Graham Lowe: New Warriors coach isn't the answer

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden. Photo / Nick Reed

Whatever happens next week against the Bulldogs, the Warriors 2015 year will finish as horrible.

It's a crying shame for the club, the game in this country, its fans and in particular their captain Simon Mannering. He looks like a player who has nearly driven himself to a standstill, while some around him have just enjoyed the ride.

Each week I've heard about the number of players out with injury and there is no denying it, they have been hit hard. Shaun Johnson was a massive loss and although the Warriors disintegrated following his season ending injury I saw worrying signs much earlier.

However, I did still see enough individual talent to give this season a real good shake even without Shaun.

But it is that word 'individual' that has been the worrying factor.

They have introduced a few young players but something that should always be kept in mind is that 'making the team is one thing, while becoming a team is another.' As a team unit they have rarely threatened with any structured attack, there has been far too much individualism.

Many will say "hang on, they've had a mountain of points scored against them, defence is the main problem."

Granted, and I agree certainly over the last month it's been like tissue paper, but a team with limited ideas on attack will inevitably end up hopeless in defence and this is what has happened.

In my view it has been a disaster not to have even tried Sam Tomkins at halfback. I said so in my column the week following Johnson's injury and I don't want to sound like a smart Alec by going on about it. But I think the coaches made a massive strategic tactical blunder by not having the little Englishman in a position where he could very well have delivered a much happier season. In fact, given the opportunity, I'm certain he had enough talent and experience to have guided the Warriors into the top eight.

I have also really felt for coach Andrew McFadden because he allowed himself to get dragged into a 'damned if he does and damned if he doesn't' situation. He wasn't prepared to think outside the square and the last seven games have been a savage lesson for him.

As it goes many will be crying for his scalp but another coach isn't the answer. I've said on a number of occasions this year it is a fixable problem and I still believe that. It's a funny thing though that scientists, doctors, teachers, tradesmen, EPL and NFL coaches and many others are considered wiser for their experience as they get older.

For whatever reason, rugby league considers age a disadvantage and those of my vintage are often told "you don't understand, things are different now!" The hairdos certainly are.

Some things are different but most are the same.

Talent, skill and toughness are just three things that have always been a requirement in the game of rugby league and if you try and compete without one of those ingredients you are doomed to failure. Nothing has changed in that respect.

I know Bulldogs coach Des Hasler extremely well and he will smell blood in the water. The Warriors final game of the season is going to be against a fired up Dogs team who will not show the slightest mercy to McFadden's men because they will not only want to win, they will be going for a cricket score.