The Parramatta Eels aren’t worried about their recent form slump and big loss to the Rabbitohs.
They’re instead seeing their Round 17 clash with the New Zealand Warriors as a chance to get their season back on track.
With a 12-4 record this season, the Eels need a few more wins under their belt to secure a top four finish before finals.
Captain Clint Gutherson believes Sunday will be a good challenge for the team.
“(We) want to get back to the way we know we can play,” Gutherson said.
“Everyone knows we haven’t been playing our best footy for a month or so now.
“The best thing about footy is you get to play the week after and we get a chance on Sunday against the red hot Warriors to prove ourselves,” he said.
The Eels are without five eighth Dylan Brown indefinitely due to a syndesmosis injury.
It means the team’s spine, including Reed Mahoney, will be relied upon to help fill the gaps.
“Dyl is a big loss for us but my job still stands as it needs to be and I think overall I need to go to the next level for the remainder of the year,” Mahoney said.
“It (last week’s loss) was a good wake up call and we need to finish strong for the remainder of the year and put ourselves in the best position for finals footy.
“We are well aware of that and I have full faith our team has the ability to do that starting this week,” he said.
Jai Field, who joined the Eels mid-season, will replace Brown in the halves.
The 22-year-old has already proven he is ready to step up to the challenge.
He played three solid games for the Blue and Gold when Mitch Moses was injured earlier in the season.
Sunday will be a fitting return for Field, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on game day.
