Rugby League: David Fusitu'a welcomes pressure from Warriors' strong group of backs

The Warriors did a lot of pre-season fitness work heading into their 2018 NRL campaign, and for good reason.

The running game looks likely to be a big part of their plan this year, with Blake Green's addition in the halves allowing Shaun Johnson to play his instinctive, off-the-cuff brand of football.

And when Johnson is running, the backs have to try keep up.

Winger David Fusitu'a, who scored two tries in the side's opening round win against South Sydney, said the team had to be ready to run this year.

"As soon as Shaun gets through that first line of defence you've just got to get on your bike and try to catch him and hopefully just give him some options," Fusitu'a said.

The Warriors clocked up 1439 running metres in round one, the sixth highest of the 16 teams in the league, with 10 players running for more than 90 metres.

The running game relies heavily on the backline, be it in support or with ball in hand. The Warriors have plenty of depth in the back five this season, adding Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, and Anthony Gelling in the off-season.

David Fusitu'a scored two tries in the Warriors' opening match of the 2018 season. Photo / Photosport

Fusitu'a said with more depth, there was more pressure for those in the starting side to perform, and that was good for the team.

"There's always a bit of pressure but I think it's a good thing if anything," Fusitu'a said. "If there's people behind you, on your tail trying to get that first-grade spot, it only makes you better and that makes the whole team better when everyone's pushing each other at training."

The running game is likely to play a bit part against the Titans, with the Gold Coast side missing the most tackles of any team in the opening round.

The Titans missed 42 attempted tackles in their close win over the Canberra Raiders. Fullback Michael Gordon missed over twice as many tackles as he made.

However, Warriors fans will likely be looking forward to the match-up between Solomone Kata and his Gold Coast counterpart Konrad Hurrell. The former Warriors was at his barnstorming best in the opening round, busting through six tackles, three offloads, 151 running metres and a match winning try.

"That's going to be a good battle to watch," Warriors captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck said.

"Sol and Koni have known each other for a long time and they're similar players, so it'll be good to see that battle."