Warriors

Much, much better - but still not good enough. The Warriors have fallen to the Cowboys in Townsville, in a result that probably ends their finals hopes.

The Warriors' narrow loss to the Sea Eagles was a clear reminder that NRL seasons are built on small margins

The Warriors have banked their first win on Australian soil this season, with an impressive victory over the Gold Coast Titans.

Manu Vatuvei has been given leave from the Warriors on medical grounds following last week's drama when six players were stood down for breaching team protocol.

Melbourne's stuttering attack turned full throttle as they blew the Warriors off the park 42-0 in their Anzac Day blockbuster.

Are the Warriors faltering because Shaun Johnson is not performing -- or is Johnson struggling because his team is playing below par?

Konrad Hurrell is back for the Warriors but there is some mystery about how he will be used.

The Warriors remain a work in progress - but at least last night there was plenty of work and some progress.

Coach Andrew McFadden says the Warriors need to learn from their disastrous end to the NRL season and has warned the big name signings of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke won't suddenly skyrocket the side into premiership contention.

A James Graham try at the death denied the Warriors a dramatic final round win over the Canterbury Bulldogs and consigned them to a record-equalling eighth consecutive defeat to cap a miserable end to the season for the Penrose-based side.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden is extremely disappointed some of his players were out on the town two nights before last Sunday's loss to Wests Tigers and labelled their drop in professionalism unacceptable.

So near, yet so far. The Warriors gave everything tonight but it wasn't enough.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden has turned to the versatile Tuimoala Lolohea to replace Shaun Johnson.

Halfback Shaun Johnson has issued a plea from his hospital bed for supporters to keep faith in the Warriors.

The Warriors maintained their confident climb toward the NRL finals by holding their nerve to repel a determined Melbourne Storm 28-14 at Mt Smart Stadium today.

Prop Jacob Lillyman and second rower Ryan Hoffman have been named to back up from State of Origin for the Warriors' NRL match against Gold Coast in Robina.

Warriors skipper Simon Mannering has a simple recipe for bouncing back from a big NRL defeat - get back to doing the basics right.

Tough games against the Rabbitohs and Roosters in the next fortnight should reveal plenty about the Warriors' character and their ability to mix it with the best sides in the NRL.