Updated April 22, 2011 15:40:00
Warriors half-back Brett Seymour says a stint with the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup was the wake-up call he needed, and backed coach Ivan Cleary's judgement to drop high profile players if they are not performing in the NRL.
Under the burden of expectation the Warriors have made an unconvincing start to the season, and Cleary has not hesitated in punting internationals Lance Hohaia and Krisnan Inu, as well as stars like Seymour to reserve grade at different times.
The Warriors face a daunting road trip to Melbourne on Anzac Day, and Seymour, who regains his number seven jersey this week, says it is up to the players to take responsibility for their place in the side.
"Off the back of three losses the coach had to make the decision to send me back but hopefully it's just the wake-up call I needed and I'm looking forward to Monday night. No better challenge than Melbourne in Melbourne," Seymour said.
"That's the choice the coach has to make at times, it's a tough job he's got.
"We've got to wear it. It's our job to play good on weekends.
"Him and the staff are doing their part so we've just got to repay the faith."
Five-eighth James Maloney and Seymour established a strong halves combination last season, but like their team-mates, have not hit the mark in 2011.
Seymour says their confidence will be put to the ultimate test at AAMI Park on Monday, up against the firing Cooper Cronk and Gareth Widdop from the Storm.
The 26 year-old playmaker called on the Warriors to get back to what they do best and show faith in their ability to let the ball sing.
"We've gone away from what we do well and that's promote the footy," said Seymour, who admits the side is still trying to get in-sync with new buys and attacking forces, Inu and Feleti Mateo.
"We've just gone into our shell a bit and the more things got tough and the more mistakes we made the worse we got, so we've just got to play what's in front of us and take what's on offer.
"We'll soon find out, won't we come Monday night [how my confidence is]. Up against Cooper he's obviously playing some quality footy, him and Thursto [Johnathan Thurston] are pretty much the benchmark.
"A lot depends on which halves combination comes out on top on the weekend, hopefully we can challenge them."
- AAP
First posted April 22, 2011 15:10:00
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