KEY POINTS:
The Warriors have a dream entry into the NRL finals series and a great chance to go further after beating the Panthers 24-20 at the weekend, winning a home semifinal next Friday against the Eels.
The last time the Warriors won in Penrith was 2002. It was also the only year they've finished higher than fourth place, the only time they've hosted a finals game and the only time they've gone on to the grand final.
That's history now, as is the victory that handed a Panthers side fired up to see great Craig Gower off on a high after 12 years the wooden spoon.
The Warriors must keep their feet on the ground and balance the demands of corporate come-latelys as they seek to push on in the playoffs.
The advantages in finishing in the top four are huge, starting for the Warriors yesterday when they flew home while their opponents the Eels have a transtasman trip to come.
After three losses in a row, the Eels enjoyed a 68-22 bonanza against the depleted Broncos yesterday.
It was the highest number of points scored against the Brisbane team, and a scoreline that suggests they will be eliminated next weekend.
It was also one that gives no indication of what may happen between the Eels and Warriors on Friday.
The Warriors have added motivation, as victory against the Eels will earn a second home playoffs game.
And there will be few Parramatta fans in the expected crowd of 29,000.
The only way the Warriors can be eliminated in round one is if (a) they lose to the Eels, and (b) two out of the following three events also occur: Minor premiers Melbourne, second-placed Manly, or third placed North Queensland cowboys lose at home, later in the weekend.
And that's unlikely - bet on Melbourne to see off the Broncos and Manly to deal to Souths in the Rabbitohs' first finals appearance since 1989.
Warriors coach Ivan Cleary said their season "starts again now - I don't think there's any worry about thinking we've already made it".
There were pleasing aspects to the win at Penrith but it also showed up parts of their game that need work, Cleary said.
Penrith scampered out to a 14-0 lead, but then the Warriors showed why they scare teams, scoring three tries in six minutes to lead 18-14 at the break.
The visitors scored first in the second spell through Sam Rapira and Penrith closed it up with a touchdown to Kiwi Frank Pritchard. The Panthers enjoyed a lot of late possession but could not crack the Warriors' defence.
Cleary was pleased with the consistent performances his players have been turning in and their tight defence.
"We've made a lot of progress in recent games," he said.
Speed and intensity lifted substantially in the playoffs, Cleary said, but recent efforts proved the young Warriors were up to it and would perform well if they played their natural game - "that's what we'll be telling them this week".
Manu Vatuvei suffered a knee tear at Penrith and Cleary gave him little chance of playing on Friday night.
Vice-captain Ruben Wiki must pass a fitness test after again succumbing to the rib damage he has carried most of the season, but at this stage centre Jerome Ropati is the only contracted player ruled out.
NRL PLAYOFFS
Friday
4-Warriors v 5-Eels
8.30pm Mt Smart Stadium
Saturday
3-Cowboys v 6-Bulldogs
8.30pm Townsville Stadium
2-Sea Eagles v 7-Rabbitohs
Brookvale Oval 10.30pm
Sunday
1-Storm v 8-Broncos
Olympic Park 6pm
How it works
* Two highest-ranked winners progress straight to week three.
* Two lowest-ranked losers eliminated.
* Week two: Two highest ranked losers versus two lowest ranked winners.
