NZ Warriors Round 15 Review: Warriors show slight improvement but not enough against premier Panthers

After their disappointing Round 14 defeat to the Sharks, the Warriors remained at Moreton Daily Stadium for the final time to face the Penrith Panthers. It wasn't the best performance from the reigning premiers, but they barely broke a sweat, strolling to a 40-6 victory handing the Warriors their seventh loss in a row. 

For a breakdown of how the match went, check out my match report at the link below.

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 15 Match Report

I may have been a little hopeful in my prediction last week, but I ended up only ten points off my guess, so it wasn't too bad. Stacey made some of the changes that I requested, and I thought it was a better-balanced side but I wasnt holding out for a victorious swan song in Redcliffe.

The Warriors made show improvement which is a promising sign moving forward; however, they need more improvement quickly if they want to avoid being the first Warriors side in history to win the Wooden Spoon.

Some decent showings from the pack, a few backs that asked some questions on the Panthers line, and a nice debut from a new half did more than enough to keep me reasonably positive while I watched the match. There were still plenty of times I yelled at the screen, but it sure beats the past five or six weeks where I have almost been despondent while the game was on. If the Warriors didn't switch off defensively for patches in this match, then the result may have been closer, but it wasnt to be, unfortunately.

Overall I felt like more players put the effort in this week and they are becoming a more cohesive unit, so I'm sure better results will come; I just hope my newfound sense of optimism doesn't wind up biting me in the end.

There wasn't much to smile about this week, but I found some glimmers of hope, which leads me to my positives from the match.

Match Positives

Some of the forwards reached my desired running metre target of 100 metres (Jazz Tevaga 137m, Addin Fonua-Blake 134m, Bunty Afoa 133m and Tohu Harris 113m), which was a great sign, especially against a Panthers pack that is known to dominate the middle. The Warriors just need a few more of the pack to up their effort as, besides these four players, most of the pack did not pass 50m. If they do that and start to get the momentum rolling forward, then they will give themselves more scoring opportunites.

I thought Ronald Volkman had a solid debut; facing the Panthers in your first match is a daunting task, but I think it helps take some of the pressure off if you are debuting in a game no one expects you to have a shot of winning. However, Volkman didn't overplay his hand and showed some nice playmaking skills, almost setting up a try for Reece Walsh with a nice inside ball. He also held his own defensively, and I am happy to see him retain his spot and start building combinations with the rest of the spine.

Next is the return to Mount Smart; after last playing at home in August of 2019, the boys are coming home. It will be great for these players to experience a vocal Warriors home crowd again (and many will get to experience it for the first time). However, I am more excited for the fans, who have missed out on so much live footy; I know for myself going to live games has been a significant part of my life, and it's left a massive hole, and I can't wait to get back to my treasured seat in the west stand. 

However, I had some concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

Those defensive lapses really hurt the Warriors in this match; they ended the game with 30 missed tackles. They were playing one of the best teams in the NRL, but they were communicating and forcing the Panthers to make errors, but they couldn't keep it up consistently. When they stopped talking, that's when the Panthers started to make them look silly, scoring easy tries through defensive misreads. Their defensive attitude has been poor for a long time, and I don't see it improving anytime soon, but if they start talking and trusting each other more, I may get to stop talking about it every week in my negatives.

The attack still needs work; they showed glimpses at times in this match, but too often, they are just not clicking. There were a few instances where they kicked early in the tackle count but there wasnt not any kick chasers rushing after it. A few unforced errors didn't help either, but they were up against the best defensive outfit in the NRL. 

Not to make excuses for the Warriors, though; they need to create more scoring opportunities, I think we will see that get better with Volkman adding some spark once he gets into the rhythm, and I am still betting on Shaun Johnson bouncing back after reuniting with his wife and child.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the match goes to Reece Walsh.

Walsh just gives his all week in and week out, and this performance was no different, he chanced his arm and made a few errors as a result, but he refused to stop trying. Almost scored a few times and set up the first try after an excellent 40/20 from Chanel Harris-Tavita. He is hands down the most dangerous player in the Warriors squad with the ball in hand, and I expect to see the ball in his hands more now that Stacey has removed the shackles from this side.

I can't wait to watch Walsh live.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Jack Murchie.

Im not sure what has happened with Murchie the impact he had on this team when he first joined the squad is gone, and now he barely makes an impact. He has gone invisible recently, with you only noticing that he is out on the pitch when he makes mistakes.

