The Canberra Raiders have been warned to expect an ambush in Auckland after the New Zealand Warriors put a target on the Green Machine this week.
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The Raiders will be aiming for four consecutive wins for the second time this season when they play against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night.
The Warriors have been riled by some dud refereeing calls last week, prompting chief executive Cameron George to turn his frustrating towards the Raiders.
George reportedly told Radio Sport he wanted fans to give "Canberra a bit of their own back in terms of what New Zealand's all about" and wanted the crowd to dress as referees.
It might be a ploy to try to spark the Warriors into action as they fight for a top-eight berth while the Raiders aim to cement their spot in the top four.
The Raiders have already all but secured their return to the finals for the first time since 2016 and another win would seal their fate.
But back-rower Joe Tapine says the Raiders need to be prepared to match the Warriors' fire to extend their winning streak.
"We've got some positive vibes at the moment so we want to keep that going," Tapine said.
"We've got a senior leadership group that's really driving our standards this year and it seems a lot more positive.
"The Warriors are always a dangerous side anyway, so we're going to have to be ready for whatever they throw at us.
"We've talked about every game from now on really needing to bring something extra to prepare for the finals because it's coming quickly. The boys are just up for the challenge."
The Raiders have named an unchanged side after beating the Penrith Panthers. Coach Ricky Stuart has added Hudson Young to an extended squad for the first time in two months after serving his ban for eye gouging.
The 21-year-old was banned for five weeks after the incident against the Bulldogs on June 1, making his comeback in the NSW Cup last week.
The Raiders have beaten the Dragons, the Tigers and the Panthers in the past three weeks to be four wins ahead of the eighth-placed Brisbane.
Staying in the top four will ensure they get a double shot in the finals, but co-captain Josh Hodgson says the Raiders are on high alert for an attacking onslaught from the Warriors.
"It's always a tough place to come [Auckland], it's similar to Penrith in a lot of ways," Hodgson said.
"They always get a decent turn out and you're going to have to be on your game to get the two points.
"Their outside backs [are their biggest threats], they do a really good job coming out of their own end. They're all playing some good footy and arguably one of the best back threes in the competition."
The Raiders will play the Warriors twice in the last six rounds of the season, with clashes against the Roosters, Storm, Manly and the Sharks in between.
The Raiders have won just two of their past five matches in Auckland, but are confident they can break the trans-Tasman curse after changing their travel schedule this week.
Hodgson's 100th match for the Raiders will add extra incentive to extend their winning streak.
NRL ROUND 20
Friday: New Zealand Warriors v Canberra Raiders at Mt Smart Stadium, 6pm.
Raiders: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Bailey Simonsson, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Michael Oldfield, 5. Jordan Rapana, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Josh Hodgson (C), 10. Sia Soliola, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Joe Tapine. Interchange from: 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Emre Guler, 16. Corey Horsburgh, 17. Dunamis Lui, 18. Sam Williams, 19. Hudson Young, 20. Sebastian Kris, 21. Royce Hunt.
Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Gerard Beale, 3. Peta Hiku, 4. Blake Ayshford, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Blake Green, 8. Agnatius Paasi, 9. Issac Luke, 10. Leeson Ah Mau, 11. Adam Blair, 12. Isaiah Papalii, 13. Jazz Tevaga. Interchange from: 14. Lachlan Burr, 15. Sam Lisone, 16. Bunty Afoa, 17. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 18. Karl Lawton, 20. Josh Curran, 21. Adam Pompey, 22. Adam Keighran,
