Tauranga's Bodene Thompson driving the Warriors

IN FORM: Tauranga's Bodene Thompson has played a key role in the Warriors last two wins. PHOTO: photosport

The Vodafone Warriors go searching for three wins on the bounce against Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium from 5.30pm today.

Last Sunday the Warriors scored four tries to two in a 22-10 win over Parramatta Eels with Bodene Thompson scoring the opening try.

He is the first NRL player to come from Tauranga after growing up in Welcome Bay and playing for the Tauranga City Sharks juniors before leaving for the Gold Coast aged 16.

Thompson says the team's form is pleasing, but they have a long way to go.

"We are just building into it at the moment. We are just making sure that we take it week by week and set the platform really," he said.

"We are by no means where we want to be. There are a lot of things we want to work on, and we are constantly trying to improve to make sure that our game lifts each week."

The reconnection in the halves of the champion Kiwis pairing of Kieran Foran and Shaun Johnson has made a world of difference to the Warriors attacking game.

Thompson and the Warriors forwards are loving it.

"Foran is an experienced player with all those test jumpers, and he just brings a different dimension. He goes straight to the line, he over-calls Shaun and does a lot of things that experienced players in the halves wouldn't do with Shauny outside him.

"He takes a lot of pressure off Shaun so he can just roam and do whatever he wants as well. They feed well off each other, and they both bring good energy to the game.

"Hopefully we can keep them both healthy and fit, and they will be looking sharp the whole year I think."

Thompson previously played for Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers before joining the Warriors. His versatility to play several positions is seen as a bonus by his coaches.

But Thompson is happy to be back in his preferred back row position.

"My form has been a bit up and down because there have been a few things out of my control. The first three weeks I played centre two games and one game at hooker. I just had to fill in and do the best that I can.

"The last two weeks I have been at back row. It takes a bit of time and a few reps to get the combinations right and timing. I am never happy with my game. I am always looking for improvement, but certainly, I am stepping in the right direction anyway."

Canberra is regarded as one of the hardest away venues to win at with travel issues a factor.

But Thompson says it is a mindset attitude more than anything.

"Any time playing at home I suppose has a home ground advantage and like we do they want to step up an extra notch to make sure you put on a good show for your home fans and family and what not.

"We just have to recognise that and make sure we have the same intent and same mindset that they do going into the game. For us, that is probably first and foremost in our thinking."

■Canberra Raiders v NZ Warriors, GIO Stadium, Canberra, Saturday, 5.30pm (NZ time)