With four homesick stars gone, NZ Warriors must now face up to the challenge of navigating the rest of the NRL season - against all the odds.
And interim coach Todd Payten isn't one for excuses.
"We have to lean on the leaders, but it's my belief they've been doing a great job," says Payten. "It's those around them that need to step up."
Crucial to that is the need for added physicality, with loan prop Jack Hetherington showing his niggle against Sydney Roosters, getting under the skin of Kiwi enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Good news for the Warriors - Hetherington's initial loan period from Penrith Panthers has been extended another four weeks.
But lock Jazz Tevaga - a favourite of Payten for his toughness - is another player the Warriors need to perform with their backs against the wall.
"Every team needs a bit of mongrel, and what me and Jack are offering, we're not taking a step back to anyone," says Tevaga.
New arrivals David Alvaro and George Jennings from Parramatta have also been promoted straight into the starting line-up against Wests Tigers on Friday, bringing a physical presence that Payten has been crying out for.
They also provide more than 100 NRL games' experience between them, also valuable in a side with a host of young players.
Alvaro was also named Eels Player of the Year in 2018.
"I like the physicality and plenty of ball carries out of the backfield," says Jennings.
"I think all of us need to step up, especially with the loss of wings Ken [Maumalo] and [David Fusitu'a]," says Tevaga.
The need to step up is another challenge for a group already up against it.
The departure of their big wingers sees the Warriors name Jennings on one wide, with Patrick Herbert returning from injury on the other.
Hooker Wayde Egan is also back from injury on the bench, along with Alvaro and Lachlan Burr.
Join us at 8pm Friday for live updates of the Warriors v Tigers NRL clash.
