Coach Andrew McFadden says the Warriors need to concentrate on getting the basics right when they meet NRL competition leaders Manly at Mount Smart on Sunday.
The Sea Eagles jumped into the outright lead on 28 points with their 21-12 win over St George Illawarra on Monday.
McFadden says last year’s beaten grand finalists have been the form team of the competition, and present a huge challenge for the Warriors after their intensity dipped in last Saturday’s frustrating 22-28 loss to Brisbane.
“There were aspects of our performance which were disappointing last weekend,” McFadden said.
“In the first half, much of the detail which has been good for us wasn’t at the level we expect.”
McFadden has made two changes for Sunday’s round-20 clash.
Ngani Laumape returns from his three-game suspension for a lifting tackle, replacing David Fusitu’a on the right wing, while prop Sam Rapira starts from the bench after missing the last two games with a back problem.
The seventh-placed Warriors will need to be at the top of their game, with some mouth-watering match-ups set to feature.
At fullback, Sam Tomkins does battle with Brett Stewart, as Laumape takes on fellow Tongan powerhouse Jorge Taufua on one wing, while Manu Vatuvei clashes with rookie Kiwi international Peta Hiku on the other.
In the centres, Konrad Hurrell matches up against Steve Matai and defensive specialist Dane Nielsen marks the vastly experienced Jamie Lyon.
The halves pit Kiwi Shaun Johnson and Chad Townsend against another Kiwi in Kieran Foran as well as Queensland Origin halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, and Nathan Friend squares off with fellow Queenslander Matt Ballin at hooker.
Last time the two sides met at Mount Smart, in June last year, the Warriors won a thriller 18-16, ending a run of six straight losses.
Warriors: Sam Tomkins, Ngani Laumape, Konrad Hurrell, Dane Nielsen, Manu Vatuvei, Chad Townsend, Shaun Johnson, Jacob Lillyman, Nathan Friend, Suaia Mataki, Ben Henry, Simon Mannering (captain), Sebastine Ikahihifo. Interchange: Feleti Mateo, Ben Matulino, Jayson Bukuya, Thomas Leuluai, Sam Rapira.
