Today was always going to be a big match -- but the shambles of the past week has turned it into potentially career altering for many at Mt Smart.
The result of the clash with the Dragons probably won't decide the Warriors finals aspirations. It is only Round Nine after all -- but it's the spirit of the performance that will shine a light on the future of the current side.
Andrew McFadden says he loves his job. I wonder if he can look in the mirror and say that this week. Being a coach of a team that showed as little heart as the Warriors did against the Storm on Anzac Day would be hard enough, given the seemingly weekly speculation on his future.
Now chuck in the lack of respect and discipline shown by the six players stood down from first grade this weekend for breaching team standards.
If the Warriors don't make the finals, McFadden himself has admitted he's gone. But if they do end up cleaning out another coach, there should be a large number of player contracts ripped up too.
You can't go through five unsuccessful seasons but retain the bulk of the playing group -- it can't just be the coach's fault.
Every member of the squad, to a man, has spoken about the need to be more accountable and more professional. Missing team meetings gives McFadden no choice but to banish them to reserve grade.
The team's performance in Melbourne was not professional. How they respond today will show if they're serious about their early mission statement or if it was just lip service.
If they're anywhere near as bad again, more players will find themselves vacating jerseys. Perhaps permanently.
Not big enough of a game for you yet? Try this on -- test careers could hinge on the performance.
Isaac Luke seems to almost be talking himself out of the test jersey he has held a mortgage on for the best part of a decade. He's one of many New Zealand selectors will be monitoring very closely -- including watching reserve grade I'd imagine.
There are many others with something to prove, and in the chaos comes opportunity. Toafofoa Sipley is a talented, powerful forward who could be about to embark on a long NRL career.
Shaun Lane came to the Warriors a few weeks ago hoping for a crack at first grade, he can't afford to waste this chance. John Palavi and Sione Lousi have been starved of first grade, they now dictate whether they can stay there.
What of those who have been punished for their bad life choices on Tuesday night? If they didn't like morning meetings, these players won't be too happy about an 11.45am kickoff in reserve grade.
Ben Matulino could have played himself out of Anzac test selection and Manu Vatuvei hasn't spent time in the lower grades in donkeys' years.
Konrad Hurrell looks to have potentially signed his own selection death certificate with his incredible social media gaffe.
Along with Bodene Thompson, Sam Lisone and Albert Vete, they might struggle to get back in first grade in a hurry if their replacements perform.
I can't imagine the coaching staff doing them any favours. How they respond today is crucial.
How about the fact they're taking on the team that has tormented them more than any other opponent?
They've only had four wins against St George Illawarra in 18 years, the last of them in 2007 -- including in the midst of an 11-game losing streak in head-to-head games with the Dragons.
This is not a match for the mentally weak.
Then lastly, there's the turn-out. The die hards will be there, but even some of them are unlikely to show given what has transpired. Empty seats send a clear message.
There is so much more than just two competition points on the line this week.
Newshub.
