Warriors aren’t expecting ‘miracles’ from rookie

Solid rather than spectacular. That’s the expectation on Adam Keighran at the Warriors as he prepares for his big day at Mt Smart Stadium.

Not only does Keighran have the daunting task of filling the huge void left by Shaun Johnson’s exit, the 21-year-old will also be making his NRL debut in today’s seasonopening clash against the Bulldogs.

For years Johnson was the player the Warriors turned to in attack to produce something out of nothing. But the Warriors don’t need any of the flashy stuff from Keighran.

The rookie playmaker has been given a clearly defined role complimenting halfback Blake Green and the coaching staff just want him to do his job.

‘‘We’re not looking for him to come up with the big miracle play, we’ve got other players around the field that can do that,’’ Warriors assistant coach Stacey Jones said.

‘‘He’s got Tohu Harris outside him, Peta Hiku and Ken Maumalo. Sometimes he’s just got to give them some early ball and let them do some magic.

‘‘We’re after a solid performance from him by not being too flash, just making sure he’s a good voice out on the field. Defensively he’s sound and coming to last plays he’s a good back-up for ‘Greeny’ or step up when need be.’’

Jones, the Warriors’ greatest halfback, and fellow assistant Todd Payten have been working closely with Keighran since his arrival from the Panthers last November.

Keighran was locked in a battle with Chanel Harris-tavita and Hayze Perham for the No 6 jersey and it was his prodigious boot and work on defence that saw him get the nod.

Fifth-tackle plays have been a key emphasis of late but Jones said he regularly ticked the right boxes throughout pre-season.

‘‘He’s taken on everything that the coaches have asked of him,’’ Jones said.

‘‘He’s just got to make sure he performs to a good level knowing that there’s a couple of guys that are breathing down his neck.’’

Johnson will not be the only familiar face missing today. As the club celebrates its Old Boys’ Day, Warriors legend Simon Mannering will be watching from the stands following his retirement last year.

It’s for that reason many experts believe the Warriors will struggle to replicate last year’s run to the finals.

But within Mt Smart, the focus is on the players they do have. And expectations are as high as ever.

‘‘Without a doubt. The boys have come back fitter, stronger and hungrier than the first year that I turned up,’’ senior forward Adam Blair said. ‘‘You can see through our preparation and training that we’re ready to go.

‘‘The belief’s there. We’ve just got to keep believing in ourselves that we can be better. Every team wants to be in the top four and it’s no different here. But it takes a lot of hard work and consistency and that’s something we’ve got to do this year.’’

The Warriors take on a Canterbury side which has been given even less of a chance to feature at the business end of the season.

But the Bulldogs have a history of thriving under a siege mentality and they certainly won’t be underestimated by the Warriors.