He is a talented player, but something is going on with him at the moment, and I think he will be on the outer; Euan Aitken will take his spot unless he goes out to the centres, and if that happens, I would still give Murchie's spot to another player. WIth some decent forwards joining the squad in 2023, Jack's time at the club could be coming to an end unless he shows a rapid return to his previous form.

Next round thoughts and prediction

The NRL is taking a break this weekend for State of Origin game two and the International matches, but after that, Round 16 sees the Warriors, after 59 games on Australian soil, finally return to Mount Smart to face the Tigers, who went down 36-12 to the Bulldogs in Round 15.

Regarding the team I would pick, I would keep the backline the same except for bringing Aitken in for Pompey in the centres. In the forwards, I would move Afoa into the starting front row, moving Tevaga to lock with, Tohu and Curran playing in the second row. My interchange would stay the same, with the only change being Pride Petterson-Robati taking Afoa's bench spot.

Playing in front of a decent crowd in New Zealand should give a boost to the side, and they are fortunate to be playing another struggling side, so for the first time in a while, I will be coming into the match confident and if the Warriors iron out that defence and click better on attack they should end their losing streak, so I am backing them and picking the Warriors to win by 10.

With no Warriors game this week, I may take a break from writing to enjoy the long weekend and a return of the international game. The past two months have been hard to write about, so a week away will be a welcome recharge for me. I can't wait for the game at Mount Smart, and I know the Warriors are running a member's Captain's run, so if any of you are coming to either the training or the match and want to catch up and chat some footy, just come say hi. 

I will be wearing my Inger League Wrap-Up beanie, so I won't be hard to find.

So that was a not as bad as I imagined Round 15, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Are you going to the game at Mt Smart?

What did you think of Volkman's debut?

Would you make any changes to the gameday 17?

What is your score prediction against the Tigers?

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 15 Match Report: Warriors 6 Panthers 40

Scoreboard

New Zealand Warriors 6

Tries: Josh Curran 75

Goals: Reece Walsh 75

Penrith Panthers 40

Tries: Moses Leota 14, Dylan Edwards 20, Taylan May 38, Brian To'o 45, 79, Isaah Yeo 61, Liam Martin 64

Goals: Nathan Cleary 15, 21, 39, 62, 65, Stephen Crichton 80

MATCH REPORT 

First Half

A large and vocal crowd showed up for the Warrior's final home game on Australian soil, the home side will want to end their three years away from their local fans on a high note, but it would be a massive task against the reigning premier Panthers.

The Warriors looked up to the challenge, completing their first two sets before earning another when Brian To'o dropped a Ronald Volkman bomb. The New Zealand side had a few runs at the Panther's line but could not get through, Volkman put another kick through, but Penrith caught it in the in-goal.

The Panthers showed how dangerous their attack is, making easy work of the Warrior's defensive structure and strolling the field's length, but could not convert it into points.

After a few penalties against the Panthers, the Warriors were back in the visitor's red zone, but they continued to struggle to break through the goal-line defence; a Shaun Johnson grubber did not bounce in their favour, going over the dead-ball line. Penrith once again surged up the field and looked to have scored in the corner via To'o; however, the bunker took the try away, deeming that Liam Martin had lost possession into Volkman when passing the ball.

Minutes later, the Panthers would not be denied; after some strong runs up the middle on the back of a six again call, Api Koroisau spied a hole in the Warrior's defensive line and threw a short ball to Leota went over untouched for the first try of the night. During the drive, Adam Pompey suffered an injury and left the field.

Jesse Arthars kept his side in the fight with a big tackle on Viliame Kikau to force a knock-on; however, a few plays later, the Warriors handed the ball back after Jack Murchie threw a wayward pass to Dallin Watene-Zeleaniak.

After another error from the Warriors, the Panthers had a scrum inside the Warrior's half. They showed great execution as Nathan Cleary shifted to the left before flicking and ball back on the inside for Dylan Edwards, who ran twenty metres to the try line with ease for the visitor's second try, pushing their lead out to twelve after Cleary nailed the conversion.

The New Zealand side found themselves back in the Panthers ten metres but struggled with their finishing ability, with Bayley Sironen losing the ball as he crashed over the line. After another let-off, the Panthers were away down the field again. They looked to have scored again when Stephen Crichton offloaded the ball to To'o, who finished the play by diving in the corner. Still, Walsh did enough defensively to push the winger closer to the sideline, which worked as To'o touched the line before attempting to put the ball down.

