By Sam Ackerman
With so many areas that need addressing after the worst weekend of their season, Warriors coach Brian ‘Bluey’ McClennan says his players are keeping it simple against the Cowboys.
“What we're focusing on is we've got to get some pride back, that hurt out there.”
But the team insist that Sharks match won't define their season. Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson says it's not even the defeat that sticks in their mind.
“Broncos game this year, Sharks game this year, Tigers game this year – there's been a few of those close ones. To me those ones hurt more than what I felt in the weekend.”
What they're not talking is their all but extinguished finals hopes.
Returning back-rower Micheal Luck knows from experience the Warriors go best when they don't look beyond their next game.
“You don't go from being a good football team to being a bad football team over night, it's just attitude on the day, it's something I’ve encountered before, plenty of times,” he says.
Of the injured brigade - James Maloney is considered to have the best chance of playing tonight.
Whether he's there or not - Shaun Johnson's upping his leadership expectations.
“I'll take responsibility for the calls, and hopefully putting my hand up when it's needed,” he says.
He'll be needed plenty if they're to break their decade long hoodoo in Townsville.
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