Patience the key for Warriors
Patience is paramount for the Warriors as they look to build some much-needed momentum into their campaign against Melbourne otonight.
The idea of when and where to push a pass is one that the Warriors have struggled with since day one.
Yet, while they were by no means perfect, Shaun Johnson and co showed just how effective they could be on the back of building sustained pressure during last week’s win over the Bulldogs.
The Storm secured a late 21-14 win over the Warriors back in round three in Auckland and, with another arm wrestle expected at AAMI Stadium, dictating where on the field they concede possession will be crucial for the Kiwi side.
‘‘There’s no black and white formula for patience, it’s a real feel thing and it’s very much in the hands of the leaders out on the field,’’ assistant coach Justin Morgan said.
‘‘We’re going to have to turn the ball over on the last play where we want to and when it is time to chance our arm or go for a tryscoring opportunity we have to make sure that everyone’s in the right role and right position.’’
It’s a strategy that has served the Storm well over the last decade and one that Morgan became rather familiar with working under Craig Bellamy in Melbourne between 2014-15.
Morgan, who played two seasons at the Warriors from 2001, returned to New Zealand in the off- season.
He took plenty from one of the greatest coaches in the game but it’s Bellamy’s attention to detail he’s hoping to instil at the Warriors.
‘‘He has a very simplistic approach to the game but everybody knows their role, whether that’s a player or one of his staff members,’’ he added.
‘‘And while when you say it like that it’s a fairly common sense approach, he has an uncanny ability to make people want to work for a common goal.’’
The Warriors head into the Anzac Day clash against the sixthplaced Storm with three wins and four losses to sit 11th on the table.
But victory on Monday, which would be their second-straight over a top-eight team, just may have the rest of the competition looking over their shoulders.
Johnson’s general kicking game was a significant factor in the Warriors’ success against the Bulldogs and the same will be required in Melbourne.
McFadden is also starting to see the best of Issac Luke and his ability to find space around the ruck will be key to winning the forwards battle.
Of course, the other big question for the Warriors is how they cope with the season-ending injury to fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Tuimoala Lolohea has been given first crack at the No 1 jersey after impressing in the role last week when Tuivasa-Sheck left the field.
And having been one of their best performers all season, there’s a sense at the club that the 21-yearold is ready to make the position his own.
‘‘His style is really suited to playing fullback so I think you’ll see him really evolve in that role and I know from having a couple of chats with him this week he’s very comfortable in the position,’’ Morgan said.
‘‘It’s a high-pressure position but we’re very confident that he’s going to do a good job for us.’’