Diary Of A Warriors Fan - Vete's Mt Smart Voodoo
It's always nice to give praise where it's due and there was only one positive from the Warriors loss to the Manly Sea Eagles. With that, we must salute Albert Vete.
Vete was one of three Warriors forwards to run for more than 100 metres (more on that in a bit), but more importantly than numbers, Vete looked like the only Warrior with any sort of spring in their step. Every time Vete ran the ball, memories of Iafeta Paleaaesina steaming in off the back fence sprung to mind. When Vete ran the ball, I smiled as I thought that Vete and the Mt Smart faithful could form a dynamic duo with the crowd roaring, anticipating the collision that comes when a bloke puts his all into every carry.
Unfortunately, Vete's performance and the hope of what could be, is lost amongst an extremely poor performance from his comrades.
The loss of Shaun Johnson is huge, but it's only huge because Johnson has covered over many holes in this Warriors team.
Before we go any further, I must again note that the Warriors were without three of their top 17 and we have seen numerous times this season how different teams go when they are without a chunk of their best roster. If people are going to shed tears at the loss of Johnson, then the should be getting teary eyed at how lacklustre the Warriors have looked working their way up the field without Manu Vatuvei and Konrad Hurrell.
Last week the Warriors were steamrolled by the Chooks, with the Roosters running for 1926 metres to 1389 metres from the Warriors. Against a Sea Eagles pack who from all reports are going to be broken up thanks to their apparent lack of oomph, the Warriors once again came off second best - 1435 metres vs 1067 metres.
That's two games back to back games where the Warriors have conceded more metres than they have made. As Vatuvei's biggest cheerleader, don't sleep on that.
Don't sleep on the fact that Jonathan Wright made the most metres of the Warriors backline with 99 metres. A signature of the Warriors this season has been their backs taking the first three to four hit ups of a set with robust, dynamic ball running. This game showed how reliant we have been on our outside backs, not always a good sign.
Had Johnson not got injured, the Warriors might have won. But Johnson wouldn't have helped his forwards dominate Manly's forwards, he would have just produced a few moments of magic whether a few hot steps of classy kicks, to guide the Warriors to victory.
That was the most disappointing aspect of this game as our forwards were completely out-played by Manly's forwards. Manly's backline oozes enough class and strike-power that their forwards just need get a slight advantage and they can rack up points.
Let us all, as Warriors fans, collectively bow down to Brett Stewart.
Four Sea Eagles forwards had over 100 metres, including young Jake Trbojevic who had a staggering 215 metres. Jacob Lillyman had 18 carries for 139 metres, Trbojevic had 23 carries, it just doesn't add up well for the Warriors.
Oh you're not convinced?
In 57 minutes, Bodene Thompson had four carries. It's an exception for Thompson as he's been good this season, but damn.
Feleti Mateo and Willie Mason had less carries than Simon Mannering, but made more metres.
Sione Lousi somehow enjoyed 63 minutes of action and had two carries. TWO FUCKING CARRIES.
Despite the writing being on the wall for Lousi and Sam Rapira, they both enjoyed time off the bench again while Sam Lisone was no where to be seen. If Andrew McFadden persists with these strange selections then he's got to take some ownership for results as he's serving up the same mediocre performers at a crucial time of the season.
While the Warriors lost Shaun Johnson, the Sea Eagles struggled to put a bench together for the backend of the game. The Warriors were unable to find an upper hand even though Manly lost forwards Tom Symonds, Luke Burgess and Ligi Sao to injury. Where Manly rallied and dug in, the Warriors were simply unable to kick it with the remainder of Manly's forward pack.
Unfortunately, this game offered up another worry besides the loss of Johnson and an embarrassing, borderline disgusting effort from our forward pack. Glenn Fisi'ahi deserves the benefit of the doubt after a long injury lay off, but he just doesn't look like an NRL winger anymore. He got steamrolled by Jorge Taufua and his work taking hit ups wasn't too flash either as his smaller frame was easily dealt with. Jonathan Wright isn't a whole lot better, but he has years of experience on his side and despite not offering much athletically, he knows how to wriggle a few metres out of his carries and not get pushed backwards.
The Warriors were never a top four team, they were just lurking. And they now find themselves in their rightful position sniffing around eighth spot. Issues that have plagued the team all season will now be evident for all to see as Shaun Johnson will no longer be there to bail this team out.
Our season now hangs in the balance, as a fan, it's my job to ride the wave and stick this out with the team. It doesn't fill me with confidence that 2015 will now depend on Sam Tomkins and Chad Townsend, two players who have both failed to truly dominate games. They have done a nice job in allowing Johnson to flourish, but they don't fill me with confidence.
Tuimoala Lolohea does fill me with confidence and for those who believe our season is over, enjoy getting an early and elongated look at Lolohea in the halves.
But really though, shout out to Albert Vete.
Ya know what really ruined my whole evening? Sky's 'old boys' coverage.
Both their old boys who offer 'analysis' and their coverage of the old boys event, both were and are cringe worthy.
Especially on a day when the Warriors lost in every grade. One of the worst days as a Warriors fan, it's definitely up there.
Shit.