League: Too soon for title claims

Brent Tate is prepared to face a backlash. Photo / Getty Images

Brent Tate shakes his head every time he hears 2009 will be the Warriors' year.

The Warriors were installed as third favourites behind Manly and Melbourne before a ball was even kicked in the NRL season and that has solidified after last weekend's 26-18 win over the Eels.

The return of Stacey Jones and the arrival of Joel Moon, Denan Kemp and Jacob Lillyman have added considerable quality and depth to the squad and left many wondering if 2009 will bring the Warriors' first title.

Tate, though, refuses to get caught up in the excitement.

"I find it hard that people can speak about it being our year," Tate says ahead of today's match against Manly, "given what can happen week to week. We have three injuries to key guys [Lance Hohaia, Micheal Luck and Ben Matulino] in the first round.

"Last year people were saying how bad we were and we were one game away from playing in the grand final. It's such a long year and I can't buy into that sort of talk.

"What I can say is that we have a great squad and a lot of depth and we have prepared really well and, hopefully, with a bit of luck, which you need, we will do really well."

Tate is used to expectations. It came with the territory in Brisbane. In seven seasons at the Broncos he won one premiership (the Broncos have won six since their creation in 1988) and not once missed finals football.

It's a record he continued in his first season with the Warriors, when they sneaked into the top eight before finally being tripped up by Manly one game short of a second grand final.

What the 27-year-old centre will happily discuss, however, is whether the Warriors' backline is the best in the NRL.

They have a good balance of power, pace and potency from Manu Vatuvei to Wade McKinnon and Tate to Jerome Ropati. They also have depth with Jones coming off the bench today against Manly.

"I think we have as good a backline as anyone in the competition," Tate offers. "We have a lot of talent and skill and a hell of a lot of speed in our backline but when it comes down to it, we will be judged on our results."

It compares favourably with Brisbane, who are blessed with the talents of Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer, Karmichael Hunt and Justin Hodges, as well as Melbourne, who have the likes of Greg Inglis, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk.

"But every team is so close," Tate quickly adds. "You only have to be just off and you are going to get beaten."

As the Sea Eagles were last week.

The reigning premiers were dismantled 34-12 by the Bulldogs last weekend, bringing to an end a dreadful week highlighted by the rape charges brought against Brett Stewart.

They will still be without Stewart, who was suspended for four matches for bringing the game into disrepute as a result of his excessive drinking at a club function, but surely won't be as bad as they were a week ago.

"I don't think the Bulldogs have done us any favours at all, especially as Manly are returning to Brookvale where they have a very good record," Tate says. "There are danger signs there for us but we are well aware of it. I don't think they will throw any surprises at us.

"I have never beaten Manly playing for the Warriors. We played them four times last year and they got us every time. They are just a very professional outfit, have a very good side, are very well balanced from forwards to fullback and are well coached.

"Maybe it's a confidence thing we had with them last year. But we are a lot different team to last year so hopefully we can change that record."