One humbling loss isn’t a burning issue for Warriors

OPINION: Contrary to popular belief, one match does not make a season.

Shocking, right? Let that sink in for a moment.

When the Warriors blew a 22-point halftime lead in their 36-28 loss to the Penrith Panthers on Saturday night, you could just put it down to the team switching off and paying the price.

It’s only round 10 of the NRL. They are just two points outside of a spot in the top eight with the State of Origin period still to come.

While their second-half collapse against Penrith was painful to watch, their season is far from over.

Yet, two fans saw no other option after Saturday night’s loss than to set their Warriors jerseys ablaze and watch their ties to the New Zealand franchise disappear into the night.

Not only did they set their jerseys on fire, they posted a profanity-laced video clip of it on Facebook, although the video has since been removed.

Now, jersey burnings are a common occurrence in the United States but with the Warriors still well and truly in the mix - and no names on jerseys - it’s a bit of a head scratcher.

The Warriors are the equal-best team when playing at home so far this season, with a 4-1 record alongside Brisbane. They are also in the top eight teams in total runs, tackles made, total run metres, linebreaks and try assists.

But, hey, burn jerseys all you want.

If you want to give up on a team less than halfway through the season when they are just one win outside of a spot in the playoffs and sever all ties you had to them, be my guest. But don’t come crawling back to the bandwagon when they start climbing up the table.

Just know that it’s only a matter of time before they do.

Focus vital B6