By Kris ShannonWhether the Warriors eventually reach the NRL playoffs will be dependent on the identity they assume in the next three weeks. After the seventh and eighth-placed Panthers and Titans earned victories, the Warriors sit ninth heading into the final weeks. Related Content NRL: Knights coach fumes as Panthers keep rolling NRL: Cowboys suffer third straight loss NRL: Dragons stun Sharks to keep finals hopes aliveIt didn't quite undo every gain made since the Raiders romped to victory in New Plymouth in May, but it did mar the impressive defensive effort the Warriors have produced since that nadir. In nine games - six victories and three golden-point defeats - the Warriors were conceding an average of 16.6 points. The most obvious area in need of improvement was the way the Warriors were so vulnerable to their opponents' kicking game.

Source: New Zealand Herald August 14, 2016 10:52 UTC