Warriors coach snatches underdog tag against Titans

FIONA GOODALL/Auckland Suburbans

DESERVEDLY SO: Warriors coach Ivan Cleary believes a number of factors point to his side deservedly being ranked underdogs in the NRL playoffs match against the Titans.

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Warriors coach Ivan Cleary is happy to grab the underdog's tag and increase the pressure on the Titans ahead of Friday night's NRL playoff on the Gold Coast.

The statistics suggest Cleary has every right to make the Titans favourites.

They finished fourth, one place above the Warriors. They won both the regular season matches between the two sides. They are at home and the bookies at the New Zealand TAB have them paying $1.58 compared to the Warriors' $2.30.

"We go in as pretty strong underdogs but that's fair enough," Cleary said before the Warriors flew to Queensland today.

"They are at home and they are good there. They have been really good over the last few weeks as well so I guess all the pressure is on them."

In reality the two teams are pretty close – in form, results and playing style.

It all points to a lively match at Skilled Park in Robina with the winner gaining home rights for next weekend's finals action.

Cleary was trying to ramp up the heat on the Titans when he reminded everyone that the Gold Coast made the finals last year but quickly exited with two successive losses.

Asked what advantage the Titans might have with their recent finals experience, Clearly chirped: "They had a home final last year ... they didn't win one last year so they will be keen to fix that up. But they might also be thinking they won't want to go through another loss as well. So that puts a bit of pressure on them."

While last year was a disaster for the warriors they have quickly turned around their fortunes this season and they don't have to think back too far to find some finals experience of their own, having been involved in the playoffs in 2007 and 2008.

"We have a few guys that played then and it's always good to have players who have experienced finals. The intensity goes up a bit and things move faster. The best part about it is everyone is really looking forward to it."

The Warriors had a big training session in Auckland yesterday and would have a light run on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

"It's very much a light week - it's more mental preparation than physical."

And he judged his players' mental state to be good.

"It's not hard to get them up for the game - it's just excitement really."

While the Warriors have been boosted by the return of tackle machine Micheal Luck for the match the Titans are still sweating over several players with injury problems.

Cleary said their opponents' problems would distract his team.

"You'd have to expect that (fullback) Preston Campbell will play and Scott Prince has already said that he will play. With the forwards you're not really sure but whoever they put in will do a good job. It doesn't make a lot of difference to us."

- © Fairfax NZ News