The Warriors had several chances to get on the scoreboard in the final stages of the first half, earning repeat sets and regather short drop-outs, but the closest they got was when Walsh was held up after catching an inside ball from Volkman. They had another attempt when Johnson pushed a grubber through, but Josh Curran was beaten to it by Cleary; the Panthers attempted another short drop-out, and this time, they were successful, keeping the home side searching for their first points of the night.

The visitors were in the Warrior's Half once again, and Cleary broke the line and looked sure to score but slipped over. The New Zealand side scrambled to stop Penrith, but they were not quick enough as the Panthers quickly shifted the ball out to the left edge for Taylan May to score in the dying seconds of the first half, seeing the visitors go into the sheds with an 18-0 lead.

HALF-TIME: New Zealand Warriors 0 Penrith Panthers 18

Second Half

The Panthers wasted little time adding to their score tally, taking only five minutes to break Warriors fans' hearts again. Playing simple draw and pass football when Crichton put To'o over untouched in the corner.

The Warrior's lack of execution continued to haunt them; after a few promising runs, Johnson kicked early on the third tackle, but none of his teammates were chasing it, allowing the Panthers to clean it up easily.

The Panthers may have let the lead go to their heads a little as they started to make silly errors, one of these errors led to a brief bit of excitement for Warriors fans as Tohu Harris offloaded to Walsh, who darted through a hole in the defensive line and ran forty metres before losing the ball as he neared the Panthers try-line.

After absorbing several attacking sets from the home side, the Panthers got back into action with Isaah Yeo finishing off a strong set with a devastating run, breaking multiple tackles on the way to score his side's fifth try on the night, displaying the excellent Panthers attack as well as the poor defensive effort from the Warriors.

Penrith continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded when Walsh dropped a kick defusal. Seeing the home side was on the ropes, the Panthers got back to work with Edwards throwing a short ball to Martin, who burrowed his way over the try-line.

To'o was almost over again after another break from Penrith, but the Warriors held on; the New Zealand side successfully regathered their short drop-out and got themselves into good field position when Chanel Harris-Tavita kicked a 40/20, playing for nothing but pride at this stage, the Warriors showed some excellent structure and finally managed to break through the Panthers wall when Walsh sent a short ball to Josh Curran to score.

An error from Dunamis Lui after scoring handed the ball back to the Panthers with time running out; the Warriors used their Captains Challenge but were unsuccessful. Penrith could not find a way forward, so Jarome Luai resorted to running sideways, skipping from left to right before spying an overlap and getting the ball to Crichton, who then showed his team first mentality, shifting out one more to To'o for the wingers second try of the night and the final play of this game.

A well-deserved win for Penrith but a disappointing loss for the Warriors, who will now be counting down the days until they can return to NZ soil.

FULL-TIME: New Zealand Warriors 6 Penrith Panthers 40

Warrior of the match Points

3 Pts - Reece Walsh,  2 Pts - Josh Curran, 1 Pt - Jazz Tevaga  

My official review will be out on Monday, so keep an eye out for when that drops to get my opinion on the match.

NZ Warriors Round 14 Review: New coach, same problems as Sharks pick apart lacklustre Warriors

After their embarrassing Round 13 defeat to the Sea Eagles, the Warriors returned to Moreton Daily Stadium to face the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. After a promising start, it looked like the Warriors were ready to end their five-game losing streak; however, after making a few errors that let the Sharks into the match, Cronulla took control and strolled to a 38-16 victory and the sixth loss in a row for the Warriors. 

For a breakdown of how the match went, check out my match report at the link below.

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 14 Match Report

Well, another busy week for the Warriors with Nathan Brown's exit and Stacey Jones's promotion into the hot seat as interim Head Coach. Due to the announcement's timing, the Warriors team named for the Sharks clash was essentially the same that we have seen the past month, and it did nothing to improve my low confidence levels for a victory.

The Warriors started the match well but fell into the same patterns we have seen for most of the season. Errors, poor defensive effort, and a general lack of cohesion as a unit saw the side undone again. Some players are out there giving it 100% and trying to get this team back into the winner's circle, but some specific individuals look entirely checked out, and it is dragging the side down.

I said it last week, but it's clear that this team is no longer playing as a unit and changes need to be made, drop the individuals that are clearly not giving it their all and give someone on the fringes a chance to prove their worth because let's face it they cannot do any worse.

There wasnt much to smile about this week, but I managed to find some glimmers of hope, which leads me to my positives from the match.

