Richie Barnett: Former Kiwis Captain previews the NRL clash between the Warriors and Panthers
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What makes this weekend's Warriors vs. Panthers match significant?
This is the one for the Warriors. The Panthers top of the table and we're second, right? So how many times have we been involved in the top of the table clash before? Think about that one for a moment. Richie Barnett's with us. Morning, Richie. Good morning, Mike. The origin aspect of this and who's missing and who's not missing, etc. Is that going to be a factor, do you think, or not?
So interesting.
How does the State of Origin impact player performance in NRL?
I think it will become a factor. And we've seen players actually come from origin and test matches perform extremely well. So I'm expecting that someone like Nathan Cleary comes into the side, either late or early. And just wave his wand in this game. They're so experienced. I mean, this is a team that's won four premierships. They know how to win games when it matters.
Yes, they do. What about someone like Metcalf? Can he come in late, come in early and wave his wand as well?
I am so interested in finding out whether he actually does play. I know he hasn't had much reps underneath his belt. I know he's prime ready to go. I think they have to use him. They have to use him this weekend. or else it's just an asset waiting, sitting there, and he needs game time.
Yeah, I agree with you. Webster said yesterday, look, this is just two points, which technically, of course, is correct. Is there more to it than that or not?
I love the psychological aspect of it. I really genuinely believe that when you go into a match, you're up against the best of the best. You treat it that way mentally, and you go into it knowing that you need to get one over them. You need to find where you're at and actually attack them. And they say, yes, you take the learnings from a game, but I genuinely believe that they need to get out there and just show what they've actually done this season. They are the premier side. The last five or six games, they've proven that they are the better side in the competition. So start performing like it is and seal the deal.
Yeah, the mental side of the equation is fascinating, isn't it? You can run it both ways. So Penrith might be going, we're the best, and then they're a bit slack on the day.
What psychological factors influence the Warriors' performance against the Panthers?
We might freak out or we might not. So that's what makes it interesting as well, isn't it?
It does. And I think that experience for the younger players, I mean, the Warriors have got many young talents that are coming through that never really have experienced something like this. Convict Stadium will be huge. They're up against a side that's playing at home. So they get to experience for the first time what it looks like, what it feels like. And that'll be something that they'll take and take the learnings and then move into the finals where it'll matter most.
What worries me is if we lose badly, because does that then tell us the Panthers are in a league of their own if the second team can't come close?
You are so right. It is actually that level where I'm sitting back going. They can actually turn that dial around and force a team like the Warriors, who have had such a nice run through this last six games. They've got the... They've got the referees' decisions. They've had everything put on their plate because they've earned the right to do that. Let's put it that way. They've absolutely earned it. But this side can really be that side. It can be the difference between... When you've got the origin players in that side, it can be that way.
It's going to be fantastic. Good on you, mate. Nice to catch up. You have a good weekend.
Enjoy the watch, Richie Barnett.
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