Warriors not short on motivation

Their finals hope was over long ago and any result now would be viewed as a mere consolation, but the Warriors insist they have plenty to play for this Sunday against the Manly Sea Eagles.

Staring down the barrel of an eighth consecutive defeat, which would equal the club's record losing run, the Warriors are languishing in 13th position with two games remaining. 

‌‌But centre Blake Ayshford told NRL.com there was no chance his side would lack motivation come kick-off at Mount Smart Stadium.

"We have got the fans, it's our last home game, we are looking to build for next year, there's players playing for contracts and then obviously Benny Matulino, who has played over 200 games for this club, he will play his last home game," Ayshford said.

"Everyone is still playing for a job, there's a few boys still off contract who are out there to prove their worth.

"There's a couple of things [to play for]… for us it is about trying to get some form and confidence."

After footing it with the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the opening half last week, the Warriors collapsed badly in the final 25 minutes to leak five tries and lose 36-18.

Ayshford pointed the finger at his side's inability to recognise and respond to key moments in the game, with inexperience partly to blame.

"On the weekend we scored after half-time and were up by six, we have got to realise what is needed in those moments, instead of just playing catch up footy and continuing to throw it around," Ayshford said.

"It's just simple, at 18-12 up, for the next five sets all you have to do is get through your set, kick them down in the corner and chase.

"That's all that's needed, it's realising when we need to chase points and play footy and when we are in front and can decide when it's on or not.

"Those are things that mature with you in first grade and there are a lot of us who are still under 50 NRL games in this team, so it's just about learning really."

Meanwhile halfback Shaun Johnson, who will return to the field for the first time since rupturing his PCL in Round 19, said it had been a frustrating stint on the sideline watching his side crash out of play-off contention.

"It's tough, people that come here [as spectators], obviously they can tell you how tough it is to watch and continue to support, but as a player, being out there and seeing how hard they actually work during the week, you just want your team to achieve what you know they can," Johnson said.

"It has been disappointing, no doubt about that, but I am excited to get out with them this weekend.

"Hopefully I can lift the boys a little bit, we can go out there and have some fun and put on a good show for our faithful that we know are going to show up and watch us."

Copyright: NRL Photos. Blake Ayshford believes the Warriors have a lot to play for.