Kearney adamant Warriors must move on from ref drama

Having once again found themselves at the centre of controversy surrounding mistakes made by match officials last week, the Warriors were doing their best to distance themselves from the issue ahead of facing Brisbane on Saturday night.

NRL head of football Graham Annesley confirmed this week that three crucial errors were made which went against the Warriors' in their 24-20 win over the Knights.

Two of those decisions led to Newcastle tries, while the third saw the NRL Bunker deny Ken Maumalo a legitimate four-pointer late in the match.

It comes after Annesley earlier admitted the Warriors were wrongfully penalised on a game-changing play in their 13-12 Anzac Day loss to the Storm, as well as finding multiple errors which impacted both teams in Penrith's 19-18 win over the Warriors in round 15.

After expressing his frustration with match officials immediately following the Newcastle game, Kearney softened his stance this week.

"I think it's really important we all move on. I mean the reality is we do make mistakes," Kearney said.

"My focus is on making sure that we get ready to perform well on Saturday.

"We have dealt with it and moved on and hopefully for the competition, and everyone concerned, there's not too many more in the near future.

"I'm pretty sure [the number of apologies we have received] would be the case with a number of footy clubs, I don't think we are the only ones."

Warriors forward Adam Blair said his team also need to take some responsibility and ensure they don't put themselves in positions where incorrect calls can alter a game.

"It's about trying to eliminate [the impact of] those calls… we try and take the refs out of the game so you don't have those things happen to you," Blair said.

"If we are playing well enough to win games then we won't rely on the refs' calls, and if they make a wrong call then we are in a good enough position to still win the game."

The Warriors head to Suncorp Stadium having won their last two matches at the venue, including a 26-18 victory over the Dragons during the NRL Magic Round earlier this year.

Centre Peta Hiku looks set to play after suffering a head knock last week, while lock Jazz Tevaga is also expected to overcome an ankle injury.

With Karl Lawton nursing a shoulder injury picked up against the Knights, Issac Luke will start in the No.9 jersey and rookie Chanel Harris-Tavita joins the interchange.

Kearney said it presents 32-year-old Luke with a chance to turn around what has been an otherwise disappointing season to date.

"'Bully' [Luke] probably hasn't had the most consistent of years… he gets a real opportunity now with Karl and obviously Nathaniel [Roache] not in contention," Kearney said.

"[Chanel] might get a run there [at hooker too], we will just see how it all lines up Saturday."

Meanwhile, Kearney said he was taking little notice of the original team named by Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold this week, believing it is likely to change following Wednesday night's Origin decider.

Maroons stars Corey Oates, David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue have all been named to back up, while Anthony Milford returns from a knee injury at fullback.

"Closer to the match we will have a clearer idea once they start dropping numbers off, as to who is actually in the final 17," Kearney said.

"We will focus on what's really important for us… we anticipated a different team to play against last week against the Knights and it didn't turn out that way."