Match Positives

The first ten minutes were a complete turnaround from what we have had to stomach the past five weeks. They were playing simple footy, and it was working. The passes were sticking, and questions were being asked of the Shark's defence, which led to their first two tries. Defensively they looked better, also keeping the Sharks contained. They just could not keep it going consistently; if they could replicate that first ten minutes and make that a 70 or even 80-minute effort, they could start turning their performances around.

There is only one game left before the Warriors make their return to Mount Smart Stadium. This club needs to come home; I know it is not going to magically fix the problems that are going on within the organisation. 

Still, a chance to return home, see friends and family and play in front of crowds that have been desperate for live footy should hopefully give the players a much-needed boost. I may be selfish, but I just miss watching the boys from the comfort of the seat I have had for the past 17 years, and I have felt very disconnected from this club that I love, and I want to get that feeling that live footy gives me back. 

Lastly, Addin Fonua-Blake should hopefully be back this week, and this side needs him more now than ever. He is key to setting the platform, and the other forwards have not stepped up in his absence. He can't do it alone, but hopefully, with him back on the park, it will kick the other players around him into gear and get this side rolling forward to hopefully give the halves the time needed to create scoring opportunities.

However, I had plenty of concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warriors were undone by their errors; while only making six of them, the Sharks turned most of those mistakes into points, thanks mainly to some poor defensive reads, which saw the Warriors miss thirty tackles. The basic errors and poor defence boil down to attitude; mistakes do happen, but when they do, the team needs to back that error up with a lift in intensity on defence to ensure they either get the ball back or stop themselves from standing under the goalposts again. The final try the Sharks scored was off a poor pass from Reece Walsh that went to the ground instead of hitting Shaun Johnson, and instead of chasing after Sione Katoa, Johnson started yelling at Walsh. It's good to hold players accountable (although SJ may need to look in the mirror first), but the play wasnt over, and he should have tried to stop Katoa in his tracks.

Flowing on from that, the attack was horrible in the final 70 minutes of this match. There were times when it looked like the Warriors were piecing attacking phases together, but they all came crashing down with either poor last tackle options or errors. There was just not a lot of talking going on, and with most of the sides just doing their own thing, it made for a clunky attacking structure, and unless they start working together and communicating, the losses will continue.

The injury to Ben Murdoch-Masila is another devastating blow to the Warrior's campaign. I'm biased as a massive BMM fan, but it's just more bad luck for the Warriors to lose another big body. He hasn't been playing well this year, but I was hoping he could step up a level playing alongside AFB. His dislocated elbow will see him missing at least six to eight weeks, so my optimistic prediction of his improvement will have to go on the back burner.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the match goes to Wayde Egan.

It was another weekend that was hard to select a player to highlight, but I thought Egan was one of a few individuals that could leave the field with his head held high. He set up the first try before scoring a try of his own and was delivering the Warrior's quick ball out of the ruck. He also led the side with 37 tackles and only missed three. He has taken the frustrating parts of his game that I didn't care for away, and I have liked the growth we have seen from Egan; and hopefully, we will continue to see him improve.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Rocco Berry.

A few players could have taken this spot this week, but I have gone with the young centre; I think he has a lot of upsides, but he is showing that he is not up to the level of playing week in week out first grade just yet. He made a few poor defensive reads, but I was more concerned with his attacking plays, getting tackled on the last tackle without looking like he was a chance of scoring, with one of those times leaving a certain try for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak begging, which just can't happen. Give him time to develop in reserve grade as if he continues to have to learn on the job in first grade; it could derail his career before it even gets a chance to really start. 

And please, Berry, remember you're not playing Union anymore, and on the fifth tackle, you cant just hold onto it.

Next round thoughts and prediction

Round 15 sees the Warriors stay at Moreton Daily Stadium to face the Panthers, who dominated the Knights 42-6 in Round 14.

Regarding the team I would pick, In the backs, I would give SJ a week to think and bring Daejarn Asi in to partner with CHT; I would also move Euan Aitken to the centres to replace Rocco Berry.

I would bring Curran into Aitken's spot, promote Bunty Afoa to the starting front row in the forwards, and bring AFB in for BMM. I still want to see Pride Petterson-Robati get his shot as he is ready for first grade, so I would bring him in to take Jack Murchie.

I hope the Little General is thinking along the same lines and makes a few changes.

