Sport

Under-fire Blair promises improvement

16:54 pm on 22 April 2019

Deja vu has descended on Adam Blair as critics round on his unconvincing start to the NRL season.

Adam Blair Photo: Photosport

However, the Warriors veteran is adamant there is better to come.

The 33-year-old forward has failed to make an impact through the opening six rounds for the 10th-placed Warriors, with his output dropping alarmingly in their games against South Sydney and North Queensland.

He played 80 minutes on the right edge in both losses.

Against the Rabbitohs he mustered just two runs and tallied 17 metres.

His output in the Warriors' 17-10 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday was marginally better at six runs for 36m.

It's prompted the sort of vitriol Blair became accustomed to during a forgettable stint at the Wests Tigers from 2012-14, where he was accused of being lazy and not caring.

A move to Brisbane seemed to revitalise his game for three seasons and he had some influential showings during last year's run to the finals with the Warriors.

History suggests the 294-gamer can break out of his latest slump.

"To be honest, I feel that I haven't played my best football, I'm the first one to admit that," he told reporters on Monday.

"I've been around for a while and I've been in Sydney for a long time and I copped it down there.

"It's nothing new. The thing for me is just believing in the person that you are and the ability that you have, and backing yourself."

Not only is his work rate down but his error count has been high.

Former Kiwis captain Blair said he will go back to basics in Thursday's Anzac Day match against Melbourne, the club where he made his name from 2006-11.

"If you're honest with your performances, you fix things up," he said.

"It's a long year and I always want to be better as a person and a player."

Coach Stephen Kearney confirmed the Warriors (2-4) will be without winger David Fusitu'a (ribs) this week but held out some hope halfback Blake Green will return from the groin injury that has sidelined him for the past two games.

-AAP