Coach Nathan Brown admits he needs to work out how best to use Reece Walsh after the talented teenager was targeted in the Warriors' 38-32 NRL loss to Manly.
Walsh was again dangerous in his 27 minutes on the field off the bench, scoring a late try to help push an unlikely Warriors comeback.
But in defence there were issues.
He missed three tackles as Manly made a clear point of running at Walsh's left edge, with Tom Trbojevic busting him down field at will and Jason Saab scoring a hat-trick.
Walsh is no doubt a future star and is slated to take the No.1 jersey next year once Roger Tuivasa-Sheck leaves, but he is almost in a holding pattern until then.
The 18-year-old defended at fullback in his debut against Melbourne while attacking in the line, before moving to five-eighth last week.
Sunday provided his first game off the bench and he came on at five-eighth, as Chanel Harris-Tavita returned from a foot injury at No.6.
"I don't know if I'm using Reece properly," Brown admitted.
"He's only been with us for three weeks. Manly had a plan for when he was on the field, and they're the things that will be great to learn for Reece.
"Did I use our personnel well today?
"One would suggest I probably need to take some responsibility because we came up against a smart coach and some players who can think on their feet."
Walsh and Brown's other youngsters were hardly alone in their defensive issues against Manly.
While the two sides played out an ugly 13-12 contest a month ago, there was a try scored at the rate of one every seven minutes on Sunday.
But beyond that, the Warriors were left to rue two crucial errors early in the second half when they had control of the game.
At 20-12 up, Kodi Nikorima put a pass into touch with a four-on-one advantage on the line that could have seen them lead by 14.
Then, with Manly back within four points, Josh Curran dropped the ball in his own half.
By the time the Warriors next had decent ball, they were down by 16.
"The (Nikorima) error didn't cost us the game," Brown said.
"It's how we struggle when momentum goes against us. To become a good side you're going to have opportunities in games you don't take.
"But it's how you respond. And our response from that wasn't great."
Australian Associated Press
