Richie Barnett: Nielsen looks to resurrect reputation against Panthers

Dane Nielsen. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Dane Nielsen comes back into the Warriors side to face the Panthers on Sunday and it can't be understated how important the game is for him.

The centre hasn't been sighted since round seven, two weeks after Andrew McFadden took over as coach. His on-field performances probably didn't warrant selection and he wasn't helped by some off-field issues, like the fact he missed training after a night out.

He came to the Warriors with a big reputation, having played three State of Origin games for a pretty handy Queensland side in 2011 and 2012 but hasn't really delivered.

The Storm players around him probably made Dane look better than he really was.

He offered surety on defence for the Warriors initially but that has fallen away and he's never really been a threat on attack. He doesn't create an overlap or burn players with pace. It shows clubs need to do proper due diligence on players before signing them and dig deeper than just on-field performances. Sometime a player's baggage can have a big impact.

The challenge now is for him to stay in the top side. He has a chance now to prove to the public and media they are wrong about him and it's crucial he does for his own sake.

If he can't retain a starting position, his career could soon be over because it's hard to see him being wanted by any other club. That means that, at 29, this is a defining moment for him. He won't have an easy assignment on Sunday, given he is up against one of the best centres going around in Dean Whare.

Dean is an incredible talent who can do almost anything on a football field. He's one of a number of Panthers players, like James Segeyaro, Tyrone Peachey and even Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward, who are near the top of their games this season.

Another you could put into that category is Elijah Taylor, who the Warriors let go. I can't help but think it will come back to haunt the Warriors, perhaps even on Sunday. Elijah is the type of player every club wants - he's got leadership qualities, has a good work ethic and a good understanding of the game.

Overseeing it all is Ivan Cleary, who is a coach of exceptional ability.

I didn't think the Panthers would be as good this season as they have been but, if they truly believe in themselves, they are capable of winning the competition this year.

Of course, Ivan is another one the Warriors let go. He won't admit it, but he will want to prove a point this weekend.