The Warriors are desperate to prove their NRL premiership credentials when they meet a Cronulla side buoyed by the return of NSW captain Paul Gallen in Auckland on Sunday.
Sitting precariously in eighth position, there is perhaps no other team that can thrill one week, then be so bitterly disappointing the next.
And after last week's 54-18 thrashing of the Raiders, it's no surprise that "consistency" is now the buzz word at Warriors headquarters.
"We definitely need to back it up. We haven't done that well in the past," admitted Warriors captain Simon Mannering.
"It's about stringing together performances, especially at this time of the year, if you want to be a chance in September."
Each win of 20 points or more by the Warriors this season has been followed by a loss.
Ironically, the chance to show a new level of determination will come against the team which started the trend in round five with a 37-6 hammering in Cronulla.
The Sharks are languishing at the foot of the ladder but they fought admirably for 70 minutes in Saturday's defeat against Parramatta.
Gallen's early return from a biceps injury may be the catalyst for a revival as the Sharks look to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
"It was always going to be tough playing Cronulla. But it's probably going to be a little bit tougher now," Mannering said.
"That's what you want - a really challenging game - and you always get that against the Sharks."
With 473 points the Warriors are the best attacking team in the competition but will miss strike weapons Shaun Johnson (groin) and Konrad Hurrell (hamstring).
The Sharks have the second worst defensive record of the 16 teams and have also been hit with injuries to Luke Lewis, Wade Graham and Anthony Tupou.
However, with a pack consisting of Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Sam Tagataese and Chris Heighington, Cronulla are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
They also have a mental edge after winning their last five encounters against the Warriors including two at Mount Smart Stadium.
Warriors coach Andrew McFadden is yet to decide on his final team with former Sharks back-rower Jayson Bukuya and Ben Henry vying for the final spot on the interchange bench.
Share
