Webster draws on Panthers lessons as Wahs take 'scenic route'

Andrew Webster knows losing your opening finals game does not have to be the end of the road.

In fact, he has seen first-hand how taking the scenic route can lead to something even more special.

Webster was sitting alongside Ivan Cleary in the coaches’ box in Townsville when Penrith suffered a 16-10 loss to the Rabbitohs in their opening finals game in 2021, only to bounce back against the Eels and Storm before exacting the ultimate revenge on Southsin the grand final to launch a dynasty that would deliver four straight premierships.

That was the last time an NRL team has lost week one of finals and bounced back to win the grand final, which only five other teams since 1998 have achieved. 

Now, five years on, Webster is drawing on those lessons as his Warriors attempt to write their own piece of history after losing 26-16 to the Dolphins in last week's qualifying final.

“We lost to Souths in North Queensland because it was COVID [in 2021] and I remember being disappointed, but just how positive everyone was about the next challenge,” Webster said.

“We had to play Parra the next week, Melbourne the week after and ended up facing Souths in the grand final.”

The Warriors must now take the hard road if they are to claim an historic premiership but Webster believes that only makes the destination even sweeter.

“We are taking a different path now,” he said.

“It’s not the same one, it’s not the direct one, it’s scenic, going by the water, getting an ocean view.

“But once you achieve and get to your destination, it’s probably more enjoyable."

There is no shortage of belief inside the Warriors camp.

Despite being plunged into sudden-death after their loss to the Dolphins, Webster has maintained the positivity that he witnessed at Penrith five years ago.

The Knights now stand between New Zealand and another week of finals, having eliminated South Sydney 20-10 last weekend.

The two sides know each other well, having met only four weeks ago, but Webster is expecting a different challenge, with both teams playing to keep their dream alive. 

“We were disappointed we lost, we wanted to win, we've got to move on quickly, we've got a new challenge," he said.

“If we win this week we are back where we wanted to be, and that’s in a grand final qualifier.

“We get to come here with the biggest crowd in Warriors history on New Zealand soil. Why would you be sulking? You would just be excited.

“A lot of history. It’s a special place."

Webster was impressed by what he saw from Newcastle against the Rabbitohs, particularly the attacking threats scattered across the field.

“They have got a threat and speed everywhere,” he said.

“Watching their finals game last week, I thought they were dominant.”

And the Warriors could receive another boost, with veteran winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak named in the extended squad as he continues his bid to return from a broken collarbone.

The 31-year-old has not played since Round 25 but is desperate to force his way back into the side.

Webster knows the hurdles are significant but has been impressed by Watene-Zelezniak’s determination.

“He’s inspirational Dal, he’s fearless, he just wants to play so badly for the team,” Webster said.

“I’ve had to hold him back a bit to calm down. He’s saying, ‘Nup, give me an opportunity'.

“He’s got to tick a lot of boxes. The science is probably against him and he might not get there, but we will give him every chance.”