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Warriors not taking struggling Eels lightly

The might sit at opposite ends of the Telstra Premiership ladder, but the Warriors won't be taking the Parramatta Eels lightly ahead of Friday's clash.

The Warriors have enjoyed their best start to a season in club history and sit third on the competition ladder – despite being unable to win back-to-back games since opening the season with five straight victories.

In contrast, the Eels sit 16th with just two wins on the year.

However, while form certainly points to a Warriors victory, veteran forward Simon Mannering said his side was under no illusions that Parramatta were easy-beats.

"Not at all, you have seen throughout this competition before it doesn't matter where a side is on the ladder anyone can beat anyone on their day," Mannering said.

"That's the beauty of this game, if you are just slightly off it doesn't matter if you're at the top of the table or down the other end – you will get beat. We can't afford to look too much into who's in form or on what points because if a team turns up mentally and you are off slightly it can get ugly.

"We are very much focussed on ourselves for this one."

Arthur: We are expecting a physical contest

After being humbled 32-0 by the Roosters last week, coach Stephen Kearney said his side was solely focussed on an improved effort across the park, not their struggling opposition.

"We got out-enthused last Saturday, and we weren't happy with that, so it's about responding this week and that's been the message," Kearney said.

"Our competition is about how you pick yourself up and what you learn from things like that. They will be a desperate footy team, we know that, but for us as always our focus is on us and what we can control.

"We understand what Parra are going to bring but my priority is making sure we execute what we need to do."

Eels v Warriors - Round 11

The Warriors welcome back the services of in-form hooker Issac Luke (shoulder), but will again be without Shaun Johnson.

Mason Lino has been named to start at halfback alongside Blake Green – playing in somewhat of an Origin trial against fellow potential Blues bolter Mitchell Moses.

Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will join Johnson in the stands after being taken out of the squad on Thursday.

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