NRL: Locke's talent can show way forward

Luke Bailey of the Titans is tackled during the round 18 NRL match between the Warriors and the Gold Coast Titans. Photo / Getty Images

Kevin Locke is the key - the little fullback is surely the man most likely to spark a Warriors late-season surge.

The Warriors' win over the Gold Coast Titans in the wet at Mt Smart last night won't give the Dragons and Storm sleepless nights, but it did keep the Auckland side planted firmly mid-table. The prospects aren't great, but all is not lost either.

A finals team that won't make the grand final is about the best that could be hoped for the Warriors and it will be interesting to see whether departing coach Ivan Cleary will take selection risks - particularly involving Shaun Johnson - and try to go out with a bang that might backfire.

Patches of good football and patches of bad - that was the Warriors' story last night. After the disruption of finding that Cleary would be departing for Penrith post-season, and a four-game losing streak, they will be thankful for last night's medium-sized mercy.

The Warriors were too good for the Titans, who have only four wins this season. These once-formidable Titans go through the motions on attack, and the return of the 35-year-old Mat Rogers delivered little but was not without promise.

The Warriors don't need to call out the old guard. Their problems are at the other end of the age spectrum - rookie halfback Johnson is a tantalising prospect but still very raw and has trouble injecting himself into games.

Johnson danced around to help set up the Warriors' opening try to Shaun Berrigan but was seen little after that. Feleti Mateo has terrific skills and his trademark back-flip pass set up the Warriors' third try to Simon Mannering. But the team need to pose a threat in the backs and Locke is clearly the man.

His speed and dancing feet are a constant threat. With the Titans halfway to the airport, he scooped a pass for the final try to Manu Vatuvei.

Cleary must surely know that to persist with the sluggish Brett Seymour - currently injured - at halfback will only get them so far.

Johnson is a very rough diamond, but his speed and dazzling moves offer hope. He and Locke could spark that late-season run.

Micheal Luck made a strong return from injury and Vatuvei got some of his mojo back. On the downside, utility Lewis Brown departed after two minutes with a hurt ankle.

Warriors 22

Tries:
S Berrigan, S Mannering, B Tupou, M Vatuvei
Con: Maloney 3

Titans 6

Try: W Zillman
Con: S Prince
Halftime: 10-6