With big games against the Rabbitohs and Roosters, the next eight days could define the Warriors' season.
The next eight days could define the Warriors' season. Coming up against the Rabbitohs and Roosters in a week is the ultimate measuring stick, allowing Warriors coach Andrew McFadden to see exactly where his team is at.
It's timely because, until now, it has been hard to judge. They haven'tmanaged an 80-minute performance over the past three matches - not even close, really - and last Sunday was a classic example of not putting an opponent away when they had the chance. That's a concern, and something that won't be good enough against the better teams.
But on the positive side, the Warriors kept on finding a way to bank the two points against the Sharks, Eels and Knights. It's not flashy or comprehensive but it's a win.
And they are staying in matches. Their losing margin against top sides like the Broncos and Cowboys this year was only four to eight points and their biggest loss this year is by 16 points. That's quite a contrast to previous seasons and reflects a new defensive resilience, even if they are still conceding too many points.
Souths will be extremely tough tomorrow. In past years, a Rabbitohs team without Sam Burgess and Adam Reynolds would have been vulnerable, but not this mob.
They have got over the loss of Burgess and are learning to live without Reynolds - something they haven't managed too well in the past. It takes an edge off their play, simply because his kicking game is so good, but they have found ways around it.
They still have probably the best forward unit in the competition, and always seem to lift against the Warriors. There is not a lot of subtlety there - they just bash through teams - but there doesn't need to be. They have plenty of grunt coming off the interchange bench and will have the edge over the Warriors up front.
The 2014 premiers also don't lack flair. Alex Johnston is an incredible player, and other young guns like Aaron Grey and Cameron McInnes have impressed.
One of the keys for the Warriors in Perth will be second-phase play. They have to commit defenders, get their offloads going and get to the edges because it won't be easy to overpower the Rabbitohs through the middle.
Footwork at the line will also be important, to expose the mobility of some of the bigger Souths forwards.
And discipline will be vital. Completion rates must be high and turnover and error rates low if the Warriors are to stay in the game.
I'm also concerned about the balance of the Warriors bench. They won't get too many minutes out of that quartet, which is putting a big load on the back rowers.
McFadden will have to be careful. Simon Mannering, Ryan Hoffman and Bodene Thompson all have huge workrates but the Warriors can't run them into the ground. They'll need a rest at some stage - as will youngsters Sam Lisone and Albert Vete, who have never experienced the rigours of a full NRL campaign.
