League: Webb key to Warriors' resurgence

It's a reflection of the modern world we live in that the words "hottie" and "one fine honey" appear on the first two sites listed when Brent Webb's name is typed into Google.

They're not those kind of websites, more forums where fans while away the hours to fill in the boredom of their day. A few comments might have stemmed from when Webb battled it out for the prestigious title of Gillette Best Groomed Sportsman last year, eventually won by promising triathlete Terenzo Bozzone after he was adjudged to have ironed his shirt and buffed his shoes the best.

It takes a little more searching to find out that the 24-year-old Warriors fullback has recaptured the type of form that saw him rated by fans as the club's player of the year last season.

It's not an insignificant point that Webb has stepped up his game, which was no better illustrated than by his inspired performance against the Roosters a fortnight ago.

He's not the world's greatest fullback at returning a kick, considering he rarely beats the first tackler, but his reliability at the back and his ability to inject himself into the Warriors' backline makes him a dangerous player.

He's been so impressive, coach Tony Kemp has even pulled out his favourite affirmation in saying that Webb has been "outstanding" in recent weeks.

"I'm happy with my form," Webb said before last night's crucial game against the Panthers. "I think we're all starting to hit form at the moment and when guys around you play well, you can't help but lift your game as well."

In many respects, Webb's form has mirrored that of the Warriors as a whole. When he was sidelined with a back injury for the opening rounds of the NRL competition, the Warriors lacked a real spine. When he was indifferent in the middle rounds, so too were the Warriors.

Webb's importance to the Warriors shouldn't be understated, not least of all because there isn't really a back-up fullback with experience at the club.

Utility man Jerome Ropati filled in admirably during Webb's absence, and Ropati also wore the No 1 jersey for the Anzac test, also when Webb was ruled out with his back injury. But Ropati isn't a fullback.

With his thick Queensland accent and confident Aussie swagger, it's obvious where Webb hails from but the veteran of four tests in the black-and-white jersey feels like a Kiwi more and more every day. He qualified after serving the minimum three years' residency in New Zealand.

"I call Auckland home when I go back to Cairns," explained the player who was plucked out of the Queensland Cup competition in 2002 by former Warriors coach Daniel Anderson. "I've played for the Kiwis a few times so I feel like I'm part of the furniture now. It feels very comfortable here."

Webb has already heard from Kiwis coach Brian McClennan about being a part of New Zealand's Tri Nations campaign and is a certainty to be selected to take on Australia and Great Britain if fit.

It's a case of first things first, however, and although the Warriors' top eight chances remain on a knife-edge with five rounds remaining, it hasn't entered Webb's thinking that they won't make it. "I was pretty confident all season because the effort has been there. At times, the effort wasn't there last season - that's when you start to doubt yourself."

There's no doubt Webb has been a hit with a certain section of adoring fans - a stint on the internet confirms that - but he'd certainly trade that adoration for a place in the top eight.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY