By PETER JESSUP
Toe-to-toe is the way Warriors' coach Daniel Anderson expects the game to go against the Melbourne Storm at Ericsson Stadium today: similar forward games, big props and big second-rowers giving each other a big test.
He jokes about an "extra nice homecoming for Steve Kearney and Co" and hopes
there is no baggage after last year's games, when the Storm bashed the Warriors at Ericsson, then the Warriors cut the Storm out of the playoffs by forcing a draw in Melbourne.
"But forwards have long memories and I'm sure they'll all know who they owe a bit to."
He said his side had grown up a lot since that 20-4 loss, when they were outsmarted by a team with experienced Kiwi players. He's happy with the experience on the field this weekend.
The Warriors matches with the Bulldogs and the Storm always had something extra in forward exchanges, and the game generally.
Anderson was expecting a similar game today to last weekend - except the Warriors want to win.
"The Storm may dictate how we play to an extent - they've had some grinding wins, ugly wins, they haven't clicked, but they're still doing enough."
The props might cancel each other out most of the day, likewise the back rowers, but at some stage they wouldn't, Anderson said.
"There's too much flair in both teams; both sides will create opportunities."
The Storm have been dealt a blow with the late withdrawal of Matt Orford, who has had four weeks on the sideline already with a quadricep injury.
Matt Geyer steps in at halfback, a big challenge against Stacey Jones.
Fullback Ivan Cleary had some food poisoning midweek and lost weight and strength, but will play and chase Daryl Halligan's NRL record of 30 consecutive goals.
Cleary has 25.
Anderson said he told Cleary he could pick close-in shots if he wanted and he'd get Jones to take the wide ones.
Cleary responded with "no chance, I'm the kicker," his attitude "just the one I wanted," Anderson said.
