Time is running out for Warriors
It’s crunch time for the Warriors.
While defeat against the Cowboys in Townsville tonight would not mathematically eliminate them from the top eight equation, there has been little evidence throughout the season that they would be able to recover.
A third-straight loss would leave them with almost no room for error in the race to the finals, needing to win at least five of their last six games.
With matches remaining against the lowly placed Knights, Rabbitohs and Tigers, there is a chance to go on a run. However, with reigning premiers Cronulla coming to Mt Smart next week followed by the Raiders and Sea Eagles, they would still need to pick up a couple of big scalps.
Now is the time for the Warriors to stand up. They are in desperate need of a statement game; a performance to prove to their long-suffering fans that they will not go down without a fight.
Unfortunately, the odds are stacked against coach Stephen Kearney’s side this weekend, and that’s even after accounting for the absence of the Cowboys’ star half Johnathan Thurston.
The Warriors have always struggled in Townsville, winning just one of their last 11 games there. They too will be without their star playmaker following Shaun Johnson’s knee injury, replaced by regular reserve-grader Mason Lino.
Last week’s capitulation against the Panthers after Johnson was taken from the field does not bode well for their chances.
But with Kieran Foran, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simon Mannering and Issac Luke to rally the troops there is still a strong belief within the squad that they can turn things around.
‘‘We haven’t wiped ourselves yet,’’ Luke said.
‘‘Every game does count. We should’ve taken that game on the weekend and we’re pretty disappointed but we get the chance to play great this weekend and hope-