‘ They’ve adopted tactics from the All Blacks on staying in the moment’ Warriors’ big awakening
THEY’VE long been the sleeping giant the NRL’s been waiting to rise from its slumber.
But former Warrior Brent Tate believes the club now has the mentality, physicality and resources to realise its enormous potential after an unbeaten start to the season.
The Cowboys face a tough task to arrest a three- game losing streak in Auckland today against the Warriors, who seem to have hit the balance between flair and discipline.
The former Australia and Queensland centre said the Warriors simply didn’t possess the finances to make a genuine SYDNEY Roosters’ forwards have dominated Cronulla’s representative pack to lay the platform for a 28- 10 NRL victory last night.
Comprehensively beaten by the Warriors big men last week, the Tri- colours bounced back to nullify the impact of the Sharks’ forwards at Southern Cross Group Stadium.
Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary ( pictured) kicked twice for tries, leaving a James Tedesco show- and- go in the second- half as the only try that didn’t come off the boot. But the stars of the night were the Roosters’ pack, who gave Cronk and halves partner Keary the field position to be at their clinical best. Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Boyd Cordner both topped 145m, nullifying the output of Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita who rallied late.
After Cronk got the Roosters moving with a kick for Ryan Matterson in the 20th minute, he landed the knockout blow before the break when he booted the ball across field for the second- rower.
Keary also contributed with a grubber for Joseph Manu midway through the opening half, setting up the 18- 6 halftime lead before Tedesco crossed after the break. The five- eighth finished the job with another well placed kick for winger Reece Robinson on full- time.
In last night’s other game, St George maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a gutsy 16- 12 win against the Rabbitohs. run at the premiership when he played 48 games there from 2008 to 2010.
Experts have identified their improved fitness as a key factor behind their resurgence this year, but Tate insisted hard work was never an issue during his time at the club.
“When I was there they always trained hard,” Tate said.
“It’s a lot different now because when I was there the club was run on a shoestring budget. One thing I’ve learned is it takes a lot of money to win a premiership. They have a lot of resources now.
“From the last few years to now, they just look like a wellbalanced footy team.
“Physically they look different and I’m sure that’s a lot to do with their new trainer Alex Corvo.
“Mentally I see they’ve adopted some tactics from the All Blacks on staying in the moment, which is obviously really helping them.”
The Warriors shocked the Roosters 30- 6 in Sydney last week without Shaun Johnson, who is set to return from a groin strain.
His halves partner, Manly recruit Blake Green, was superb in his absence, providing the composure and direction they’ve been lacking.
“He brings that experience and level head,” Tate said.
“( Hooker) Issac Luke is playing a lot better, he’s been really ordinary the last couple of years by his standards.
“The Warriors’ problem has been they’re good in patches, but some of the stuff they’re doing is about playing each play, and staying within the game for 80 minutes. That’s what they haven’t been able to do the last couple of years.
“I heard Andrew Johns say they’re playing structured, but also playing outside that with second phase and offloading.
“It is only early in the competition but it’s bloody exciting to see them doing well. A strong competition over there is enormous for our game.”
The Cowboys are desperate to arrest a three- game losing streak, and have looked lethargic at times this season.
Coach Paul Green has tried to arrest that by giving the team four days off over Easter.
“We’ve just got to play with some energy. We haven’t been playing with any energy and that’s what needs to happen,” Tate, who works in the Cowboys back office, said.
“I think it’s a bit of attitude and a bit of confidence. If we can start well and find our feet, we’ve got guys who can do a fair bit of damage.
“Sometimes you have to scrap your way to a win and once you do, away you go.”