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at Mt Smart in front of 20,000-plus we’ll be playing that similar way and we’ll have fun doing it.”
Despite their newfound confidence, Blair says the Warriors are under no illusions about the size of the challenge that awaits them.
The Warriors missed several scoring opportunities last week but will need to be more patient and clinical in finishing any half-chances that come their way.
Containing the star-studded Storm will take a collective effort across the park but the Warriors know the visitor’s play all starts with their champion captain and dummy-half.
“Cameron Smith controls a lot of that team and seems to pull the trigger and hit the right person at the right time,” said Blair. For live commentary
“It will be a tough battle through the middle like every other week and then executing plays on the outside is crucial for us.
“They’re formidable all over the field, Origin players, internationals, so we’ve got a big task on Sunday afternoon.”
Confirmation midweek of Simon Mannering’s pending retirement will no doubt provide a further boost to the home side, although the veteran forward will want his teammates to simply focus on their collective goals.
The Warriors will also be driven to restore some pride on their home turf having lost half of their eight matches at Mt Smart, including the last three in a row against the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Sharks.
“Simon wouldn’t want us to do it that way,” said Blair. “We’re at home in front of our crowd so we’d love to go out and play well not only for Simon but the club and the people that turn up for us.”
The Warriors will welcome the return of Kiwis debutant wing Ken Maumalo from a knee problem, while hard-running prop Bunty Afoa is among the extended reserves after overcoming an elbow injury.
“They both need to tick a few boxes but we should know by the end of the training [on Thursday],” said coach Stephen Kearney.
Meanwhile, back-rower Leivaha Pulu will also turn out for the club’s ISP team in the earlier game against the Wyong Roos as he continues his return from a foot injury that has kept him out of action since mid-April.