Warriors skipper Simon Mannering steered clear of the maths as he led his team to a 42-0 whitewash against the Gold Coast Titans in Auckland.
After two defeats in a row, the Warriors had begun the weekend in 10th place, two points below the top eight.
Their seven-try victory over Gold Coast still left them languishing behind eighth-placed Brisbane Broncos, even it’s by the slimmest of margins – a seven point, points differential.
But their victory over the Titans and the final-round draw means the Warriors will make it into the finals if they beat fourth-placed Penrith next Sunday.
Mannering says the players never discussed the for-and-against equations while the scoreboard was ticking over at Mt Smart Stadium.
The issue also wasn’t mentioned in the sheds at half-time, when they were up 30-0.
Doing that would have taken the focus away from the main objective, which was ensuring they won.
“We just first and foremost wanted to defend our line and try to get that zero – not necessarily score, but worry about our defence – and we did that,” Mannering said.
“We knew they were going to come back strong in the second half and I thought it was a good grind for us going into next week.”
Mannering was understandably happy the Warriors now had control of their own destiny and didn’t have to rely on other teams.
“We can put all our focus on Penrith,” he said.
“I guess our playoffs start early. If we get the two points there, we’re in the eight. Our fate’s in our own hands.”
NZN rlo/ptj
cedric
Guest
yep, Warriors got to win. Maybe Titans can be an upset v's Dogs!
Clark
Guest
SO technically it was still a home game, and an away game for both. They should have racked up a big score against the Raiders. And after this weeks big loss (With Hayne) and Canberra coming off two wins, it isn't as easy as it looks on paper for Parramatta, i'm just saying don't be surprised if the Raiders get them.
Parrafan
Guest
Clark that 'home' game was played in Darwin. And we were without our whole right edge. Expect a couple of players back this weekend. WIllie Tonga, manu Ma'u and Sio will be a bit fitter. In other words our whole right edge will be back.
Clark
Guest
People were probably thinking the same thing regarding Newcastle and they got dismantled. I back Canberra to go out on a high note this season and keep the Eels out once again. You have to remember that Parramatta barely got past the raiders all of a few weeks ago at home, down in Canberra will be even more difficult
Renegade
Guest
Warriors have to win regardless of the Melbourne-Brisbane result..... I can't see Parramatta slipping up against the Raiders.
Clark
Guest
Just hoping Melbourne thrash Brisbane and the Warriors and the very least can avoid a heavy defeat. They are the one team who could cause an upset first up, along with the Cowboys (however they look like a genuine contender of late).