The Warriors' win over the Parramatta Eels has consolidated their position within the NRL top eight, but with eight rounds remaining in the regular season their toughest inspections are still to come.
Saturday night's result has seen them climb one place into sixth position on 22 points, although the Brisbane Broncos could overtake them if they get past the Penrith Panthers in their clash tonight.
Three wins in a row and seven from their past nine outings has framed the Warriors as the dark horse of this year's competition, and with four more home games over the last eight rounds a top-four berth is well within reach.
Two of those home games, against last year's grand finalists the Sea Eagles and Roosters, loom as their toughest assignments. But a favourable draw means the Warriors only have to play those teams once throughout the year, and having the home advantage is a huge bonus as they are yet to taste defeat in four matches played at Mt Smart Stadium.
Saturday night's away game against Brisbane is crucial to their hopes of climbing the ladder and essential to them kicking clear of the five teams currently behind them, all on 20 points - Broncos, Storm, Dragons, Tigers and Eels.
