This 32-24 defeat to the Eels - especially the manner of it - could be really damaging in the context of the season. It was a golden chance to break their hex on Australian soil, especially as the Eels were down to one fit player on the benchmidway through the second half. There were things to like about the Warriors performance, but ultimately they faltered when it mattered the most. They failed to take advantage of a momentum swing in the first half, when they scored two tries in the space of six minutes to draw level at 12-12. Then, after mounting a gutsy comeback late in the second half, the Warriors faltered in the last eight minutes when the game was there to be won.
Erratic effort from Shaun Johnson
Shaun Johnson will make the headlines this morning - for all the wrong reasons. It was another `rocks and diamonds' display from the halfback, with some good moments punctuated by poor decisions under pressure. It continued an up and down season from the 26-year-old, who has struggled since he signed a massive new contract last month. Johnson wasn't the only player at fault last night for the Warriors, but he contributed three crucial errors either side of halftime which played in a big part in the Eels' shift from a 12-12 deadlock to an imposing 26-12 lead.
Issac Luke had one of his better games of this season, taking advantage of some quick play the balls to constantly find holes in the Eels defence. Simon Mannering put in his usual committed effort, while Kieran Foran continued his impressive year. He had a hand in most of the Warriors best attacking moves - including superb balls for two of their tries - and kicked well. James Gavet and Ben Matulino also stood out, while Albert Vete did enough to justify his recent return to first grade.
