Warriors playmaker Thomas Leuluai has no doubts about Brisbane’s motivation levels when the two NRL sides meet in Auckland on Sunday.

He’ll be in the same payback frame of mind when the Panthers are in town in August.

“I guess the best way to look at it is: When we get to play Penrith, how will our mentality be,” the five-eighth said.

“Brisbane are going to be pretty fired-up, we know that, plus they have their boys coming back from Origin.”

Four weeks ago, the Warriors, with two tries from Leuluai, handed Brisbane their biggest defeat at Suncorp Stadium by hammering an under-strength line-up 56-18.

That result came a fortnight after the Warriors were themselves walloped 62-6 by Penrith.

The Warriors bounced back from that nightmare loss, the biggest in the club’s 19 seasons, to string together four wins, two of them over top-four sides Manly and the Sydney Roosters.

With two points from their bye last weekend, the Warriors head into the latest round in 12th spot, just two points outside the top eight.

To maintain their momentum, they will have to get past a beefed-up Brisbane side containing five players missing last time around.

They include the Queensland Origin quartet of Justin Hodges, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett.

Also available is experienced Queensland and Kangaroos prop Ben Hannant after being sidelined by injury.

“They’re going to be a completely different team and we don’t expect it will be like last time,” Leuluai said.

“But there are also things we want to do well and we want to keep building.”

Among the things that have been building for the Warriors is 28-year-old Leuluai’s own form.

He took time to find his feet on his return to the NRL after eight seasons in the English Super League and also adjusting to systems put in place by new coach Matthew Elliott.

But the 30-Test Kiwi has been a far more influential figure over the past month, not only in attack, but also in his defensive duties.

“It’s coincided with everyone else going well,” he said.

“You ask the question to a lot of the boys – their form compared with the start of the year – and they’ll give you the same response.

“Over the last few weeks, we’ve definitely got our confidence back and we’re playing a style of football we enjoy.”

Brisbane, who are one place above the Warriors by virtue of points difference, are also backing up from a week’s break.

Their bye followed their 32-12 victory over Wests Tigers to end a three-loss run.