Hugh McGahan: It's all about commitment right now

There is nothing left now for the Warriors to do other than play the game. In terms of their on-field preparation, the pre-season training program has gone according to plan. There is no reason to believe that anything has been overlooked.

Obviously the last few weeks have been a drama for the whole organisation but the only thing that is important is that the fans see the players get out and play.

The players' attitude and character will be on show for more than just overcoming the Melbourne Storm today, but also their ability to successfully put aside the handicap of commencing the season minus four competition points and do it with an energy and commitment.

It is this commitment I wish to highlight; because not only do they need to commit to winning today, they need to commit the organisation. This commitment is the handing over and assigning of themselves to club. Some players will say yes I am committed, but do they really mean it? Will they give everything they have, because this organisation needs the players more now than at any time in their history? If the answer is still yes, then my question to them is, if they were not going to get paid, would they still be committed? If not, then their commitment was to money.

People who volunteer for sports teams or clubs or charitable work are committed and love that cause. They do not do it for money and would not do it any better if they were paid - it's the cause that matters. This is the attitude the Warriors need to employ because that attitude will determine their season. I'm certainly not saying for the team to do it for no money; I'm asking them to do it for love; love of the sport, love of the club and love of the fans. Because no matter what trials and tribulations occur during the year, their focus must remain on the cause.

Let there not be a desire to blame anyone for their predicament - just get on with the task at hand, which is to win 16 games to assure themselves a top-eight position and an opportunity in the playoffs. The distraction of feeling sorry for themselves will gain no favour from the fans, media or other teams. Importantly, it will not give them back their points or lead them to winning another point during the season; just get on with winning games and everything will fall into place. The season is still going to be hard and although the Australian media and public are writing the team off as contenders for the premiership, the other teams will still be taking you seriously to grind you into the turf.

Warriors please take note: the general public of New Zealand and rugby league fraternity want to see you win games, despite what may be viewed over the airwaves of radio and television. Do not be too insular and think the whole world is against you. Believe in yourselves and win games and the world will believe in you.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY