Three things: Warriors v Roosters

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters runs the ball during his side's heavy win over the Warriors. Photo / Getty

Herald league reporter David Skipwith on three key thoughts following the Warriors' 24-0 defeat to the Roosters on Sunday.

1. Warriors put in their place
The Warriors continue to struggle against the best teams in the NRL, losing all five games against top four opponents this season.

Beating quality teams away from Mt Smart Stadium is a related issue. The four away wins the Warriors have enjoyed were all against teams below them on the ladder - Canberra, Cronulla, Parramatta and the Gold Coast - while they have been beaten when traveling to play Newcastle, Melbourne, North Queensland, South Sydney and Sydney Roosters.
Finding their best form on the road and learning how to win ugly are lessons they are still absorbing.

2. Warriors need to find another gear
The Warriors were unable to stay with the Roosters after conceding a second try to be down 12-0, with Trent Robinson's side putting their foot down to raise the tempo of the match before adding a third four-pointer to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Bench forwards Sam Moa, Kane Evans and Sio Siua Taukeiaho were dynamic and built upon the early contributions of front-rowers Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Dylan Napa and co-captain Jake Friend.

Their go-forward was near unstoppable and 19 offloads to the Warriors nine saw the Roosters create plenty of second-phase against a tiring and retreating defensive line.

3. Johnson needs support
Halfback Shaun Johnson was a marked man and the Roosters followed up on pre-game promises to limit his time and space on attack.

The Warriors other key organisers - Chad Townsend and Sam Tomkins were solid but need to do more to lift their side when their No7 finds himself under the pump.

The visitors did well to stem the points flow through the final half hour but needed to draw the Roosters into the grind earlier than they did to have any chance of clawing their way back.