Office tipping rivalry aside, this year’s NRL competition has been fantastic – even more so if you’re a Dragons or Warriors fan, like me. Not so much for the lone Melbourne fan at work, who has gone quiet. Very quiet.
At 0-9 last year he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of what the Warriors should be doing, which he was all too happy to share.
After the first win this season, against Souths, he pointed out the Bunnies were missing some big guns and had a new coach. Fair enough.
The next week, I was reliably informed the Titans were also-rans and while two wins was a good start, let’s not get carried away.
When the boys from Auckland surged back to beat Canberra on the back of two Shaun Johnson field goals, he conceded the team were playing well, “but Canberra choked”. After Ricky Stuart’s post-match comments, I have to agree.
Then the Warriors played the first of the big dogs in a run of five matches against the Roosters, Cowboys, Broncos, Dragons and the Storm – or a team that resembles the Storm at least.
The Roosters – a team considered by many to be premiership favourites, a team filled with almost unaffordable talent – were carved up 30-6.
The Storm supporters response? “The Roosters were dreadful.” He highlighted their 59 per cent completion rate and 13 errors: “It’s a blip. A bad day at the office.”
Cooper Cronk of the Roosters. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
It seems a few teams are having bad days at the office against the Warriors. By comparison, Stephen Kearney must be employee of the month.
The Cowboys arrived at Mt Smart for a rare double-header featuring the Tigers versus Storm and possibly Johnathan Thurston’s last game in New Zealand. A packed house. Plans were made around the country to ensure 7:30pm Saturday was free.
The Warriors put in a muscular performance and strangled North Queensland 22-12. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was gutsy. They defended and defended, then they defended some more – making important tackles; dominant tackles.
The Cowboys’ completion rate was 86 per cent, they made few errors and enjoyed a glut of early possession. Matt Scott said post-match their inability to score from the early possession was frustrating.
Against a strong team renowned for playing the full 80 minutes, the Warriors met them head-on. It was immense.
I wondered what excuses the lone Melbourne fan would churn out. I decided to wait before messaging him; I didn’t want to appear too smug.
But I am smug so I messaged him immediately. Go on, just say it. Say the words: “It’s our year.”
His response? “It’s only week five. Wait until the pointy end of the season before you get excited.”
He is hurting, I understand that – like every Warriors fan would.
Melbourne have struggled. And like Laurel Hubbard competing in women’s weightlifting, it has not been an easy transition, particularly for fans so accustomed to success.
While the Storm are too good not to bounce back, the Warriors remain a team that fans, critics and pundits are still reluctant to give too much credit.
Everything is referenced in the present tense: currently they are playing good footy, they are defending well right now, premierships aren’t won in April.
Which is absolutely fair. Their record says it all.
Shaun Johnson of the Warriors (AAP Image/David Rowland)
The players and coaching team understand this. On the field they have adopted a breathing technique introduced by All Blacks captain Kieran Reid. This helps them to reset, refocus and concentrate on the next target.
The off-field approach reflects this too. The language is uniform: one game at a time. Reset. Focus on now. They might not be exciting to listen to, but they have been brilliant to watch.
I understand the caution, but I’m not going to resist celebrating their success for fear they will let me down. They’ve already surpassed my expectations and I just love the way they are playing.
As for the bristling fans at Mt Smart questioning where all these new fans came from – would you rather be part of 25,000 people cheering your team on, or sit on your own in your original jersey, clutching your flag and ‘let’s gone Warriors’ sign in a half-empty venue just so you can tell the world you’re a ‘real’ fan?
I love the passion, and members drive the heartbeat of any club, but nothing beats a huge crowd roaring as one at every call, every bounce of the ball.
The new recruits are worth whatever we paid for them – heck, they’re worth what the Roosters would pay them. I don’t know if the current run stems from their contribution, or if it’s the influence of CEO Cameron George.
Maybe it’s Alex Corvo, the new trainer from Melbourne, or perhaps Kearney and his playing group have settled on a style that works for them? I suspect it’s all of these.
Whatever the reason, and to whoever is responsible, as a Warrior’s fan I thank you. Sure, it’s still early days, but these early days feel a hell of a lot better than the early days of previous seasons.
I still have no idea who I’m going to pick this week in the work tipping competition. One result I will be picking is the Warriors to continue their run against the Broncos. Even if they don’t get up, I know it won’t be for lack of effort.
And having belief is so much better than ‘keeping the faith’.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
They never start a season this well. Keep bagging them on the past, but NEWSFLASH, this, today is the future. I love how all fans of clubs travelling like busted's continually use the archives to justify their side will be peaking when the "pointy" end of the season arrives. No you don't win a comp in months March-August, usually in late September or early October, but you can lay a platform by picking up the 2 points consistently in the early part of the season too. They lost Shaun Johnson in Round 4 with a guy who came with a 0-9 record in the NRL. Until they make the 8 or even the top 4, they will continue to be ridiculed by those doubters but 5 from 5, they can't do anymore than that can they. I do recall many a preseason expert saying, "the Warriors with their awful draw with long travel schedules to start the season could be 0 and 8 by the end of May and Kearney will be the 1st coach sacked. The end of season are usually a result of Johnson or several others missing and a lack of conviction, experience, aggression or passion from the rest of the side. Time will tell but I highly doubt they will lose their final 4,5,6,7,8,9 or even 10 games to the end the season on 2018.
