NRL: Cleary - just wipe out that memory

Patrick Ah Van will play on the right wing for the Warriors. Photo / Greg Bowker

Forget about last week. That's the message Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is keen to promote before tonight's match against the Raiders at Mt Smart Stadium.

Given the carnage the enraged Storm wreaked last Sunday night, it's an understandable position.

Cleary's desire to wipe the 40-6 defeat from the memory banks is down to more than just the desire to erase some unpleasant memories.

He simply doesn't see the result as particularly relevant, given the exceptional circumstances of what became a "Melbourne Storm carnival".

With the crowd in a frenzy and Storm legends of the past lining up to inspire the legends of today, there was only ever going to be one result.

"We were just mesmerised on the night," Cleary said. "That game can basically be assigned to scrap bin because it was one of those occasions that you'll never have again.

"We didn't lay a platform and when they hit the front we struggled. While I am not happy about it, I do understand.

"We have a very young team playing against some of the most-seasoned and best players of a generation.

"All things considered, we'll move on from that one."

They might have been victims of unfortunate timing last week, but the Warriors didn't have that excuse a week earlier when they were rolled at home by Penrith.

There were common factors, such as a shocking completion rate in the opening 20 minutes, but Cleary doesn't believe the two performances should be bundled in together.

"It is not some sort of crisis or epidemic.

"While the completion rates have been poor and we haven't really laid the foundation for a win, they are very contrasting matches.

"The Penrith game the completion rate without a doubt was a huge factor. Penrith really controlled the ball. We actually defended all right but they scored three tries of last tackles and in the end we had too far to come back."

The lack of fight when the Storm got on a roll was just as concerning, but there is no doubt the Warriors will need to vastly improve their control of possession to defeat the Raiders tonight.

Cleary knows that, but he is also wary of stifling the flair that ripped apart Brisbane and Canterbury.

"Often our best completion rates [come] when we have thrown more passes and offloads than in any other game, so that is not necessarily the issue," he said.

"It is probably a situation where each individual has to be completely aware of what is best for the team and make good decisions."

Having coughed up an 18-point lead at home to South Sydney last week, the Raiders come to Auckland sitting 14th on the NRL ladder, with two wins from seven matches.

The loss of tackling machine captain Alan Tongue, halfback Adam Mogg and back rower Shaun Fensom won't have helped their chances of inflicting a third straight home defeat on the also-depleted Warriors.

Cleary ruled out the late introduction of any of his injured stars.

"There is always a temptation to have some of your key players back. When you bring players back there is always a risk-reward element to it, but the bottom line is they are not ready. Throwing them out there would be a risk not only to them but also to the team."

Cleary has named Patrick Ah Van to start on the right wing, while Brent Tate reverts to centre, Joel Moon to five-eighth and Lance Hohaia to fullback.

Ben Matulino will start in place of the injured second rower Jacob Lillyman, while Wade McKinnon is on a five-man bench.

A talented but young side, the Raiders pose a significant offensive threat. But they also have the third-worst defensive record in the competition.

"When they are on top they are as hard to stop as anyone, but they do give you a chance as well."

Mt Smart Stadium, Today 5pm

WARRIORS
Lance Hohaia
Patrick Ah Van
Brent Tate
Jerome Ropati
Bill Tupou
Joel Moon
James Maloney
Sam Rapira
Aaron Heremaia
Russell Packer
Lewis Brown
Ben Matulino
Micheal Luck (c)

RAIDERS
Josh Dugan
Brett Kelly
Jarrod Crocker
Joel Thompson
Daniel Vidot
Terry Campese (c)
March Herbert
Dane Tilse
Glen Buttriss
David Shillington
Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
Bronson Harrison
Josh Miller

Warriors: (one to be omitted): Wade McKinnon, Jesse Royal, Ukuma Ta'ai, Jeremy Latimore, Ian Henderson.

Raiders: Troy Thompson, Trevor Thurling, Josh McCrone, Scott Logan.