Rugby League: Thompson feeling more at ease

Bodene Thompson says the Warriors' combinations are starting to work. Photo / Dean Purcell

Warriors forward hopes to make more of a mark now combo on right settling in.

Defence has been a focus for Bodene Thompson in his first few games for the Warriors but he hopes to make more of an impression with the ball in hand as the side's right edge combinations begin to gel.

Before round five, Thompson and halfback Shaun Johnson were the only mainstays on a right edge that failed to fire, as the centre, wing and fullback positions shuffled each week to stunt their cohesion.

Heading into tonight's clash with the Cowboys in Townsville, Thompson feels confident that combinations are starting to click after consecutive games with Konrad Hurrell and Jonathan Wright settling into the midfield and flank positions together.

"It's good, the combinations are starting to get going and we're getting familiar with each other and the same people," Thompson said. "The first few weeks we had a different centre and winger every week so we weren't quite getting things right.

"I'm starting to find my timing and am just getting the feel of everyone I'm playing with.

"It takes a couple of weeks to get used to how everyone plays and they're getting used to how I play.

"It's starting to feel all right and hopefully we can put some better performances together individually and as a team in the next couple of weeks."

That settling-in period hasn't stopped Thompson from rolling his sleeves up and together with Ryan Hoffman and captain Simon Mannering, the back-row trio have been effective in restricting the impact of opposition forward packs.

His next goal is to vary his game more by getting his hands on the ball and making bigger inroads through the defensive line.

"I have been doing a little bit more work but that comes with the job defensively," he said. "It's something I have to work on because after doing so many tackles I have to back up and have a powerful run.

"I just have to keep consistently working on that and trying to get better at it week in and week out."

It hasn't been an easy ride for Wright either, but after some initial hurdles, the former Parramatta, Canterbury and Cronulla finisher has looked more assured out wide.

"I'm enjoying it," Wright said. "I'm just getting into the structures of our game and how the boys play and there were a few weeks there where I was just sort of learning as I go.

"It was [difficult]. We've been doing a lot of work and we're getting a good combination together and we want to build on last week's game."

Coach Andrew McFadden was critical of Wright's positional play in their round five loss to Melbourne but was quick to compliment his efforts against the Tigers last Saturday.

But he hinted that the return of David Fusitu'a and Glen Fisiiahi to NSW Cup would ramp up competition for his right wing spot.

"He was really rock solid," McFadden said. "Most people don't see what he does in terms of how he carries for a lot of metres, he's always working for the team and he's obviously very, very safe under the high ball.

"He's had a fair few combinations inside him and that always makes it a little more difficult. If we can settle on a line-up that will help him, but obviously he's got some competition coming."

Meanwhile, Wright says the Warriors right side are determined to match the efforts of their left edge counterparts who have enjoyed plenty of success in the early rounds.

"They were giving us a bit of stick and they've been scoring a few tries and stopping a few too. That's where we want to be, we've got high standards here and we just want to make sure no one comes through our edge.

"That's what we want to hit the mark on this weekend and throughout the rest of the season."