Ron Swanson
Roar Guru
They should of asked for a refund on the Hoff. The forward pack is a massive difference this season. Last year the younger blokes were copping a spray from The Hoff just after he dropped the pill or missed a one on one tackle, Mannering doesn't like talking much and Lillyman braces for impact on hit-ups. Hardly anything for a young up and comer with talent, Papali'i, Afoa, Lisone (not so young) and Co to take inspiration from. Fast forward less than 12 months on, they are driven by Blair, Tohu, the Gold Coast duo and a fit again Luke and I have seen the lesser lights games go to a new level, a level they were predicted they'd achieve when they first came on the scene. Even Mauamalo & Kata have improved out of sight. A good team us a sum of all it's parts, a fifth of the way through the season, the Warriors look like a united team all on the same page. Again Jeremy Round 5 and we're only up to Round 6 but I suspect the Warriors will finish above the fading Storm who have a forward pack I'd rate not a great deal higher than the Eels or Dogs. You can't keep losing players of the calibre of Cronk, Tohu, Proctor, McLean and co. and still be a force. That current back-row does nothing for me what so ever, particularly with the Hoff who was bang average during his 3 years in Auckland. Maybe Brandy should of included him in his 12 months too long call he made last weekend.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Love the passion Frank E. Ten years is longer than most marriages. In any case it’s irrelevant as I have been following Warriors since day one also, held season tickets and been through the emotional meat grinder that their fans all know. But that’s not my point. What is the point of enduring the lean years if you can’t enjoy their success? Your comment about the train wreck is absolutely spot on; which is why I consider the current run to be a success. It’s true 5 matches might not be considered a success for some clubs, but for the warriors (and many other clubs who have struggled in recent years), and particularly the lows they have come from, I think it’s an achievement that deserves credit. I understand your guarded approach, and I know I wear my heart on my sleeve. If they fold this year, I’ll have to deal with that. Def got the pun too.
Frank E
Guest
hmmm a quiet Melbourne fan at work you say, perhaps he is sitting back looking at their track record and enjoying the review....multiple minor premierships and premierships, and before you say it, even some legal ones, and remember the Warriors have also breached the cap before....after reading your article (and previous ones) are you not making the rookie error of "jumping the gun" somewhat on kicking a man when he is down when at least that man has the body of evidence to support his argument....ie the Storm have clearly been the benchmark, and the Warriors have clearly been a train wreck for all but 3-4 seasons. I do not use that description lightly....they have lurched from drug takers, partner beaters, to alcoholics, and gamblers....and I have not even started on the playing performance, and as someone who was there in season tickets on day 1 I feel I am in a great position to comment. To me when I read your views it seems that you are what I call a "10 year fan"....you have not had the full Warriors experience yet.....so why should we be convinced that the heart and soul is truly there after 5 rounds??....well let me tell you that if we had done that over the years with this team it would be a roller coaster.....no one is saying they cannot do it, they produced stats similar (albeit not at the start of the season) under the likes of Anderson and Cleary....astute commentators/fans like Steel Panther on here are making the point that "trust" is more than just 5 games....and to truly be convinced we want to see Storm like consistency So I finish by saying – perhaps have an aspirin and red bull at hand (hope you get this pun), with this team you are going to need it at some point soon……
Dodgy dragons
Guest
Great article, really enjoyed the read as the dragons are in a similar scenario with everyone saying they did the same last year and choked, haven’t played anyone decent etc. It is only early but the aura around both sides is different this year and bodes well for a good season ahead. Looking forward to them both fighting it out in a couple of weeks, should be a cracking game and I can’t wait. You can only play who’s in front of you, even with this ridiculous draw where you play teams twice 3 weeks apart (wtf), but like you I’m a lot happier being 5-0 than the other way around!!!! Long may it continue, except when you play the dragons, because when they are on, the warriors are one of most entertaining to watch.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
A lot of emotion on show there Steel Panther - could you show me on a teddy bear exactly where the Warriors hurt you? if I didn't know better it sounds like you're a closet Warriors fan. A bitter, lonely one, who ran to the most successful club they could see at the first sign of trouble, but there's still a Warriors fan in there somewhere. You know it's true.
Jeremy Brown
Roar Pro
Fair point Jeffrey, not many teams held Melbourne to under 18 points last year, let alone 18 points across two games. I picked them last week against the Storm, so definitely like what they are doing. I think they face similar challenges to the Warriors; can the young maintain the form and find another gear if needed as finals approach. Big fan of Cleary, and I think a lot of Warriors fans still want to see him do well after his time with club.
