Michael Burgess: Warriors have simple solution to stop criticism

If the Warriors are frustrated at the criticism coming their way, there is a simple solution.

Start performing. As a team they haven't put in a solid 80-minute effort since June last year, with the final round match against the Bulldogs in 2015 the closest they have come.

Their fans are a loyal, patient bunch - they have to be - and realise that the Warriors can't win every week. But it is too much to ask for 26 rounds of endevour and grit, as you expect from most other NRL teams?

Graham Lowe's `bro culture' comments were probably borne out of frustration, at seeing a team with so much potential under-delivering yet again in round one.

His comments - lapped up by the Sydney media - are a bit clichéd. The Warriors will always have a different culture to most teams in the NRL, simply because of the large amount of Polynesian and Maori players in the squad.

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It creates a different environment at the club, which newly signed Australian players always comment on.

But as individuals, you wouldn't say the likes of Bodene Thompson, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Ryan Hoffman and James Gavet are soft. Of don't have a hard edge. Far from it.

But yes, there is something still missing in the recipe at the Warriors. That's the only way to explain the abject performance against the Tiger cubs last Saturday.

The defence - both around the ruck and on the edge - was poor for most of the match, while the attack was predictable and flat.

There was a lack of urgency, a lack of responsibility and a lack of passion.

The second half was better, but most of the Warriors' chances came from broken play, which won't be possible against a more structured defence.

Perhaps most galling of all, the team didn't seem to want to play for each other, whereas the Tigers young group were united, willing and positive.

Warriors hit back at 'bro culture' claim

So where to from here?

There's obviously a lot of work to be done behind the scenes but perhaps one old school tip from former coach Mike McClennan could be a quick starting point for this Friday at Suncorp stadium.

McClennan, who was a contemporary of Lowe's , used to have a simple message for his all-conquering Mt Albert Lions' teams of the 1980s moments before kickoff at Carlaw park.

"There are 4800 seconds in a game of rugby league," said McClennan. "If you are switched on for all of them you'll go alright."