Well once again it was a very tough first up performance to watch from the Warriors.

The Parramatta Eels were definitely the better team on Sunday evening and they had too much fire power and most importantly enthusiasm for our lads.

That enthusiasm though. Like surely that could have been changed during the game - probably after the Warriors faced an Eels defensive line that was charging up, putting a heap of pressure on our play makers. You would have thought that someone would have laid down the law and told the fellas that they need to do a much better job with the things that they can control. The loose carries coming out of our end and the enthusiasm to support the ball carrier or charge of the line to put a shot on .... props to you FIsh.

That being said, it's also the reason why I'm not too down in the dumps. Ya know, there wasn't too much tactically wrong it was more just simple mistakes and perhaps a bit of an inability to execute the attacking plays. But much of that can be put down to the Eels wanting that game a bit more than the Warriors. Nothing that some home truths and a good week on the training pitch can't fix.

So who stood out for the Warriors? John Palavi looked good in the middle, strong defensively and you better get used to him doing a shit load of tough carries in to the guts of the opposition defence. Chad Townsend also impressed, especially with his 1 on 1 tackle against Will Hopoate. Then ofcourse, the Fish provided the biggest attacking threat. I've gotta reserve special praise for Feleti Mateo, I think he's going to shine this season and we saw a glimpse of why. A big fella blessed with great ball playing ability, he gives the Warriors a short passing game to take away some of the pressure put on Johnson and Tomkins. The more time Mateo, Friend, Townsend, Johnson and Tomkins spend together, the better.

Next up, the Dragons who put on 40 against the Tigers. Another tough one, but a good opportunity to right some wrongs and get back on track. After being beat up a little bit by the Eels forwards, I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors really try to smash the Dragons up front and get in to a grind. Or else Johnson, Tomkins and Townsend will constantly be on the back foot ... again.

Opposition shout out - Tim Mannah. Mate it's been a tough few years, but I hope you get back in to a sky blue jersey. You made a dent in the line with every carry and showed why you're the leader of these electric Eels. Shot cuz.