Locke shows why Warriors are a worry

DESPITE sitting in eighth place with three games remaining, the Titans can all but kiss their finals chances goodbye if they lose to the Warriors at Skilled Park this evening.

With away games to come against the Roosters (first) and Storm (third), a win against the Kiwis is critical.

The question is – which Warriors side will turn up?

A 62-6 flogging at the hands of the Panthers in round 10 appeared to be a watershed moment for Matt Elliott’s men, with seven wins coming in the next eight rounds, including victories against the Roosters, Storm, Sea Eagles, Knights and Broncos (twice).

That prompted many experts to label the Warriors a definite chance to win this year’s NRL premiership.

But as quickly as the good form had come, it has gone again in the past three weeks, with losses at home to the Sharks and Panthers, and an away defeat against Manly, dropping the team back to 13th on the table.

No one exemplifies that inconsistency more than fullback Kevin Locke (pictured).

At his best he is a quick and dangerous runner who is good in the air, can attack from anywhere, break the line and sidestep his way out of trouble.

His best, however, isn’t always on show. It’s this inconsistency that underlines why the club is prepared to move heaven and earth to get English international Sam Tomkins from Wigan next season.

When talk of Tomkins joining the Warriors emerged, Locke responded by running for more than 100m in six consecutive games, breaking the line regularly. But last week against the Panthers, he managed a dismal 37m.

For the Warriors to keep their own slim finals hopes alive, Locke, and his teammates, must put their best foot forward against the Titans.