No one enjoys getting demolished on the sports field. There is no worse feeling than knowing that the other team are more talented, smart and more athletic than you and your mates. 

This was not the case at Centrebet Stadium on Saturday night however. The Warriors were thumped thanks to two variables which aresimilar and can impact each other. These were two variables that each player had full control over.The attitude and effort of the Warriors was pitiful. They were not there to play NRL footy. They weren't ready for a physical battle and they darn sure weren't ready for a mental battle where they

would push themselves to the limited risking their bodies for the sake of each other and New Zealand.

As they are now known as the New Zealand Warriors, New Zealand is who they are accountable to.

Most of the blame seems to be falling on the few blokes at the top of the pyramid. Wayne Scurrah,

Dean Bell etc. and their recruitment strategies. I don't know enough about the going ons inside the front office to make a sound judgement but many of the 'shortcomings' have happened before around the world with little or no impact. What I do know is that Mathew Elliot said today that some of the problems at the club were there before he became coach. Hmmmmmmm. The Warriors do seem to lack direction and leadership up top but many of the criticism falling on them is based around player recruitment. This includes letting those who ravaged them on Saturday night and the great Mr Cleary, depart. Let's be honest, many sports clubs have let many coaches and players go who have beat them up the next time they meet on the field. We seem to be making that a bigger issue than it is. I mean they let Issac John go, knowing that Shaun Johnson was waiting in the wings. Not such a bad call. John then didn't fit in with his English club's plans so he was released to Penrith. You can hardly blame anyone for that? Just the way the cookie crumbles.

The players they recruited? Well who wouldn't be happy with two Melbourne Storm players, a Panther who

was given a first grade contract at 17 and another youngster with first grade experience on the

GOld Coast. They seem like pretty good buys to me. SO I don't think we can take that route of blame.

I wont comment of Mathew Elliot. Lets see what he's made of. He has hit rock bottom so the proof will

be in the pudding.

That leaves the players. If only they were all like Captain Simon Mannering. His effort is unquestioned.

His attitude, exceptional. But none of the other players seem to be taking much notice.This group of players need to realise what they are a part of. Especially the younger group of New Zealand players. Following the World Cup win in 2008, rugby league has experienced great growth and recognition within New Zealand. The most visible team is the Warriors. These players need to take responsibility for the future of rugby league in New Zealand with the gauntlet being laid by Sir Owen Glenn and Eric Watson. These two have outlined a vision. The players need to accept the role within this vision respond with the correct attitude and effort.

The Warriors are lucky though. This performance has come at the best time it could. Any later in the

season than now and it would have been too late. But they have a chance to get themselves out of this

hole. I would start with giving Harry Siejka a go. Siejka is a very good young halfback and will

need to be given a chance at some stage during the season after making the move from Penrith. What

better time than now? Let Shaun Johnson find some confidence in NSW Cup, rediscover his magical touch

and let him tough it out. He hasn't faced a major setback so far and everything seems to have been handed

to him on a silver platter. Give him some competition. Next I would want to see Suaia Matagi who played against the Bulldogs in Wellington given another shot. He is a unit and is aggressive. Which is what the Warriors need. Remember Richard Villasanti? Yeah well they need that. This would also send a rocket up the frontline prop's backsides. I imagine Konrad Hurrell will be brought back sometime soon following a few weeks with the Vulcans. He is a player that other teams will fear and another player who will make the Warriors a physical threat.

Warriors fans

Those who 'like' the Warriors love to bag them when they are down. These are not fans.

We have many fake league fans in New Zealand who love the Warriors when they are doing well, then

laugh when they are shit. Stand by them. Learn to ride the rollercoaster. It's a fun ride.

Oh and the Bulldogs are the most over rated team in the comp.

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