Dogfight is just starting, says Blair
Adam Blair has a single, slightly ominous warning for his Warriors teammates — things will only get tougher from here.
Blair has played in more finals series than anyone else at the Auckland club, thanks to his spells at the Storm and Broncos.
He’s a veteran of the playoff dogfight in August, as teams are either duelling to make the top eight, or jostling for positions within it.
It’s an intensity that the Warriors have only experienced once in the past six years, in 2014, when they were in the running in the final month, eventually edged out of the top eight by the Broncos on points differential.
The current side is well placed, but need to peak over the next few weeks.
“At this time of year, it comes down to how much you want it,” said Blair. “It’s pretty plain and simple. If you want to be there at the end, you need to show how much you want it.”
The sundrenched fields of March are a distant memory, and set plays that worked at the start of the campaign don’t surprise now. “Everyone steps up another level,” explains Blair. “The speed, the contact, you feel the pressure of the game but at the same time it brings out the best in a lot of players because they are big occasions and that is what you work so hard for; to play on the big stage.”
This is also the time that Blair’s presence can pay dividends.
His signing, on big money, was questionable, though he has since justified Stephen Kearney’s faith in him.
The 32-year-old has brought experience and leadership, as well as an aggressive edge.
His effort against St George-Illawarra in Wollongong was a signature display, capped off by the brutal tackle on Dragons’ winger Jason Nightingale to seal victory.
The Warriors haven’t won three consecutive games since April, but can’t afford anything less than a victory on Sunday against the lowly ranked, but dangerous Bulldogs.
“This year everyone is bringing their best game against us,” said Blair. “We are not the Warriors of old and teams know they have to turn up. But we have shown throughout the year we can put 80 minute performances on and we need to do it again [on Sunday].”