NRL: Warriors' simple equation

Simon Mannering of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Coach Andrew McFadden might be reserving judgment on progress made this year, but for fans the equation is simple - win at Penrith and make the playoffs = success; lose = another year of mediocrity.

The Warriors travel to the foot of the Blue Mountains looking to defy expectations and an away record that shows only three wins from 10 starts, to clinch their first finals appearance since 2011.

Overall they have a 12/11 win-loss record, winning 10 games and losing eight under McFadden, after former coach Matt Elliott departed following the round five away loss to Cronulla.

"You'll have to ask me then. I don't know, I haven't thought about it ending I'm just thinking about winning this week," McFadden replied when asked how a defeat would affect his appraisal of his time in charge of the Auckland side.

A win this weekend will not only prolong the Warriors season for at least another week but give a much-needed confidence boost to a club that has struggled under the weight of expectation since making their second grand final appearance three years ago.

Defeat will bring the Warriors closer to Elliott's 11/13 win-loss ratio last year, which left them in 11th place, and will overshadow any valid improvements made under McFadden's guidance.

The key to the Warriors achieving an upset this weekend will be their ability to contain Panthers halfback Jamie Soward.

The former NSW State of Origin five-eighth and 2010 Dragons premiership winner was at his best in last week's cruel 26-25 loss to Manly, scoring a try and kicking three goals and a field goal, before the Sea Eagles made a stunning comeback.

"Most definitely we need to pressure him," McFadden said. "He's a key person in their team and generally their form swings around how well he plays so we'll definitely have a plan around that."

Warriors No 7 Shaun Johnson would not be drawn on offering an opinion on Soward, who is a frequent target for opposition players, fans and media because of what they see as his abrasive and cocksure personality.

Johnson had only praise for his rival's footballing ability.

"He's been playing good footy and that's all anyone has to worry about," Johnson said. "His kicking game's been pretty good, and hopefully we can get some pressure on him this week to make it not as effective.

"We understand that it's a big occasion for ourselves and the club. It's a big game and we're treating it that way."