Oh dear, drama with the Warriors, like actual drama, that's not good.

Up until this point there had just been fluffy dramas, not being very good in the NRL and people having a whinge from the outside looking in regarding the club's culture. Now we have certified drama, which has resulted in a fair chunk of the Warriors' top-17 given the flick for this week's game against the Dragons ... and Konrad Hurrell - who must be almost out the door, surely? 

The nitty gritty about this drama is speculation. Andrew McFadden and Jim Doyle are obviously trying to set the tone, that missing any sort of duty as a professional sportsman isn't good enough and I don't think any of us have any problem with that. I had questioned McFadden's kahunas as coach, I didn't think he'd drop players who weren't performing and so on, yeah, well, the proof is now in the pudding ain't it.

I was left with the stinky smell of a blatant disconnect between coach and players after that loss to Melbourne. It's clear that the players aren't responding to McFadden and I guess this could be a development of that. McFadden has said that there is a 'poor attitude' at Mt Smart and the big question here is who drives the attitude of the players?

Hmm, I think it's best that we don't concern ourselves with what's happening at Mt Smart because I don't think anyone involved with the Warriors actually has any clarity themselves. These issues appear to run deep and that's not good.

McFadden has dropped Bodene Thompson, Ben Matulino, Manu Vatuvei, Albert Vete, Sam Lisone.

In come Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Matt Allwood and Toafofoa Sipley. 

To be honest, I'm very interested to see how this group goes against the Dragons. I expect we'll see the following as the 17 on Sunday...

Fusitua, Wright, Ayshford, Kata, Allwood, Leuluai, Johnson, Lillyman, Luke, Gavet, Hoffman, Palavi, Gubb.

Tevaga, Lane, Lousi, Sipley.

Sipley is a young prop who has oozed NRL potential since emerging through the Under-20's and reserve grade. This will be our first look at him in the NRL and he's arguably the most promising prop we have coming through so keep a close eye on how he goes.

Lousi was recently named to start on the edge for Tonga and is effectively now playing for his future. We haven't seen much of Lousi or Palavi in recent times, both have shown glimpses of potential with Palavi a celebrated leader coming through the ranks. This is their chance to stamp their mark as being capable of playing consistently in the NRL.

Allwood was signed from Canberra (McFadden's former club) and hasn't quite kicked on in his time with the Warriors. I actually like what I've seen from him and like Lousi and Palavi, Allwood is kinda playing to prove that he has a future in the NRL. 

Of course, this is already and will be crazy news. Dramas at the Warriors, there's no better headline in Aotearoa as click-bait. Dig a little deeper though and you'll find intrigue or excitement regarding the players who have now been given an opportunity to re-establish some pride in the Warriors.