Diary of a Warriors fan
We're not graced with too many rivalry matches as Warriors fans. But this ANZAC day clash against the Melbourne Storm is building as one to highlight on the calender every year. From the emotion of the occasion, the support from the kiwis in Melbourne or the fact that it's always a bloody good game ... it's awesome.
Every Warriors fan has a smile on their face because the Warriors gave their all. They played how we all want them to. There effort on defence was super duper and they looked pretty smooth in attack. Their performance epitomised the ANZAC spirit, here's hoping they can do it again without the emotion behind them.
It's good to see Sam Tomkins building in to his work nicely, we all said it and many judged him far too early. Having Tomkins and Shaun Johnson who have a appreciation of attacking, free flowing footy is exactly what the Warriors need and what the Storm didn't.
For me though, Chad Townsend is someone in the same category as Tomkins. Many judge him far too early and obviously to judge him on this performance would be a contradiction ... he has proven over a long period of time that he has classic half skills. Whether he can do this consistently at NRL level .... and at the Warriors (which is even harder) will be the test.
Andrew McFadden made the decision to go small, play small ball. Sam Rapira and Jacob Lillyman especially were awesome and it looks like Warriors may have caught up with the NRL. This season is all about quick, skillful and aggressive forwards. Against the Storm, the Warriors showed all of that. Rapira and Lillyman showed the heart. Jayson Bukuya attacks at every chance and is a great edge runner. Simon Mannering is still not at his best but lead the way on D and his pass to Feleti Mateo showed that they're are getting there. It's all fine and dandy having all these weapons in the back line, but when you have an equal threat with ball playing, hole running forwards well you've got it sorted really.
The most impressive thing however for me was the play of the younger lads, which given the way the Warriors played is a pretty big deal. David Fusitua showed that he is up to first grade level with nice skill, power and athletic wing finishing all in there. Ben Henry looked good as well, so did Ngani Laumape. Obviously the injury situation throw a spanner in to the works but everyone adjusted well. Konrad Hurrell will have to do something pretty terrible to get dropped again but it's good to see that coach is willing to do things like that.
Overall, no complaints. But there needs to be consistency. Consistency in performance and some consistency in selection. They've got a week off to nurse their bumps and bruises, refresh but you'd imagine they'd spend a fair bit of time on the training paddock as well.