Predicting the match this week isn't about if the Warriors would win or lose but by how much the Panthers will beat them by, if I am brutally honest. The Panthers will have plenty of players out due to State of Origin game 2, but as they showed in the week leading up to SoO1, they can still put a cricket score on their opposition with their stars missing. I want to see an attitude adjustment from the Warriors, but I think they will be in trouble, so I am picking the Panthers to win by 24.

So that was a disappointing  Round 14, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Do you see Stacey making some tough calls and changing the gameday 17?

Who would you like to become the Warriors 2023 Head Coach?

Are you looking forward to the Warriors returning to Mt Smart?

What is your score prediction against the Panthers?

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 14 Match Report: Sharks 38 Warriors 16

Scoreboard

New Zealand Warriors 16

Tries: Reece Walsh 6, Wayde Egan 11, Dallin Watene-Zeleaniak 52

Goals: Reece Walsh 7, 12

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 38

Tries: Sione Katoa 14, 33, 76, Siosifa Talakai 17, Ronaldo Mulitalo 23, 58, Matt Moylan 33, William Kennedy 62

Goals: Nicho Hines 23, 33, 64

MATCH REPORT 

First Half

After yet another turbulent week which resulted in Nathan Brown leaving the Warriors midweek, the coaching role being handed to Warriors legend Stacey Jones, the home side had an arduous task ahead of them if they wanted to get his head coach career started on a positive note against a dangerous Sharks outfit.

An incorrect play the ball from Jesse Ramien handed the Warriors a scrum on the halfway line. The New Zealand side had a few attempts at the try line but were held out by some tough Sharks defence.

The tough defence continued when Ramien cut Marcelo Montoya in half, but the visitors gave away a penalty for an illegal strip which handed the ball back to the Warriors. The home side showed some promise with solid runs up the middle before Reece Walsh sold a dummy pass and crossed for the night's first try.

Walsh was involved again moments later, deciding to let a Sharks kick go over the dead-ball line before a rough bounce forced him to grab it and dive into the field of play. Another Cronulla penalty got the Warriors out of their half, and they were over for their second try when Wayde Egan spied some slow markers and sniped out of the ruck before reaching out and touching the try line.

After the slow start, the Sharks got back into the contest after surging up the field before Nicho Hines kicked to the right edge; Ramien tapped the ball back to Briton Nikora, who quickly shifted it to Sione Katoa to score in the corner.

Adam Pompey was penalised on the next play for his kickoff going over the dead-ball line on the full, which saw the Sharks in the driver's seat once again, and they wasted little time moving the ball from right to left before Siosifa Talakai took Rocco Berry on and bashed his way over the line. Hynes missed his second conversion attempt, which saw the Warriors hold onto a 12-8 lead. Chanel Harris-Tavita was taken to the sidelines with an HIA after a head knock in the leadup to that try.

The Sharks looked ready to scorch up the field again, but a forward pass let the Warriors off the hook, but it wasnt without a price as Ben Murdoch-Masila was carried to the sidelines after injuring his arm in the tackle leading up to the forward pass.

The sides traded knock-ons; however, the Sharks challenged the call but were unsuccessful, but it didn't matter as they got the ball back on the next play when Jack Murchie was penalised for an incorrect play the ball. With momentum firmly on their side, Cronulla sent the ball to the left, spying an overlap that saw Ronaldo Mulitalo cross untouched for the visitor's third try and the lead.

After another penalty against the Sharks, the Warriors started to show some attacking threat again, and Walsh put a kick into the in-goal but could not get to it before it dribbled over the dead-ball line.

Another error from the Warriors deep in their half when Euan Aitken offloaded the call to Chanel Harris-Tavita, who could not secure it. Cronulla went to the left again before Matt Moylan took the line on and got across the try line for the Shark's fourth try in a row, extending their lead to eight.

A crusher penalty against Wade Graham saw the Warriors get to start a set inside the Sharks half, and after some promising runs from the forwards, the New Zealand side showed off some fair with a few offloads, but Cronulla's scrambling defence kept them out. Shaun Johnson kicked to the right edge on the last, but Dallin Watene-Zeleaniak tapped it back, but it went over the sideline. The Warriors followed that up with a penalty which saw the Sharks surge up the field before sending Katoa over in the corner for his second try as the half-time siren sounded, with the visitors going into the sheds with a twelve-point lead.

