12 Aug 2012

Warriors need to toughen up, says McClennan

5:43 pm on 12 August 2012

The Warriors coach Brian McClennan says his players can expect a torturous 2013 pre-season, working on their concentration under fatigue.

After Saturday night's 52-12 National Rugby League defeat to North Queensland, McClennan admitted he was ready for any personal ramifications that might come his way after the 2011 grand finalists dipped out of the finals race.

He agreed losing consecutive games after leading Newcastle then Manly 18-0 had left his men dispirited but stressed that was no excuse for conceding 97 points over their next two starts, against Cronulla and the Cowboys.

"Our concentration of staying in each game has been poor - that's the reason," McClennan reflected.

"We have to work and finish the season with a bit of pride, which is what we're aiming to do.

"Next year, in the off-season, pre-season, we're going to have to work a lot harder on being able to concentrate in the game.

"That's through conditioning - physical conditioning and mental conditioning and making sure we become a tougher team."

McClennan said his side's consistency needs to get better after a season in which they've clocked off and squandered handy leads.

"I think in general, we've been too inconsistent in our form - through games and throughout the season," he said.