The Warriors need to treat tomorrow's match against the Sharks like it was their last game of the season. Every match from now on is D-Day for this club and there can be less room for excuses. Sure, Shaun Johnson is a huge loss but other teams have had to deal with a large injury list and keep going. It's unfortunately part of the game.
What has been most disappointing from the Warriors over the past two weeks is the lack of application, of genuine hunger, of desire. Fans can forgive mistakes but find it harder to forget performances lacking effort and heart. The Warriors gave us all a lot of hope after the Storm win, when they reached the top four, but the last two losses have ripped it away. They need to bounce back - and quickly.
But you can't downplay it - Johnson is a loss. I remember when we lost Brad Fittler to injury at the Roosters we used to struggle, as "Freddie" was at the centre of everything for us. Though things have moved on with modern training methods, better preparation and bigger squads.
Chad Townsend has to become the driving force of the team. He's the main organiser and needs to take on a lot more responsibility. Beside him it will be a big test for Tui Lolohea. Like Johnson he can turn a game on his own, and he had a lot of great moments in the Holden Cup at No 6. But this is a different ball game; I know he's done drills in that position at times but that's no comparison with game time.
Tui's a quiet guy and there would be concern over his communication, especially when he gets tired. Cronulla will direct a lot of traffic at him, particularly with Paul Gallen and Wade Graham playing on his side of the field.
