The return to fitness of Thomas Leuluai has been hailed as vital for the Warriors as they digest another looming stint on the sideline for centre Jerome Ropati.
Experienced five-eighth Leuluai’s sharp return after nearly six months recovering from a groin injury was one of several positives to emerge from their 42-18 defeat of the Wests Tigers in Wellington on Saturday.
Among the negatives was a broken jaw suffered by Ropati, continuing a horrid run of injuries over the last three years. An early assessment was that the 28-year-old would be out for about 12 weeks.
Warriors coach Matthew Elliott hopes it is less, given Ropati’s influence on and off the field.
Boasting the same age and similar status is Kiwis veteran Leuluai, who impressed off the interchange bench in his first game since last year’s World Cup.
“I thought he made a difference the second he came on the field,” Elliott said.
“He’s such a competitive guy and an integral part of the group. His influence around the training park has been massive.”
Leuluai wasn’t a standout figure in any of the Warriors’ eight tries but his link work and defensive nous in the second half had significant value, Elliott said.
Ropati’s logical replacement is Konrad Hurrell, who threw the final pass for three of wing Glen Fisiiahi’s four tries.
Fisiiahi looked forward to operating outside a more multi-skilled Hurrell, who has previously relied heavily on bullocking runs to terrorise defences.
“He’s a threat, they were occupied by him and that left me free,” Fisiiahi said.
“I guess two years ago he would have just gone himself but his game has really improved.”
After two listless losses to start the season, Elliott was pleased his team could back up their 20-16 toppling of the Cowboys in Townsville with another bright display.
He praised several players – who he didn’t want to name – who had been unable to train in the lead-up due to illness and injury.
One was Simon Mannering, who was typically industrious in his club record 92nd game as captain, surpassing the previous mark held by predecessor Steve Price.
Tigers captain Robbie Farah says the Warriors proved what an attacking threat they can be.
However, he says his side were guilty of not reacting well to adversity after watching their 12-0 lead became a 26-12 deficit early in the second half.
Farah was very critical of some video refereeing decisions he says favoured the Warriors and says he and his team-mates let it get to their heads.
“We weren’t helped with some things that didn’t go our way but the good teams hang in there when that happens.
“The Manlys and the Roosters of the competition, they do that.”