HALF-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 24 New Zealand Warriors 12

Second Half

The second half did saw the scoring slow down; the Warriors looked sure to score after the Sharks gave away two penalties and a six again call on the same drive; the New Zealand side's attack started to ask questions of the Sharks defence, and they had a numbers advantage on the right edge, but Rocco Berry decided to keep hold of the ball on the last tackle instead of passing to his unmarked winger, the Sharks wrapped the centre up in another display of their excellent goal-line defence.

The home side was back at it again a few moments later, making some in-roads with some second-phase football before quickly heading to the right edge again; Bayley Sironen skipped Berry this time and sent it straight to Watene-Zeleaniak who showed some tremendous acrobatic skills as he flipped his way over the try-line.

The Warriors made another error but regathered the ball back after the Sharks also dropped the ball; the official called the playback due to no advantage being played. The Warriors challenged the original knock-on but were denied by the bunker. Cronulla got themselves back on track and sent the ball to the left for Mulitalo, who dived over in the corner. The decision was sent up to the bunker, and while it looked close, they deemed that the winger managed to keep in the field of play, and he was awarded his second try of the night.

The Sharks kept the pressure on, and Ramien pushed through a quick which went directly to Walsh, but he could not contain it, juggling the ball several times before losing it. William Kennedy lept at the loose ball, grounding it for Cronulla's seventh try of the night.

Mulitalo made an error which saw the Warriors get some favourable field position, but they struggled to get through Cronulla's defence; Josh Curran put a grubber through, and despite being hit without the ball, the Warriors did not get another penalty, and the Sharks got themselves quickly towards halfway.

The Warriors had a scrum at halfway in the final minutes of the pass, and a wayward pass from Walsh went to the ground before being scooped up by Katoa, who ran fifty metres to dot down for his third try and the Shark's eighth for the night.

The home side had one last attempt, and getting points on the board, Walsh threw an offload to Watene-Zeleaniak, who then kicked it towards the corner, but it went out before he could get to it. That would be the match's final play as the final whistle was blown with the Sharks winning in comprehensive style.

FULL-TIME: Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 38 New Zealand Warriors 16

Warrior of the match Points

3 Pts - Wayde Egan,  2 Pts - Reece Walsh, 1 Pt - Jazz Tevaga 

My official review will be out on Monday, so keep an eye out for when that drops to get my opinion on the match.

NZ Warriors Round 13 Review: Season goes from bad to worse after Sea Eagles dominate woeful Warriors

 

After their frustrating Round 12 defeat to the Knights, the Warriors travelled to 4 Pines Park to face the Manly Sea Eagles minus their Origin stars. The Warriors were never in the contest as the Sea Eagles dominated them all over the park as they cruised to a 44-12 victory, handing them their fifth loss in a row in what is arguably their worst season to date.

For a breakdown of how the match went, check out my match report at the link below.

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 13 Match Report

The worst season to date may sound overly dramatic, but I haven't felt this low as a Warriors fan in some time, if not ever. It's clear that something is broken within this organisation, and I don't even know where they start to get things fixed, but as the saying goes, it all starts at the top. 

I think fans can take a loss if they see some effort from the side, but it looks like the team has given up, and if they don't look at themselves in the mirror and hold each other accountable, then one-sided defeats will be their future for some time.

This match was just frustrating to watch, you can see that some players are giving it their all, but so many of them looked checked out. Besides a few brief patches, this game was a training run for Manly. Their big boys were devastating up the middle, and the Warrior's defence left plenty to be desired. Throw in all the errors and ill-discipline, and it's fortunate that Manly didn't score more points; this team is no longer a team, they are a bunch of individuals out there doing their own thing, and significant changes need to be made. Either drop some of the underperformers and give some fringe players a shot or have an honesty session and clear the air before they sink even further.

There wasnt much to smile about this week, but I managed to find some glimmers of hope, which leads me to my positives from the match.

Match Positives

I have to give credit to the few players that looked to be giving it a 100%, Jazz Tevaga, Reece Walsh, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Marcelo Montoya, Wayde Egan and Euan Aitken. While they may not have had the best game, they were making an effort. If the rest of the 17 followed in their footsteps, they might have been at least a little competitive.

Josh Curran is set to return this week, and the team needs him now more than ever. He was one of the best on the pitch week in and week out before his injury, and while he may be a bit rusty in his return, you can expect a lift in the side with him being out there.

However, I had plenty of concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the game.

