Rugby league: Warriors need to win tight games

Lance Hohaia
Lance Hohaia
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is fond of saying that, when all is said and done, teams end up where they deserve to be on the NRL ladder.

Given the chances they have blown this season, it would be hard to argue the Warriors deserve to finish much above sixth.

Losses such as the opening-round choke against the Eels, the mid-season meltdown against the Tigers and recent narrow reverses to the Broncos and Dragons have hurt.

A win in any of those matches would have likely propelled them to a top-four finish.

"Those are the type of games we need to be winning," veteran utility Lance Hohaia admitted.

The fact is when the acid has gone on, the Warriors have dissolved. In games decided by fewer than six points they are 1-5 this season, that sole victory coming against the Storm in round seven.

The question is whether they can reverse that trend tonight against the Cowboys, and then next week in the opening round of the finals, wherever that match may be.

"We'll just have to find something I guess, another level, and I think that'll get us through," Hohaia said.

For Hohaia, the need to find the right formula is pressing.

After 10 seasons and 180 games as a Warrior, his chances of going out on a high depend on it.

"It's definitely sinking in my time at the club is coming to an end. I just want to channel that emotion in the right direction and use it to help me play well [tonight]." St Helens-bound Hohaia is not the only Warrior to be farewelled tonight. Aaron Heremaia, Joel Moon and Shaun Berrigan are also departing, while Cleary's long service as a player and coach will also be recognised.

Having begun his Warriors career by making the grand final in his first season in 2002, Hohaia steadfastly believes this Warriors team has what it takes to send him out the same way.

"I'm confident in my team-mates and the talent in our team. We all want to achieve the same thing but we understand it's a long way off yet and there's a lot of hard work to be done before we can even think about that."

The prospect of Hohaia going out with his boots on looked shaky after a knee injury against the Bulldogs in round 19. His right knee will eventually need surgery, but for now its condition is manageable.

"You go through every NRL side and there will be guys who are limping their way into the finals, but you seem to be able to find another leg when the finals do come up."

- Steve Deane

 

 

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