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Finals-bound Warriors?

Finals-bound Warriors?

07/28/2010 02:17:01 AM

Three wins from their remaining six matches will ensure the Warriors feature in finals football this year.

With the Sharks and Knights on the agenda after the Gold Coast Titans head to Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday, the club is odds-on favourite to rectify a poor 2009 season where it finished 14th of 16 teams.

Historically, 30 points is enough to secure a top-eight berth. The Warriors are sixth with 24 points, while the Titans sit one place behind them on the NRL ladder.

Against South Sydney last week the Warriors led 20-10 at half time, but conceded 28 second half points to lose 28-38, their first loss for five weeks. But fullback Lance Hohaia says that defeat has not dented confidence.

"I think it [the loss] could be a good thing," Hohaia said.

"It takes the pressure off. Maybe we needed to have a loss. It's a good time for us to refocus on what got us those [five] wins [in a row]."

"We've got six games left and I don't see why we can't win the majority of those. Everyone feels the same way."

Defence has been the backbone of the Warriors' recent success but last week they lacked urgency and desperation.

"We've prided ourselves on our defence over the last month and it's improved out of sight," Hohaia said.

"We took a step backwards [against the Rabbitohs], but we'll regain that discipline this week."

With Jerome Ropati out for at least two weeks with a groin injury, Lewis Brown will again switch from the back-row to the centres, proving his vaulable versatility.

Regardless of where he is stationed, Brown, a converted dummy-half, has produced dynamic form this year.

"He's been playing great footy. He's been one of our best for most of the season," Hohaia said of the 23-year-old Cantabrian.

Brown balances a powerful forearm fend with agility, vision, and strength. He said a spot in the backline was not a permanent option, but he did enjoy the freedom it supplied.

"It's a plus I'm in the centre's this week," Brown said.

"You don't make as many tackles as in the back-row, which gives me more energy in attack. I'll look to get the ball in my hands more."

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said his side was performing well below the standards set over the last couple of months.

Cleary was full of praise for Bill Tupou, who will replace the injured Kevin Locke (hamstring) for the next two matches.

"Every time he's gone back to the [Under] 20s he's played well and his last two NRL games were excellent," Cleary said. "He's coming off good form and I'm really confident he'll do a good job for us."

The Titans fly to Auckland minus New South Wales five-eighth Greg Bird (hamstring) and Queensland lock Ashley Harrison (knee), but they will be buoyant after pipping the table-topping Dragons 11-10 in the last 50 seconds of golden point extra-time last week.

In fullback Preston Campbell, halfback Scott Prince, hooker Nathan Friend and five-eighth Matt Rogers, they have little men who can cut you to pieces in an instant.

"They're going to come over here hungry. They've got some creative, crafty little guys. We're going to have to be on top of our game. I'm confident we've got enough talent in our side to win," Hohaia said.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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