Match Negatives

The Warrior's attack continued to be atrocious, the lack of impact from the forwards did not make things easy, but there was no communication at all. They struggled to complete sets, and when they did, they weren't getting anywhere near the Sea Eagles' try line. Talking and working together is the key; troops are down right now, but there is enough talent out there to at least ask questions of the opposition defence. The experienced heads in the backline need to start stepping up; otherwise, they may as well go down to reserve grade.

If the lack of attack wasn't bad enough, the Warrior's errors and penalties ensured they would never get in the fight. They made ten errors and gave away ten penalties, and each one was just a massive let off for the Sea Eagles. I know some of the penalties were a bit harsh, so I will only say that as poor as the officiating may be, the Warriors have to adjust their style to the referee that is calling the shots, but how Grant Aitken just gave Martin Taupau his try as I still think it wasnt a try.

The errors were more of the same schoolboy mistakes that we are used to the Warrior's delivering in 2022. Have more respect for the ball and, probably, more importantly, some respect for themselves, their teammates and the fans.

Lastly, my pet peeve, the Warriors missed 43 tackles in this match. Manly was having a field day out there, casually running 60-70 metres a set with the Warriors resorting to jersey grabbing tackles on the big forwards. It looked like children against men out there, and it is all down to attitude and trust; the communication I want to see on attack also moves across to defence. Keep vocal, talk to the men on either side of you and hit your assignments.

Warrior of the Match

My Warrior of the match goes to Reece Walsh.

It was difficult to highlight a player this week, and I kept going back to the young fullback. His game was by no means excellent; he made some poor defences reads and that horrible intercept pass that saw Jason Saab run the length of the field to score. However, he did set up the first Warriors try and was one of the only players to ask questions of Manly's defensive line, running for a team high 137 metres. He just needs to get his hands on the ball more and stop rushing; his mistakes will come down if he stops running around like a headless chicken.

Warrior to Improve

My Warrior to improve goes to Shaun Johnson.

Johnson is playing like a shadow of his former self right now; I'm not sure what is happening with him as he is better than what he is delivering right now. He was out of sync with the rest of the side, and his kicking wasnt as accurate as the side needed. 

The most significant sign of how much he is struggling was that the only times the Warriors looked dangerous on attack was when he was left out of the plays and CHT and Walsh took over. 

He can do better, and the team and fans need him to bounce back.

Next round thoughts and prediction

Round 14 sees the Warriors travel back to Moreton Daily Stadium to face the Sharks, who had a bye in Round 13.

Regarding the side that I would pick, I would be making some changes.

In the backs, I would give SJ a week to think and bring Daejarn Asi into partner with CHT; I would also move Euan Aitken to the centres to replace Rocco Berry.

I would bring Curran into Aitken's spot and promote Bunty Afoa to the starting front row in the forwards. I still want to see Pride Petterson-Robati get his shot as he is ready for first grade, so I would bring him in for Jack Murchie.

Predicting this match isn't that hard for me anymore as I have lost plenty of confidence in this Warriors outfit in the past month. The Sharks may have a few players missing after origin, but they will still be a tough challenge. The Warrior's defence is a huge concern, and I think that will cost them here, so I am picking the Sharks to win by 18.

So that was an embarrassing Round 13, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

Have the Warriors hit rock bottom, or will it get worse?

What changes would you make to the game day 17?

How would you start trying to fix the Warriors?

What is your score prediction against the Sharks?

Ingers League Wrap-Up Round 13 Match Report: Sea Eagles 44 Warriors 12

Scoreboard

New Zealand Warriors 12

Tries: Jack Murchie 53, Bunty Afoa 75

Goals: Reece Walsh 53, 75

Manly Sea Eagles 44

Tries: Toafofoa Sipley 4, Haumole Olakau'atu 10, Martin Taupau 25, Josh Schuster 28, Reuben Garrick 61, 72, Jason Saab 77

Goals: Ruben Garrick 5, 12, 19, 27, 44, 63, 73, 78

MATCH REPORT 

First Half

In a must-win match for both sides, the game started with some intense running which saw Tolutau Koula floored by a rampaging Marcelo Montoya and sent off for an HIA. An escort penalty against the Warriors on their try line handed Manly the chance they needed, scoring via former Warrior Toafofoa Sipley, who burrowed over the line at the four-minute mark.

The Sea Eagles looked dangerous with the ball in hand, and after a strong run from Haumole Olakau'atu, which saw the second rower fend Chanel Harris-Tavita off his feet, they earnt a repeat set and were over for their second try moments later when Olakau'atu crashed over after Lachlan Croker faked to the left and threw him a short ball on the right.

