Andrew Webster, Warriors‘ coach, has expressed frustration as the Warriors continue to fall short of expectations, after a surprising 27-24 defeat by the Titans. This marked the Warriors‘ fourth loss in eight games, adding more weight to Webster’s disappointment.
Sitting uncomfortably at 12th position, the Warriors are battling to stay relevant among the top eight, let alone match their top-four finish last season. Webster voiced his disappointment, “I’m genuinely gutted for the boys.”
The Warriors are struggling to play the way they want, and have not attempted to conceal this fact. “There’s no hiding,” Webster admits openly. “Individual lapses are our downfall currently.”
The team’s inability to maintain the ruck in defence has proven fatal at critical moments. Despite starting strong, misplaced tackles and hasty errors succumbed them to the determined Titans. “They were quickening the play with swift play-the-balls, which was hard for us to counter,” Webster noted.
Webster doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the superior team of the match, admiring the Titans‘ performance. “Although we failed to implement our strategies, we were outplayed by a better team on the day.”
Despite trailing 27-12, the Warriors fought back bravely, a factor that makes Webster proud, yet he laments their earlier performance that led to such a dire situation. “What perplexes me is why we end up in such a position when we showed our ability to claw back into the game,” he questions.
The Warrior’s defence significantly improved when Mitch Barnett returned and made an impressive impact. However, Webster asserts that the team’s attack didn’t require alteration, but their defensive tactics did.
A potential match-winning try by Rocco Berry was ruled out for a knock-on, but Webster wouldn’t allow this to be used as an excuse. “Whilst I was hopeful it was a valid try initially, it’s difficult to make judgment calls when two players are in a mid-air contest.”
Following a demanding first two months for the Warriors, Webster has granted his team a brief respite. “We have faced gruelling games, and our bodies are calling for a break,” Webster divulged. “Whilst it isn’t an excuse, we are anticipating a return to the game with renewed vigour and an urge to improve after three days of rest. Our aim is continual improvement both as individuals and as a team.”