With two games remaining, another tough, turbulent and - often for fans - torturous season is almost over for NZ Warriors.
Recent performances against South Sydney Rabbitohs and North Queensland Cowboys have left interim coach Stacey Jones questioning some players' attitude and effort, and whether they want to play for the jersey at all - cutting sentiments from a club legend.
For homegrown cult hero Bunty Afoa, who came through the club's junior ranks, the criticism from Jones hits particularly hard.
"It means a lot when it comes from Stace, because every single player respects Stace and what he's done for the club," Afoa said.
"For me coming through the club, the jersey means everything to me. To hear that from someone high up in the club, it shows that he has passion for the club and the players too.
"If we're not bringing our full potential to the game he can see it straight away. That's what's been happening this season - half of the boys come with the right attitude, and the other half slowly try and build themselves into the game."
With the shadow of COVID-19 still looming over the club, things haven't been easy and it's likely no-one outside of the environment can ever truly appreciate the toll it's taken on individuals at various times.
But the stats don't make for great reading. The Warriors have currently conceded the most points in the competition (627), which - with two games to play - is already more than all of last year.
Sandwiched between the heavy defeats to Souths and the Cowboys was an uplifting victory against Canterbury Bulldogs at Mt Smart Stadium, where at times you could be forgiven for thinking it was a completely different Warriors side.
Although the performances at their spiritual home are cause for optimism, the side's drubbings across the Tasman have led Jones to question attitudes and Afoa agrees their effort hasn't been up to par.
"Every week, you've got to come with the right mindset and attitude to try and win games," said Afoa. "If we've got a couple of boys off, then it hurts the whole team.
"It takes 17 to win the game. You can't just rely on a couple of leaders to try and win us the game.
"We've got two more games left and the main focus for us is to play with a bit of pride in the jersey. Even though we're not in the top eight, we've still got a lot to play for."
This week's clash against Penrith Panthers will be the ultimate test of the side's resolve, but in fairness, the Panthers are so prolific, they haunt pretty much every side in the NRL.
Jones has a warning for his side before Friday's game.
"What could happen is what happened last week (against the Cowboys)," he said. "We played a good team and they can play some good footy.
"The same will happen this week, if we don't have the right mindset."
Join us at 8pm Friday for live updates of the NZ Warriors v Penrith Panthers NRL clash
