Former Kiwis coach Brian McLennan has pointed to initial defensive contact as the major improvement area if the Warriors are to bounce back against the Broncos in Brisbane on Saturday.

The Kiwi side have slipped to fourth on the NRL ladder following their upset 28-18 loss to an under-strength Panthers outfit at Mt Smart.

Coach Andrew Webster has admitted they failed to build pressure through kick-chase.

McLennan’s told The Big League Podcast the Warriors failed to get out of the gates fast.

“The Panthers really got into their arm wrestle style of play and they’re really physical and good in contact. The Warriors’ first-up contact in defence wasn’t as good as it normally is.”

McLennan said starting defensive sets strongly will help shut down Brisbane’s dangerous runners.

“They’re so athletic, so your first-up contact and your defence is critical. The Broncos having so many tackle breakers, you’ve got to be spot on there.”

McLennan said defending territory is the cornerstone of the Warriors’ game and they have been highly successful at it this year.

“It’s the best Warriors team I’ve ever seen do it. Their kick-chase; they make it extremely difficult for their opponents to get out of their own 20 with their line speed, contact and wrestle.”

Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf was noticeably struggling with a leg injury which Webster described afterwards as a “corked thigh”.

McLennan questioned the kicking strategy and said they changed tack part-way through.

“They got a result kicking to the Panthers’ right edge and then went and started kicking to the other side which was a little confusing. I can bet the coaching staff would’ve been saying ‘keep going out to that side’.”