Simple message for young Aussie recruit

Do his own job, and do it well.

That’s the only requirement for Adam Keighran as he makes his Warriors debut against the Bulldogs, according to assistant coach Stacey Jones.

The signing of the Australian last October barely rated a mention at the time, as he was seen as a promising young player who would bide his time in reserve grade for a year or two, awaiting his chance.

But Shaun Johnson’s exit, coupled with the earlier departure of Mason Lino, dramatically changed that situation.

And now today, the 21-year-old will run out in an NRL match for the first time, in front of a near capacity Mt Smart, in the opening game of the 25th anniversary season of the Warriors, in front of a legion of explayers and former captains on “Old Boys” day.

No pressure then?

“We are not expecting miracles and his game is based around being solid,” said Jones.

“We’re after a solid performance from him by not being too flash, just making sure he’s a good voice out on the field. Defensively, he’s sound, and coming into last plays, he’s a good back-up for Greenie [Blake Green] or he can step up when need be.”

Johnson will be missed, especially early in the season, as the team gets used to a new structure.

He was also one of the best gamebreakers in the NRL but Jones has no doubt the Warriors will adjust.

“Everyone knows what Shaun brought to the team with his magic and unpredictably with the ball,” said Jones.

“[But] it’s a simple game, if you win the ruck, if the forwards win the battle up front, it makes it a hell of a lot easier for your halves to control the game.”

Keighran struggled in the first week of pre-season — under the notorious Alex Corvo fitness regime — but has progressed steadily since then.

He out-pointed Chanel HarrisTavita and Hayze Perham to win the spot, though Jones admitted that selection battle had been “close, real close”.

Keighran is defensively sound and an accomplished kicker, in general

play and off the tee, though he will be targeted by the Bulldogs, renowned for their uncompromising approach.

At the other end of the experience scale, Adam Blair makes his 290th first grade appearance today in his 14th NRL season.

“I just got through pre-season, which is a key,” laughed Blair. “I love the game of football, and the young crew [here] drive you every day to be better.”

The 32-year-old shifts to the edge today, after being established as a middle forward over the past five seasons, aside from five matches at the end of 2018.

“It’s a different position to what I am used to,” said Blair.

“I’m excited to be able to run a bit wider [and] I get an opportunity to use a bit of skill out wide.”

With a cloud of uncertainty over the Warriors’ prospects, Blair has no doubt the team will improve on last year.

“We have to,” said Blair. “Without a doubt. Obviously the belief is there, we have to keep believing in ourselves that we can go again, be better again . . . because that is what another year does.

“You don’t finish on where you finished last year; you have to work really hard to get back to the position where you were at.”