The finals don't start until next weekend but Melbourne Storm forward Felise Kaufusi said his side need a play-off mentality in Friday night's clash with the Cowboys.
The Storm enter the final round contest having already sewn up the minor premiership.
Kaufusi said it was crucial to build on the momentum the team got from an impressive 36-6 triumph over the Sea Eagles last Saturday.
"We have got to keep this momentum running and we don't want to take the foot off the pedal," he said.
"We will build into finals footy but it starts this week [against the Cowboys]."
The Storm will again hand a start to dynamic fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, while Kiwi international Jahrome Hughes gets another chance to make the No.7 jersey his own for the finals.
Brodie Croft has been named in the No.6 jersey due to the absence of Cameron Munster with a shoulder injury.
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Kaufusi said Friday's match was a great chance for the Storm to work on their combinations.
"We talked about our edge and having Jahrome Hughes there, so there is another chance to sort out a few combinations with each other," he said.
"One more week and we are into the business end, so we have got things to improve on and especially our edge."
The Storm have rested winger Josh Addo-Carr and reserve hooker Brandon Smith for the visit of the Cowboys, while star five-eighth Cameron Munster is injured.
We will build into finals footy but it starts this week
Storm back-rower Felise Kaufusi
While Kaufusi has endured a busy season of his own with 21 appearances at club level, the 27-year-old was one of the Storm's Origin stars that received a rare week off in round 18 when the ladder leaders beat the Titans on the Gold Coast.
Kaufusi said it was important for him to maintain his form at the top level and sitting out this Friday's game was never really an option for him.
"I need to be out there to maintain a bit of form," he said. "For me, the more footy I play is better."
