It was a must-win game for the Warriors if they wanted to keep their dreams of a top-eight finish alive. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as the Warriors went down 22-14, ruling out any chances of making the playoffs.

Devastated is probably the best word to describe how I felt when Toby Rudolf barged over for his try in the final stages of this match, sealing the Warriors fate. 

I legitimately thought the Warriors were going to walk away with the two points here, but the Sharks had a game plan and never really looked in doubt despite losing their lead in the second half.

The sharks won the battle of the forwards, and Shaun Johnson unleashed his short kicking game causing plenty of havoc for the Warriors. The Warriors showed glimpses of promise on attack but couldn't string enough attacking threats together to take control of the match.

It looked like the side lack some confidence, when they took a shot at goal to take a two-point lead instead of trying to get another try, it was a telltale sign of a side not backing their attack. 

I am disappointed, but the way this side has performed through all the adversities they have faced is something the fans can take pride in. Two months ago I stated that I thought the Warriors only had one more win in them (against the Bulldogs) and I have never been happier to be wrong.

This team has punched well above its weight this year, and I'm hopeful that the Warriors take everything they learnt this season and build on it in 2021. If they can perform for an entire season in the way they have since round 11, then they give themselves a great chance of playing in the 2021 playoffs.

Despite the result, there was some aspect of the match that made me smile, which leads me to my positives from the game.

The Warriors didn't give up and fought back from a 12-0 deficit to take a 14-12 lead. They weren't able to keep the points ticking over, but for the second week in a row, the Warriors showed heart when in the past we have seen the Warriors drop their heads and get thumped. Again it's a quality that I hope to see continue into next season.

The forwards were bullied up the middle, but Jack Murchie had another outstanding night. He lead the tackle count with 46 and also lead the team in linebreaks, making 2. He has had a great few weeks, and the Warriors second-row stocks look great for the future. With Murchie, Eliesa Katoa, Tohu Harris and Jazz Tevaga, the Warriors have themselves quite a dangerous-looking pack.

Lastly, we didn't see enough of it, but the Warriors looked dangerous when playing some expansive football. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Peta Hiku threatened several times with Hiku's flick pass that lead to Adam Pompey's try being a standout for me.

I hope we see plenty more of the attacking flair in the final two rounds with nothing to lose. Let's see the Warriors end the 2020 season with some flamboyant football.

Unfortunately, there was plenty to frown about, which leads me to my negatives.

The Warriors showed heart with their bounce back, but once again they started the match too slow. The NRL is a tough competition, and you cannot afford to let any side run away with a lead in the early stages. I'm not sure if its an attitude thing or just an issue with the Warriors gameplan but it's something Todd Payten can try to address in his final two weeks in charge of the New Zealand side.

Apart from a handful of exciting plays, the Warriors seemed to lack some direction on attack. Often relying on predictable short passes to a forward. It a good ploy when you spot a weakness in the defensive line, but the Warriors need to reduce the predictability, especially with a tough match with the Raiders coming this week.

My regular complaint about the Warriors is back once again with the Warriors missing 35 tackles. They still can scramble well, and they were a lot better at wrapping the ball carrier up this week, but they need to cut their missed tackles in half if they want to win more matches than they lose.

Towards the end of the match, they appeared to be out on their feet due to the Sharks making plenty of dummy half running. Once the Sharks started doing that the Warriors were in trouble and couldn't stop the Sharks momentum.

Lastly, the Warriors had a poor showing with discipline and errors.

The Warriors made 10 errors and gave away 9 penalties, when you let your opposition off the hook almost 20 times in a match it is hard to walk away with the victory.

The Warriors were hard-done-by with some of the penalties they were pinged with and were unlucky with some calls not going their way, but it wasn't the difference between winning and losing here.

The Warriors seldom get the rub of the green when it comes to the man with the whistle, so they need to take him out of the match, give no reasons for the Refs to step in and watch the team string some wins together.

Copyright Photo: Getty Images

My Warrior of the match goes to Tohu Harris.

I may as well call it now, but Harris has been my Warrior of the year. In a pack filled to the brim with inexperience, he as stepped up and lead from the front.

Leading the pack with 202 metres and playing some of the matches in the front row, Harris always bent the line as he attempted to get the Warriors on the front foot.

He is the cornerstone of the Warriors forwards, and if all the young players around him can emulate what he brings to the park, then the Warriors are going to have one of the top packs in the NRL.

Copyright Photo: Getty Images

My Warrior to improve goes to Kodi Nikorima.

I feel like I could almost cut and paste what I said last week when I selected Nikorima for this section.

Kodi didn't run the ball enough once again, the forward's lack of punch was a key reason, but the Warriors really need Kodi to get his running boots on again.

When he takes the line on, the Warriors attack goes to another level, and they can compete with the top teams in the competition. I have confidence that Kodi and Chanel will be a good halves pairing for the Warriors, they just need Kodi to show some consistency.

Round 19 sees the Warriors head to Canberra to face a Raiders side looking at cracking the top four.

It is going to be a tough outing for the Warriors, and with Parramatta taking back George Jennings and Daniel Alvaro after the loss to the Sharks it makes the clash just a little bit harder. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown is also set to miss the match after getting charged with a dangerous contact charged which he has plead guilty too.

With the playoff dreams dashed and only two weeks to go, maybe it's time to give some of the players that have not been used that much some game time. Guys like Tom Ale, Adam Keighran and Paul Turner deserve a shot. 

I think the Raiders will be too strong for the Warriors in this match, and I'm going with Canberra to win the game by 12, but I have my fingers crossed for a strong effort by the Warriors, I don't want to see them drop their heads now that a spot in the playoffs is off the table.

So that was a heartbreaking Round 18, and as usual, I will leave you with some questions.

What is your assessment of the Warriors 2020 campaign?
Would you bring in the players that haven't played yet for the final two rounds?
Who was your player of the day?
What is your score prediction for the Raiders clash?