KEY POINTS:
The old man of the Warriors isn't feeling his 35 years and is preparing for this week's must-win playoff game in Melbourne like the spring chicken he was when Canberra went into the finals series in 1994.
"The boys have been making comments about my last game and I keep telling them I'm not ready to go out yet," 16-year veteran Ruben Wiki said this week, smile on his face, "I've got a few games left in me yet, about a month's worth I reckon."
A month would take them into the grand final on October 5 and that would mean a lot to him but there will be no disappointment at Sunday's outcome provided the Warriors turn up to play.
Wiki is preparing as he did for his first title game when he was in just his second season with the Canberra Raiders. "It still winds me up, nothing is different. Playing footy is always about enjoying yourself, going to war with your mates, enjoying everyone's company. It was great at the Eels last week, yahooing and everything [on the field]. Now we have an opportunity to do something special."
He agrees the Storm deserve favouritism because of their record through the season, but doesn't look at history. "They are 17 blokes in different jerseys. Anyone can win. We just have to prepare well and take that into the game."
A message echoed by Steve Price who also claimed his one-and-only title ring one year into his professional career at the Bulldogs. "This competition [2008] is unique. Teams five, six, seven and eight are in good form compared to previous years when some only just snuck in. Preparation is the best thing that's worked for us. Be confident, make sure everyone knows their role and everyone does what the coach wants them too - the games we lost we got away from that."
But they had learnt to adjust when necessary and also to go back to what worked for them. "I don't think we were able to do that early in the season."
Price is telling the squad to maintain focus. "It's faster, it's more intense." But he doesn't want the players more intense. "I think that would be a big mistake. The last seven or eight weeks have been like finals, each game has been important and that's why we were so disappointed at the Dragons game."
Maybe they were over-wound, a mistake not to be repeated. "For us everything is on the line, we're really looking forward to the challenge but it would be silly for people to go out and say we're [definitely] going to win."
Brent Tate, eight finals appearances in eight seasons in the NRL and a premiership title with the Broncos in 2006, is ready and willing to take on a leadership role at tough times, as he has behind the posts when the Warriors defence has been ravaged by opposition try-scorers. He feels a responsibility to get vocal when needed to gee the troops up, to direct and marshal defenders.
"We have a team that can beat anyone and we've proved that this year. Anyone can win these sorts of games. We have to play a really controlled game, the kick-chase has to be right on, good ball control," Tate said. "It will come down to attitude, we have enough talent and it will be down to attitude."
