NRL: Home is where the heat goes on

Warriors skipper Simon Mannering will need to make the most of try-scoring opportunities tonight against the Broncos. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The Warriors are acutely aware the next few weeks' results could play a role in determining how their season pans out.

Tonight's clash against the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland is the first hurdle, but captain Simon Mannering admitted his side, sitting in 11th place on the NRL ladder, have targeted the next block of three home games as being vital to their hopes of securing a top-eight finish.

"It's not hard to pick that one. There's three home games in a row and we've got to make the most of it," Mannering said.

"The important thing now is for us to kick-on because we're not sitting where we want to be at the halfway point but it's all ahead of us. We need to make sure we move forward and these next few games are pretty important for us."

Another home game against the Penrith Panthers looms in round 16 but the Warriors get another week off with their second bye in round 17. They then host the Parramatta Eels in round 18, before packing their bags for a trip to Suncorp Stadium and a return clash with the Broncos on July 19.

"We've done a fair amount of travel in the first half [of the season] and now it's time for us to stay home but it doesn't mean the games are going to come any easier," Mannering said. "There are some tough opponents in those three games and we've just got to make sure we get our preparation better each week. It's been a good start to this week so hopefully it will show on the weekend."

Of more immediate focus is the need to produce a polished performance for the full 80 minutes against the fifth-placed Broncos, and ensure the second-half fade in their loss to South Sydney in Perth was a one-off.

Mannering said the team had been hurt by that late collapse but insisted it was a timely reminder of what improvement is required going forward.

"To go into that week off with a performance like that didn't feel very nice. We looked at the tape and there was a lot we could take out of that game from the first 60 minutes but the last 20 is something hopefully that we can learn from."

Games between the Warriors and Broncos are often entertaining contests and Mannering expects another close tussle tonight.

"Anytime these two clubs play it's always a good game. I don't know if it's the history from the first game for the Warriors or not but they always seem to be tough ones over the years. They're really good games to be a part of and hopefully it's another one on the weekend."