New Zealand Warriors forward Adam Blair has responded to criticism from interim coach Todd Payten, agreeing that his performance last weekend against Cronulla was 'below par'.
The 34-year old was disappointing in the 46-10 loss in round 10, making just 50 metres and missing four tackles.
Blair's display drew the ire of Payten who descirbed it as 'unacceptable' and has now dropped him to the bench for this weekend.
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But the veteran was honest when asked about how he played, agreeing with his coach.
“I’m my own worst critic, and I don’t think my performance in last week’s game was up to my standard," he said.
"I just had a really off day football-wise, and I’ve spoken to Toddy and Toddy has mentioned that as well. We’ve spoken about what he wants moving forward from me, and he said he wanted me on the bench and work my way back in.
“Defensively I was a fair way off where I should be, and I pride myself on defence. That’s the one conversation I had with Toddy was about urgency around the ruck, getting out quickly and helping the line out, and keeping my contact tight.
“I didn’t see the stuff publicly. Todd came up to me the next day and spoke to me about it – it is what it is. I knew that it was below par for a person of my calibre and what I have done in the game.
"I didn’t need Toddy to tell me that my performance was bad, I knew it."
Blair is on the final year of a three-year deal at the Warriors, but does have an option in his favour for next year.
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When asked whether or not the ongoing speculation regarding his future was the reason for his performance, Blair shut it down immediately.
“I’ve known about it for a while. I don’t think it affected my performance…I have played a lot of football and I understand this is a business and this is how it all works," he said.
"I missed the detail around what they needed me to do on the weekend. That’s not the coach’s fault, that’s my fault.
"Things are getting worked on in the background. Whether it is playing on or finishing up…I want to make sure I am enjoying the rest of my time here with this group."
Blair isn't the only player at the club who has a clouded future, with playmaker Blake Green told he won't be re-signed past this season.
The former Kiwi international was open when asked about whether he would take up his option or hang up the boots at the end of 2020.
“I’ve never thought about just opting out," he said.
"We are going through some unique times and been put in a tough position…I don’t know what I’m doing, I just want to make sure I am enjoying what is left if it is now.
“The Super League has never crossed my mind. I think I have had a really good career in what I’ve done. I signed at the Warriors for three years with an option because I felt that was going to be my time.
"If it means this year is my last year or I take up an option at the Warriors, so be it. I’m not saying that I’m not going to be going to another club – it would be silly to just wipe that out.
"I feel physically and mentally I have something I can offer to young forwards.
“I’m an easy target to be honest. Whether it is on the field, off the field or at contract times – I find that there is always conversation around me. This time around, it has been the retiring or the option.
"I can’t control what you guys write or what people say. Throughout my career I have had a lot of people say some good and bad things – but it never changes how I am as a person or the way I play."
The Warriors will take on premiership favourites and defending premiers the Sydney Roosters on Saturday.
