Warriors in a purple haze
Anzac Day face-off: Conditions in the Melbourne battle are always stormy
The Warriors insist they are not intimidated by the prospect of facing the Storm in Melbourne tonight, although few NRL pundits and fans would blame them if they were.
Taking on the team in purple has been a one-way ticket to misery for the Warriors for the past six years.
Although there have been some close games, there have also been blowouts. And no matter how long the Warriors stay in the contest, the Storm eventually find a way to win.
Wing David Fusitu’a — ruled out late last night with a hamstring injury — is the only member of the squad who has tasted victory over the Storm in a Warriors jersey. It was July 12, 2015, and the 28-14 win at Mt Smart — most memorable for Nathan Friend’s somersault pass that set up a Tui Lolohea try — sent the Warriors into the top four. More than 2100 days have since passed.
Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend were the halves and Sam Tomkins, Ben Matulino and Simon Mannering were other notable players against a Storm team with Cooper Cronk, Kevin Proctor, Tohu Harris and Cameron Munster.
It marked the third victory over the Storm in four meetings, replicating a successful sequence under Ivan Cleary in 2010-11.
Back then, the Warriors had earned a reputation for surprise results against the Storm, regardless of ladder positions. Cleary managed six wins and a draw from 14 games, Andrew McFadden had two victories from five. But those days are gone.
The Storm have won the last nine clashes, albeit with close games in 2017, 2018 and 2019, with the 13-12 loss two years ago particularly tough due to a controversial late penalty.
Even the “imported” Warriors in the 2021 team don’t have great memories. Kodi Nikorima endured seven straight defeats to the Storm at the Broncos, while Leeson Ah Mau (4/13) and Kane Evans (2/9) have similarly parsimonious records.
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck had a 50 per cent win ratio while at the Roosters but has lost eight straight with the Auckland club.
The recent results reflect the Storm’s remarkable consistency — they have reached four of the last five grand finals — and the Warriors’ general instability across the same period.
The Auckland-Gosford team also always seem to lose key men ahead of the Anzac clash, and this year is no different, with several front-line players sidelined.
But this game will at least be a barometer after the impressive win over the St George-Illawarra Dragons last Sunday.
“When we played the Roosters, I don’t think there was enough belief we could win the game,” said Jazz Tevaga. “[Since then], we’ve put a lot of focus on our defence.
“For us, it’s about preparing well during the week, knowing our roles and then turning up on game day with the right mindset.”
Like most of his teammates, Tevaga has never beaten the Storm.
“I wouldn’t say [they are] intimidating, but with Melbourne, you know what you’re going to get,” said Tevaga.
“You know it’s going to be a tough game, going to be a grind. It’s a good challenge for us and it’s good to see where we’re at, especially a couple of weeks after playing the Roosters.”
Warriors coach Nathan Brown agrees the right mindset is crucial, given the recent lack of success.
“In a lot of sports, people are beaten before they get to a certain place,” said Brown.
“Obviously the Storm have built such a great reputation over the past 20 years, and at times, I think teams don’t give themselves a chance, by their own mind and thought process.
“First and foremost, you’ve got to go into the game thinking you can actually do well, because if you don’t, you’re beaten before you get there anyway.”