NRL: Warriors look to kick on against Eels

Aaron Heremaia believes the Warriors have to maintain their momentum against the Eels. Photo / Getty Images

Having got out of jail in Christchurch, the New Zealand Warriors are looking to consolidate an upturn in their National Rugby League fortunes when they meet fellow mid-table side Parramatta here on Sunday.

The last-gasp 20-18 win over the Sydney Roosters last weekend has given the Warriors six points from the past three rounds, which have included a bye, and left them just outside the top eight.

Hooker Aaron Heremaia said the beginnings of a good run had lifted confidence in the camp, but the Warriors had to maintain their momentum against the Eels, who have won just one of their past five matches.

"We're on a good little patch here but we've got to kick on against Parramatta, who have had a few problems and have lost a couple of games," he said.

"We definitely want the get the two points. It's vital for our season."

Heremaia, whose dummy half work led to a debut cap for the Kiwis in the Anzac test in May, said another issue the Warriors wanted to address was their home results.

Far from making Mt Smart Stadium a fortress, they have lost four of their seven matches there this year.

"We've spoken about how our form at home is very poor," he said.

"We've not delivered to our fans so that's a big thing we're trying to focus on.

"It's just getting that mantra back where teams hate coming to Mt Smart. In the last few home games, they've been quite happy to come here and get the two points, so we have to change that."

Parramatta, who are 10th on the table, one place and two points place below their opponents, will field two players who will be in the Warriors' ranks next year in winger Krisnan Inu and lock Feleti Mateo.

But they will be without fullback Jarryd Hayne and prop Tim Mannah, who are on New South Wales State of Origin duty, and suspended centre Tamana Tahu.

It was Hayne, with his magical attacking skills, who spearheaded Parramatta's 40-4 win in Sydney last August when the two sides last met.

At the time, the Eels were in a middle of big late-season run that took them all the way to the grand final.

"They did towel us up when they had that streak going," Heremaia said.

"They had Jarryd Hayne, who was playing well. Obviously we don't have to contend with him this week, which is a good thing."

That match hasn't been spoken about in the Warriors' build-up this week, in line with the club's policy of closing the book on last year's disappointing campaign and moving on, but it was one Heremaia hadn't forgotten.

Playing at five-eighth, he was flattened in the opening minute when attempting to tackle a rampaging Fuifui Moimoi.

"I remember the whole game and I remember meeting Fuifui's thighs," he said.

"I expect he will be running at me again and I'll just put the body in front again to stop him."

- NZPA