The Warriors’ NRL season is in freefall following an astonishing 62-6 record-breaking loss to Penrith on Saturday night.
The 56-point hammering was Penrith’s second biggest victory in 46 years, and the Warriors’ biggest ever loss.
The win was sparked by former Warriors playmaker Isaac John (three tries) and Lewis Brown (two tries) and a perfect kicking display from halfback Luke Walsh, who slotted 11 from 11 for a personal haul of 22 points.
The Warriors are now propping up the NRL ladder in equal last spot alongside the rudderless Wests Tigers, who also have just two victories in 2013.
It was Warriors coach Matt Elliott’s first game against the Panthers since leaving the club at the end of 2011, but his memories of the place are unlikely to have improved.
In fact, all the damage was inflicted by players who had gone the other way.
Isaac John debuted at the Warriors in 2009 before becoming surplus to requirements and having a two-year stint with Wakefield in the English Super League.
Based on Saturday night’s events, the Warriors would’ve been wise to bring the crafty little five-eighth back this season instead of Thomas Leuluai.
John had a first-half double, combining with another former Warrior Brown for his second, as the home side claimed a 26-0 lead at the break.
They didn’t ease up after halftime, crossing the tryline six more times in a 10-tries-to-one mauling.
In all, seven Panthers got their name on the scoresheet – in addition to Brown and John, Travis Robinson, James Segeyaro, David Simmons, Matt Robinson all crossed and even skipper Kevin Kingston notched his first of the year.
Showing little sympathy to the Warriors’ sinking spirits, the ruthless crowd of 9,386 booed heartily when winger Manu Vatuvei crossed for a consolation try in the 79th minute.
The Panthers notched their first back-to-back wins of the year, building on last week’s stunning upset of defending premiers Melbourne.
The Warriors were a rabble and their errors were plentiful.
They included failing to find touch from a penalty, being offside at the kickoff and a wayward pass which went through Vatuvei’s hands and hit the touch judge in the face.