Warriors' win up there with best ever

Pauli Pauli of the Eels is hit hard by the Warriors defence. Photo / Getty

The gutsy win by the Warriors over Parramatta on Saturday night, while not the prettiest by any means, I think was one of the clubs best ever.

The Eels, without dumped key playmaker and halfback Chris Sandow, who on his own playing in the reserve grade, personally dismantled the Warriors NSW Cup team 48-6 a couple of hours earlier, were always still going to be a tough nut for the Warriors to crack.

And their task was made even more difficult losing their experienced key forward, Ryan Hoffman after three minutes with concussion.

But in a workman like effort aided by touches of brilliance from danger man Shaun Johnson, the Warriors deserved their win in the second half of extra-time, with a surging run at the Eels try line and score by back rower Bodene Thompson.

And it was that effort of Thompson and also some of the other lesser heralded names I was impressed with.

Running on near empty in extra-time with only two players on the bench, there was nowhere to hide and I saw no sign of any of the Warriors players looking for that much needed breather.

McFadden praises Warriors' defence

In close games with that much intensity it is quite a shock for the younger and less experienced players who can freeze in the moment.

But I noted their captain, Simon Mannering, was merciless with all his players and demanded an extra effort. He got what he asked for, as any good leader should.

And it is leadership I believe is at the very core of the Warriors future. In my opinion, former CEO Wayne Scurrah did a good job in his term at the club but was probably let down at times by others and he didn't respond quickly enough.

Warriors win thriller

Now, Jim Doyle in the CEO's seat, has brought a different style of leadership to the club and it is this alone that I think will deliver the ultimate glory to the under-performing Warriors.

I sense a new level of accountability and on the back of this, expectations.

Being a head coach or CEO of an NRL club is more than a job; in fact it's probably wrong to call it a job.

The job description you are given when you start blurs within days of taking it on and before long you are dealing with issues you'd never in a moment thought you'd have to manage.

But Doyle came into the position a successful man and even more importantly, his own man.

Also, the experience he gained in his previous role as the NRL Chief Operating Officer has provided him an insight few others would have seen.

He knows intimately how every club in the NRL works. The advantage this provides cannot be underestimated. It was a shrewd move by the owners to recruit him!

But most of all I think Jim has been exposed to the ambitions that drive the successful clubs and it is this word ambition that is the very key to the Warriors future.

The signings of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the Roosters and the Rabbitohs key playmaker Issac Luke have been fearless master strokes that I think have been unmatched by any other club this year.

What impressed me most however was Doyle's instinct to chase the players he knew could be interested in making the move.

I've no doubt coach Andrew McFadden was also key in these decisions but it must be really comforting for him to have the support of such a CEO.

***

Like many others, at the beginning of season I chose my top 8 for this NRL competition without too much confidence and after 10 rounds it's still very much anyone's game. For the Warriors' sake I have the knee injury to Thomas Leuluai does not keep him out too long because he is critical to the Warriors season.

The top 8 I named went as follows:
1. Rabbitohs.....too much class and momentum
2. Cowboys.....Well balanced side with the obvious x factor, Jonathon Thurston
3. Roosters....Well balanced but will miss S.B.W.
4. Warriors.....A greater level of accountability within club
5. Manly.....Will give it a good nudge, Jamie Lyon, great leadership and player
6. Bulldogs....Coach Des Hasler, uncompromising attitude to succeed
7. Storm.....Great key playmakers but on tired legs
8. Broncos....Wayne Bennett's return helps, but best Stadium and great support

I know I look to be well off the mark at the moment, but looking at things now, I'm even more confused.

And once State of Origin footy arrives the balance of power in the NRL is sure to change, and this is when the Warriors can strike!