Cleary brushed off suggestions the Sea Eagles would be vulnerable in the preliminary final's early exchanges after enjoying the weekend off, courtesy of their big win over St George Illawarra in the opening week of the play-offs.

It is in stark contrast to the two bruising matches the Warriors have put their bodies through, just to get to the grand final qualifier, as well as having to endure the trips back and forth across the Tasman.

''[Manly] did the same thing last year, so I am sure they have had a bit of experience of what to do in terms of their preparation over two weeks,'' Cleary said.

''I expect them to be absolutely ready.

''Having said that, our self-belief is building and momentum is behind us a little bit.''

Sea Eagles back-rower Glenn Stewart denied the break had disrupted his side's momentum, claiming their week off had refreshed the squad.

Asked about the Warriors building momentum over the finals series, Stewart said the Sea Eagles had gathered their own momentum over the course of the regular season, a run which included 12 wins from their last 15 matches.

''I would definitely say we've got the advantage having had the week off,'' Stewart said.

''It's better than going out and bashing yourself up for 80 minutes where we didn't have to.''

Coming into last week's semi-final against the Sydney Roosters, Cleary emphasised the need for a fast start. He didn't get it as the Roosters ran to a 13-6 half-time lead before the Warriors stormed home to win 30-13.

Against Melbourne in week one of the finals the Warriors also left it late before becoming the first eighth-placed team to beat a minor premier.

But the two comebacks have not changed Cleary's tune.

''Both coaches understand the need to start well,'' he said.

''It is always important to start well. It doesn't mean everything but it certainly makes things a bit easier, so I think there will be a lot of intensity in the game and the early exchanges will be pretty fierce.

''It's what finals football is all about. I think you have seen in the last few weeks in all the games just the ferocity and intensity is really up a notch, so I am sure it won't be any different this week.''

The Warriors arrive in Sydney today and will train at the Sydney Football Stadium tomorrow morning. AAP