out from the 2019 cricket world cup

Battling Warriors forward Adam Blair has admitted his performances have not been up to scratch this year.

The 33-year-old Kiwis captain, who is on a $2 million three-year contract, faces a massive task on Thursday, his own poor form coinciding with a daunting task against the Storm in Melbourne.

The Warriors are already showing worrying signs in 2019, with bookies rating last year's top eight side as likely to finish in the bottom four with the Bulldogs, Titans and Knights.

Although Blair said they were happy with their most recent defensive efforts, basics were letting them down on attack.

"I'm a tough critic on myself," said Blair. "We ask the question every game — am I doing enough?

"I haven't played my best football. I'm the first to admit that.

"It's a long year ... catching and passing the ball are some of the things that have let me down and they are an easy fix.

"I've been around for a while and in Sydney for a long time, and copped it down there. This is nothing new.

"Just believing in the person you are, and the ability you have and backing yourself — those are the things that get you a long way in this game.

"You have to be honest about performances."

The Warriors had a shocker in last year's Anzac clash, losing 50-10, after being smashed in the first half.

Both Blair and Warriors coach Stephen Kearney suggested they had not switched on quickly enough, after an impressive win over the Dragons in the previous round.

Wing David Fusitu'a has been ruled out with a rib injury, while Blake Green remains a possibility after being sidelined with a groin strain.

Peta Hiku, who played as a half in Saturday's loss to the Cowboys, trained on the right wing.

Solomone Kata (neck) will be available, Sam Lisone (hamstring) is unlikely to be considered, and Ligi Sao (sternum) and Adam Keighran (thigh) are to be assessed.

"Melbourne gave us a lesson [last year]," Blair said. "They always start fast ... we got ambushed a bit."