SAVAGE
Guest
Well, there's still Origin to come as well.
Jeffrey Dun
Roar Rookie
"While the Storm are too good not to bounce back, the Warriors remain a team that fans, critics and pundits are still reluctant to give too much credit." One might say the same thing about the Tigers Jeremy. You also don't seem to be giving much credit to the Tigers for beating the Storm twice in three weeks (both away from home). Most pundits prefer to focus on the Storm's shortcomings. It's as if it would not have mattered who the Storm played in the first 5 rounds they would always have been 2 - 3.
Jeffrey Dun
Roar Rookie
"Storm fans gone quiet hey ?" Gotta feel sorry for the Storm - they have had the bad luck of playing the Tigers twice in five weeks. The draw will get easier from now on.
Mike Gordon
Roar Rookie
Great to see warriors are finally realising their potential this year. Good things where have you been so long? Make it sux from sux ?
Jacko
Guest
Spot on. The travel will kill them eventually...as it does every year...but a rotation policy would reduce the effects dramatically.....A bit like the Super Rugby sides do in their seasons
RoryStorm
Guest
Too bad if they don't win the comp this year but if I had to pay money to watch one team at the moment it would be the Warriors & I'm a Storm fan. It's not only because they are winning, it's because of the way they are winning. Their style of play is reminiscent of the All Blacks. No coincidence there of course. Brute strength in the forwards and plenty of style in the backs. It's good to see RTS toying with the opposition again. I was a bit worried when I first heard Adam Blair was going to the Warriors on a long term deal on big money. After all, this is the same guy who unashamedly went to the Tigers on big money a few years ago & only went through the motions. IMO the Warriors must not go back to their old ways. The press, particularly the NZ press would have a field day criticising them from the very top, the coaching and the players themselves. I read an article a few weeks back where Kearney said the Warriors are now being treated as a new club. The older players have been entrusted with passing on a new culture at the club and it shows already. Up until this year I couldn't care where or when the Warriors were playing. Not this year. After what they have delivered so far I'm straight to my diary to see when and where the Warriors are playing next. They are a must see. But be warned. They might just crash and burn. Tread carefully.
Steel Panther
Roar Rookie
The comments are interesting Jeremy and have been written by people who haven't been living under a mushroom for the last 23 years (Wayne Turner you are a legend). The Warriors have a lot of wrongs to right and a mere 5 games just doesn't cut it. They need to earn the respect of those who have supported or should I say endured. This doesn't happen overnight and 5 games to me is overnight. I promise I'll say those words you are dying to hear if they are still travelling well by Round 20. The consistently top teams (i.e. Melbourne) in the NRL eat a five game winning streak for breakfast. Well right now I'm still hungry when it comes to the Warriors.
Albo
Guest
The key is the obvious change in the Warriors commitment to their game, that has been reflected in their fitness and improved game management on the field. Their are lots of ingredients that appear to have come together to achieve the results so far. The coaching & training regime has at last clicked, probably thanks to the injection of new blood into the squad who have the required attitude to winning that has been missing for a long time. Not only the previously successful types like Green, Harris & Blair, but also the lesser acknowledged new buys like Pulu , Paasi & Hiku. All these players are 100% types. And these imports have had an immediate impact on the rest of the existing squad. Isaac Luke has started on fire along with RTS, Johnson & Fusitua. And there has been a noticeable improvement in the form of guys like Jazz Tevaga, Bunty Afoa, Sam Lisone who were doing very little last season. Overall, the Warriors are reaping the benefits of a team fully focused on shedding the old image of that team that can fold at any time. Their start indicates they may well be on track for a top season.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Really glad to see the Warriors doing well, not only that but they're playing very entertaining footy as well. They seem fit and focused and are playing for each other. Tipped them for the eight but now thinking they might even make the four. I think Kearney needs to think long term as well and keep rotating players, keeping the fringe players motivated..the likes of Mason Lino and the young forwards. Also keeps the team fresh as its a long season and add finals footy will be a challenge.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Definitely Alex Corvo has made the difference as well as the attitude change driven by Kearney with the assistance of experienced new recruits like Blair, Harris, Green. Last year they got run down a lot in the second half which pointed to their fitness being an issue. This year their second halves are stronger than their first.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Not forgetting Kearney who was assistant coach at Melbourne and played at Melbourne. : )
Matt H
Roar Guru
Your article was worth the read just for this line: "The new recruits are worth whatever we paid for them – heck, they’re worth what the Roosters would pay them." Alex Corvo is the biggest change for mine. A team makes better decisions when they are fit. Closing out the back end of games is the difference between a mediocre and successful season. Melbourne have generally been the fittest team in the comp.
Wayne Turner
Guest
I agree with your Storm supporting friend. It's only week 5, now onto week 6. Don't get too excited - Yet. But,so far so good. I also agree because I'm a Dragons supporter.So, I don't want to get too excited yet. Finally, I'd rather be in our positions of course,than Parramatta's.