Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Isaac De Gois says it will be a tough challenge travelling across the Tasman to take on the in-form Warriors.
The Eels are coming off the back of their first loss at Pirtek Stadium against the Knights, followed by a bye, and will be looking to bounce back against a New Zealand who are dangerously inconsistent.
“They are playing well,” he said.
“They’ve got some big boys and play off the back of it and their halves are playing really well - Chad [Townsend] and [Shaun] Johnson - so it will be a good challenge for us.”
Parramatta will be without both co-captains for the match, with Tim Mannah suffering a shoulder injury and Jarryd Hayne not named to back-up after tonight’s Origin game.
Chris Sandow has been named as the man to once again fulfill the space left by Hayne, and will be looking to produce another quality performance at fullback after his previous effort against the Bulldogs.
“Obviously everyone loves playing with Jarryd, but I’m sure Critty (Chris Sandow) will step up and he did a pretty good job a couple of weeks ago so he’s looking forward to the challenge, too.”
The Eels have been struggling to string together consistent performances of late and will need the two competition points to stay within reach of the top eight this week.
De Gois believes the key to a win over the New Zealanders will come through determination in defence and sticking to the game plan.
“I think urgency, just keep working on our D (defence), and just stick to what we know best."
