For all their struggles in 2024 the Warriors still find themselves just three points outside the top eight with five games left to play before a bye in the final round.
A knee injury to back-rower Jackson Ford in the win over Wests Tigers only added to a bulging injury toll but there’s still plenty of pride and passion inside the Warriors’ camp as they look to finish the season strongly.
A win over the struggling Eels is a must for Andrew Webster’s side given they face tough away games against the Dolphins and Sea Eagles in the ensuing fortnight.
Star playmaker Shaun Johnson returns from an Achilles injury in a massive boost for the Warriors while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (calf) is also back on deck.
The Eels have not lost six on the trot as they deal with an injury crisis interim coach Trent Barrett says he has never seen the likes of in all his years in the game.
The blue and golds dug deep at home last Friday to only trail by six at half-time against the Storm but two tries in 12 minutes to a rampant Will Warbrick and Tyran Wishart snuffed out their resistance.
Warriors: Shaun Johnson is back from an Achilles injury in the No.7 jersey and fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also returns from a calf injury.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck slides to the wing and Ed Kosi and Te Maire Martin drop to the reserves. A knee injury to bench forward Jackson Ford brings Tom Ale into the 17.
Eels: Interim coach Trent Barrett has stuck with the same team that went down to the Storm in Round 22 with Dan Keir to play his second NRL match off the bench after debuting last week.