Kearney looking for consistency
From the easiest road trip to one of the toughest.
The Warriors banked a vital two competition points with a 34-14 NRL victory over Manly in Christchurch on Saturday night but coach Stephen Kearney knows that will count for little if his side can not back it up against the Cowboys this week.
Manly took its home game on the road to the South Island, giving the Warriors the convenience of an away game in New Zealand.
But the long trip to Townsville will not be so pedestrian – especially with a short turn around for the Friday night clash.
North Queensland, one of the favourites at the start of the season, have won just four games so far in 2018 and if they can’t beat the Warriors this week they can just about kiss the prospect of finals football goodbye.
‘‘It’s a big challenge again going up to Townsville, so that’s what we’ll focus on,’’ Kearney said.
He is desperate to find the consistency that has been lacking since his side won five successive games to start the season.
‘‘It’s about a mindset,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘As long as we have that attitude to want to improve our performance I think the experience of the last half a dozen weeks has sharpened us for that, so it’s about making sure that we make that happen,’’ Kearney said.
The Cowboys game starts a demanding five weeks for the Warriors who then take on top eight sides the Sharks, Panthers, Broncos and the Storm. How the Auckland-based club gets through the next four matches will have a major bearing on whether they are in the top four at the end of the season.
The Warriors are likely to receive a boost with influential captain and fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck likely to return after missing the Christchurch game with an ankle injury.
Kearney said there were areas in the win over Manly where his side can be a lot better.
Shaun Johnson, who celebrated his 150th game for the club in the victory over Manly, credited his middle forwards and the go forward of wingers Ken Maumalo and David Fusitu’a for laying the platform.
Johnson, who made his return against Manly from a month on the sidelines with an ankle injury, said the victory was an important team win and a special occasion for him personally. ‘‘I grew up in Whangaparaoa idolising the Warriors, wanting to play one game for them one day so to be able to sit here, and talk about 150 it is crazy.
‘‘You don’t play to play x amount of games but it’s a good chance to reflect on what’s been done and look forward to what’s ahead,’’ he said.