Coach Ivan Cleary and his Warriors signalled before the season started they wouldn't consider even the slightest of glances at the National Rugby League standings.
Given they began the season on -4 points – their penalty for previous breaches of salary cap spending – that was understandable, if for nothing else, in the interests of team morale.
And, up till five rounds ago, not even their most loyal fans would have been interested in the points table, either, given their sporadic form.
But how quickly things change.
Following five weeks of consistently good rugby league, which has yielded the Auckland club four wins and an extra time loss to the high-flying Bulldogs, thoughts have turned to the playoffs, just eight rounds away.
The Warriors still might not be talking about playing in September, but there is a sprinkling of hope out there – well, at least for now.
Six wins from their last seven matches, and two points for a bye, would see the Warriors almost certainly claim a top eight spot – especially taking into account their points differential, which at +93 is far superior to their closest rivals.
In fact, given their differential, five wins might just be enough to sneak in ahead of the Cowboys, Raiders, Panthers, Eels and Tigers should other results go their way. It might sound far-fetched, and historically the Warriors have proved they are probably not capable of achieving it. In reality, one slip up in what is an extremely even competition and they're gone, but five or six wins isn't out of the question given their recent form and their run in.
Homes dates against Parramatta (tomorrow), Cronulla and North Queensland (both have had recent losing streaks), and the Roosters are all very winnable matches, as is the away game against Penrith, while Melbourne will be hard to crack at Olympic Park but the Warriors' record in Brisbane is good.
The acid test is likely to come with those two final away fixtures, but both opposing teams could have spots sealed and go into the matches with little to play for.
Another factor in the Warriors' favour is their points differential, which is the second best in the competition. The 418 points scored ranks third in the league and 325 points conceded rates fifth overall.
However, past Warriors teams have shown consistency isn't something they are comfortable with, and it might be too early to tell if this team is any different.
There is no doubt positive signs are evident, and tomorrow night will give another indication of their credentials – not only for the playoffs but heading into next year.
Given they began the season on -4 points – their penalty for previous breaches of salary cap spending – that was understandable, if for nothing else, in the interests of team morale.
And, up till five rounds ago, not even their most loyal fans would have been interested in the points table, either, given their sporadic form.
But how quickly things change.
Following five weeks of consistently good rugby league, which has yielded the Auckland club four wins and an extra time loss to the high-flying Bulldogs, thoughts have turned to the playoffs, just eight rounds away.
The Warriors still might not be talking about playing in September, but there is a sprinkling of hope out there – well, at least for now.
Six wins from their last seven matches, and two points for a bye, would see the Warriors almost certainly claim a top eight spot – especially taking into account their points differential, which at +93 is far superior to their closest rivals.
In fact, given their differential, five wins might just be enough to sneak in ahead of the Cowboys, Raiders, Panthers, Eels and Tigers should other results go their way. It might sound far-fetched, and historically the Warriors have proved they are probably not capable of achieving it. In reality, one slip up in what is an extremely even competition and they're gone, but five or six wins isn't out of the question given their recent form and their run in.
Homes dates against Parramatta (tomorrow), Cronulla and North Queensland (both have had recent losing streaks), and the Roosters are all very winnable matches, as is the away game against Penrith, while Melbourne will be hard to crack at Olympic Park but the Warriors' record in Brisbane is good.
The acid test is likely to come with those two final away fixtures, but both opposing teams could have spots sealed and go into the matches with little to play for.
Another factor in the Warriors' favour is their points differential, which is the second best in the competition. The 418 points scored ranks third in the league and 325 points conceded rates fifth overall.
However, past Warriors teams have shown consistency isn't something they are comfortable with, and it might be too early to tell if this team is any different.
There is no doubt positive signs are evident, and tomorrow night will give another indication of their credentials – not only for the playoffs but heading into next year.