KEY POINTS:
The Warriors are resigned to losing powerhouse wing Manu Vatuvei for the season but vice-captain Ruben Wiki and fullback Wade McKinnon are expected to play in Friday night's preliminary final at Mt Smart.
A host of others are out of the weekend's first round of playoff games or in serious doubt, significantly Kiwis David Fa'alogo and Sonny Bill Williams.
Their test chances against Australia on October 14 are in jeopardy after the NRL laid striking charges against both following the last of 25 rounds in the Australian competition.
But the Eels, who enjoyed a largely defence-free romp over the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday, are injury-free and have no players charged so are expected to be at full strength against the Warriors.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary has options to replace Vatuvei, with either Tony Martin or Wairangi Koopu able to play in midfield and Todd Byrne shifting out, or Byrne sticking in midfield and Patrick Ah Van returning from premier league.
Martin is the one with the experience, though, and that counts. The team is named today.
The right knee medial ligament strain and patella tendon injury Vatuvei suffered on Saturday means he will not play again this season but he does not require surgery.
The game will be a 29,000 sell-out - few covered seats are left and the new north bank seats were selling fast yesterday.
Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah called on fans to wear black. "We want to provide even more support to help the team go as far as possible in the final series. Wear a Warriors jersey, bring a Warriors flag or just put on something black. Basically, let's black the place out and make it feel even more intimidating for the opposition," he said.
Roosters five-eighth Braith Anasta, whose grapple tackle incited the Fa'alogo hit and subsequent abuse of referee Ben Cummins, did not draw a citing.
Manly prop Brent Kite is in doubt for the Brookvale Oval game against Souths on Saturday with a groin strain suffered in the Eagles' win over the Dragons.
Meanwhile, Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless said he can't recall a prop having as much impact on the NRL as Steve Price has this year.
That's why the Eels are saying "stop Pricey, and you stop the Warriors", in the lead-up to Friday's game. "I can't say I've ever seen a front rower come up with the numbers he's come up with this year. Especially someone his age, how old is he? Forty-two or something?" Cayless said at yesterday's captain's call for the eight finalists.
"He's just been outstanding. He's led them all year and all the young guys are following his lead. He and Ruben Wiki are the guys we really have to shut down."
Cayless, the former Kiwis captain, and Price eyeballed each other at the top table as finals month was launched at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The only regret for Price is that he'll miss today's prestigious Dally M awards in Sydney so as not to disrupt the Warriors' buildup.
Price could potentially win three awards: prop of the year, captain of the year and representative player of the year (after his State of Origin heroics).
He's also an outside chance for the player of the year title, although he tips North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston to win.
Price was confident Wiki would be available for Friday's showdown.
"It'll be great to have 29,000 screaming Warriors fans going absolutely nuts," he said.
- additional reporting NZPA