The Warriors were being starved of possession, but when they finally got their hands on it, they did themselves no favours with Jack Murchie dropping a Shaun Johnson short ball. Manly looked to have dropped it a few plays later, but successfully, Captain Challenged the call; they kicked towards Montoya on the last and were penalized for contacting the Warriors winger in the air.

The Warriors made another error on the first hit up after the penalty, with Euan Aitken losing the ball in the tackle. Manly was back in the hunt, and Olakau'atu was damaging again, flattening Montoya in a hit that saw the winger sent for an HIA. The New Zealand side gave away an escort penalty which saw Ruben Garrick extend his side's lead by two with a penalty goal.

Manly's dominance continued with another surge up the field before Garrick put a grubber through that he attempted to dive on but was just beaten by Wayde Egan. The bunker took a look and deemed that Bunty Afoa had held onto Garrick, which saw the front rower sent to the bin. On the very next play, Martin Taupau took a simple hit up and found himself on the try line for Manly's third. The Bunker was called upon again, and while it looked like the front rower had not got there, they advised that there was not enough evidence to take the try away. They continued to twist the knife, running the field's length with a nice display of second-phase football on the next set and scoring another try when Josh Schuster crashed over in the corner.

The Warriors found themselves in Manly's half with the ball in hand for the first time but gave away another penalty, this time for obstruction. Nothing was going the New Zealand's side's way, and it finally started to show some effect as the half came to a close with Montoya starting a push fight with Sean Keppe before another scuffle started in the final seconds between Morgan Harper and Dallin Watene-Zeleaniak, seeing the half end with Manly well in front with the Warriors needed a massive effort to get back into the contest.

HALF-TIME: Manly Sea Eagles 24 New Zealand Warriors 0

Second Half

The Sea Eagles continued to manhandle the Warriors straight out of the gates in the second half. Their forwards were causing plenty of headaches, and Olakau'atu carried multiple defenders for four or five metres before the Warriors illegally stripped the ball; Garrick took a penalty goal to increase the home side's lead to 26.

The Warriors started to show some life, managing to cruise up the field with the assistance of a six again call. Wayde Egan sniped out of dummy-half and was close to scoring before the Warriors put a kick up on the last, which Murchie caught, but he was prevented from scoring in a valiant effort from Harper, keeping the visitors scoreless. Harper got involved again on the Warrior's next set, preventing another try when he stopped Rocco Berry in the corner on the last tackle.

A Reece Walsh linebreak sprung the Warriors into life when he was able to shift the ball to Murchie, who made up for his last effort by grounding the ball. Getting points on the board added a bit more sting into the Warrior's defence, and they managed to force a Manly error and get back into a scoring position with Walsh causing plenty of problems for Manly. A Shaun Johnson grubber earned a repeat set, but a miscommunication saw them unable to convert it into points when Johnson threw a wayward pass to Watene-Zelezniak.

Momentum swung back to the home side when Harper bolted into open space after spying Johnson napping at marker; the centre drew Walsh in before sending Garrick over for their fifth try of the night. After marching up the field, the Warriors showed some fight and spent several sets on Manly's try line, but the defence was too strong, and eventually, the Warriors made an error when Watene-Zeleaniak dropped a Walsh pass.

The pain for Warriors fans continued when Croker put a kick up, which hit Berry in the head before being dived on by Garrick for his second try of the night; after his conversion, his 22 points became the record for most points scored by a Sea Eagle in a match against the Warriors, and there was still five minutes to go.

Josh Schuster made an error, handing the ball back to the New Zealand side, and after a strong run from Ben Murdoch-Masila, Afoa crashed over for the Warrior's second try. They were right back in the thick of it, going all the way up the field before earning a penalty when Pompey was tackled without the ball; this saw them in great field position to add another try, but that was extinguished when Jason Saab snatched a Walsh pass, and no one was going to stop the speedster as he strolled down the field for the home sides seventh try.

With time running out, Walsh attempted a kick and chase; however, it was defused by Manly, who took the tackle as the final siren sounded, seeing the home side break a three game losing streak with a well-deserved win but see a fifth loss in a row added to the visitors in what was a poor performance.

FULL-TIME: Manly Sea Eagles 44 New Zealand Warriors 12

Warrior of the match Points

3 Pts - Reece Walsh,  2 Pts - Tohu Harris, 1 Pt - Chanel Harris-Tavita

My official review will be out on Monday, so keep an eye out for when that drops to get my opinion on the match.