Richie Barnett writes that injuries and a suspension force Warriors coach Ivan Cleary to try new combinations against the Broncos.
The season is only about five minutes old and already the Warriors are facing perhaps the toughest battle of an NRL campaign - dealing with injuries and suspension. It's the battle of depth.
The stand-in halves combination will be up against it on Sunday against Brisbane. With Brett Seymour gone,
the dynamic of the team changes, but Warriors have to make a virtue of the personnel changes - see it as a chance for Joel Moon or Lance Hohaia to strut their stuff. Last week Hohaia was really involved, chiming in often at first receiver and second receiver, he really added value to the side. We know from last year that when someone who might be first choice is out, Hohaia is a better than useful utility.
It's a pity we won't see more of Seymour's partnership with James Maloney. They've had only limited time together, but the signs are there of a balanced and assertive partnership, one that can steer the side around the field and with the nous to know when to go to the line.
There were some noises of complaint about Ivan Cleary naming Seymour in the team last week, knowing full well that he wouldn't play. Some say it's unfair on the fans to change the lineup just one hour before kick-off.
Rubbish. I say, true fans want one thing from the coach: a winning side. And if Cleary has managed to pull the wool over an opponent - to gain some small advantage - more power to him. He's there to win, not to keep us informed. The Sharks would have spent a heap of last week talking about Seymour, his strengths and weaknesses. So the Warriors had won a minor mind game before the ball had even been kicked off.
If there's one more injury disruption I'd hate to see the squad suffer right now, it would be one that takes out Brent Tate. He's crucial and demands (and gets) the best from those around him.
Lewis Brown is another player who will be a heavy loss. To me, he was the Anthony Watmough of the side. He really is picking his game up and his strength and speed have improved tenfold. Around the park, he really reminds me of what Watmough can do for Manly. And it's something that has a huge impact on the way the Warriors play on the fringes and that's where he comes into his game. His running and pace can cause havoc and adds another dimension to the way the Warriors play.
We've always had forwards who are rangy and get through a lot of work, but here's a ball carrier who moves at real speed straight at the line.
If you look throughout the whole competition, players are crucial for their teams. The Broncos' Ben Te'o is that sort of player - he's so dangerous going at the line really hard and straight. Brown did it for the Warriors, and there must now be a burden on others such as Simon Mannering to fill the role.
The key to Sunday's match in Brisbane will be the halves, because the Broncos have one of the best in the game. When Darren Lockyer goes to the line he has options all over the park and he reads his teammates' runs and makes the best of their support effortlessly. It's beautiful to watch, unless you're a defender.
He's the master of selecting the right pass at the right time, so it's going to be a busy 80 minutes for the Warriors' fringe defenders. The answer? Close down Lockyer early and shut off those passing options for him. Don't let his support crew get into their rhythm.
The kicking game will also be crucial - especially with the new kick-return rules giving fullbacks a chance to return the ball at pace.
Whether it's kicking, running or shutting down Lockyer, this match is a chance for Moon to show his old home crowd that he's a talented player.
It's a big outing for him, and he'll be looking for a big game - as all players do when they return to a former club.
