NZ Warriors' start to the 2023 campaign has produced plenty to like, but also plenty that needs fixing - quickly.
A first-up win over Newcastle Knights was followed with defeat to Sydney Roosters, where some common themes followed them across the Tasman.
"Our starts have been awful," says coach Andrew Webster.
Warriors fans would have dreaded another long season, when the Knights scored in just the second minute, while the Roosters broke the Auckland side's defence after just five minutes.
Webster says it's something they've addressed this week and insists it can be an easy fix.
"Physically, they haven't been, like, 'We haven't come out of the blocks or we're not up for it physically'," he said. "It's been mental lapses.
"We're absorbing too much pressure early, then we click into gear. That's the most pleasing part - we snap out of that moment - but we've got to give ourselves more of a chance at the start of games.
"The most important thing is to think in those moments and actually execute what we're trying to do."
Although the Warriors clawed the game back against Newcastle, Sydney weren't so forgiving and North Queensland Cowboys will be equally as tough in Townsville this Saturday.
"You've got to go out and practice," said Webster. "We gave them a scenario - the start of the game - and they nailed it today.
"Now they've got to do it on game day."
This weekend's clash will be special for two players in the squad, with fullback Taine Tuaupiki making his first-grade debut and captain Tohu Harris playing his 200th NRL game.
Webster has no doubts Tuaupiki has what it takes to step up to the NRL.
"He's hard working, obviously, and he's not scared to dream. It's not like he's 18 or 19 debuting, he's come the long road.
"He's very outgoing, he's not shy, but he certainly knows he has a lot to learn. He's not brash or arrogant, he's confident in his own ability and a very determined guy."
Tuaupiki, 23, who replaces the injured Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad in the No.1 jersey, brings plenty of promise from his Queensland Cup days.
A successful season with the Burleigh Bears in 2022 saw him collect the Petero Civoniceva Medal for 'best and fairest', Rookie of the Year and Fullback of the Year.
Join Newshub at 7:30pm Saturday for live updates of the Warriors v Cowboys NRL clash
