NRL: Warriors looking to Seymour direction

Brett Seymour. Photo / Doug Sherring

As soon as Brett Seymour decided to leave the Warriors, his value to the club increased.

Seymour confirmed last week's Herald on Sunday story that he is joining Hull FC in the British Super League just as he returns to halfback in the Warriors starting line up to face the Storm today at home. He replaces Shaun Johnson who provided scintillating moments on attack during his first three games but has not yet graduated to Seymour's standard of directing play around the field.

The 20-year-old may get a run from the bench although it seems unlikely, given Seymour and James Maloney are likely to play 80 minutes, barring injury. That is where Johnson's lack of utility value could count against him.

With his future sorted, Seymour appeared a rejuvenated man at training this week. He sported the remnants of his fractured cheekbone, with some discolouration under his right eye, but was enthusiastic about getting back to work.

"I'm looking forward to bringing the team direction and leadership so that they know where to go around the paddock. That's not meant to be disrespectful to Shaun but it is part of his game he needs to build in years to come.

"He's already shown what a talent he is and the club will be in a great position once he gets more experience. Halfback is a daunting position but I'm happy to help. Next year you'll see fruit on the vine."

Coach Ivan Cleary is relieved to call on Seymour's experience: "The last few weeks we've suffered from a combination of inexperience and not understanding what needed to be done. It's nothing against Shaun - we're happy with him but in terms of team chemistry, I thought Buster was doing well before getting injured; his direction and leadership could help.

"I don't want to stamp out flair but this is what's best to help the team function. Shaun's got the X-factor but that side of his game is ahead of his organisational abilities which is perfectly normal for a young halfback.

"I've been encouraged by his first foray in the NRL. He's learnt quickly but has also gone through a tough period defensively, particularly against the Tigers."

Seymour returned to the side at halfback against Melbourne last time in round seven, after being dropped for rounds four, five and six. The Warriors won 18-14 and went on to win four straight matches. This time Melbourne visit with a record of six wins from the last seven games. They topped the table at the start of round 16.

Such complicating statistical factors are far from Seymour's mind. He's just looking forward to teaming back up with Maloney.

"We're familiar with each other's games, he likes to push up and find little breaks around the ruck. I'm responsible for getting us in the right field position but it's quite a job ahead against the likes of Cooper [Cronk], Billy [Slater] and Cameron [Smith]."

A win going into the bye will give the Warriors top eight momentum into the final nine rounds of the season. There was already a six-point gap between fifth (Brisbane 22) and sixth (Wests 16) before the round started. The Warriors were seventh, 15 points back from the Tigers on points differential.

That is Seymour's focus for now but he's happy to reflect on turning his life around since coming to the Warriors as a gesture of goodwill after getting ousted from Cronulla and Brisbane on alcohol and behaviour grounds.

"John Hart and Ivan Cleary were integral to me coming here and taking up that chance but I've never been up to play in the UK. I want to go there and see the world.

"If I was a few years younger I'd probably press on somewhere else [in the NRL] but I started at 17 and it feels like a long 10 years with the injuries and hiccups I've had. The club and the position they're in made my decision pretty simple."