Losing squad gets redemption chance

Warriors coach Stephen Kearney is keeping the faith. In the wake of the disappointing 32-24 defeat to the Eels last Friday, a result which could be hugely significant in the context of the season, Kearney has resisted wielding the axe for Saturday’s match against the Titans on the Gold Coast. There is only one change to the 17 that took on Parramatta, and that is injury enforced, with Bunty Afoa replacing prop James Gavet, who picked up a hamstring strain in training yesterday. Otherwise Kearney has stayed loyal to his regulars, even though most were involved in the recent poor run of three losses in four games. It’s typical of Kearney’s style — throughout his coaching career he has never been one to make a multitude of changes — but also illustrates the predicament he is in.

While some are fortunate to keep their spots, the Warriors have to win on Saturday — otherwise there could be no way back in 2017 — and Kearney is placing that responsibility on the players who have got the Auckland club into this hole.

“I’m doing what I feel is best for the team,” Kearney told Radio Sport. “That my job and I don’t take that lightly. I need to make sure I have trust in the guys. When the tough decisions have to be made I’ll make them.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s loss, Kearney said the start to the game, when the Eels jumped away to a 12-point lead inside the first 10 minutes, and the relative ease with which they scored their five tries were the most disappointing aspects of the match.

“There’s disappointment and frustration,” Kearney said. “They [the players] had the winning of the game in their hands and they didn’t ice it. We’ve talked about it . . . we need to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Ryan Hoffman will play his 300th NRL game on Saturday, becoming just the third player to reach the milestone while at the Warriors.