The Warriors head into a huge weekend with both their men’s and women’s rugby league sides in the finals race.

But it is more than NRL ladder positions driving the teams.

For the men, the focus is on carrying last week’s statement win over Penrith into a Brisbane clash where the Broncos have little left to lose.

For the women, a return to a key forward gives them another boost as they look to build on their Indigenous Round win.

The Warriors men have moved within two points of the ladder-leading Panthers and Roosters after their commanding win over Penrith and now face a Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium capable of causing an upset.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster says they cannot afford to get ahead of themselves.

“We’ve got to chase the improvements first of all, because we know that if we do that, the finals won't get us what we want if we don't.

"We know the Broncos are going to be motivated, and on their day they're a top-four side...

"Consistency always tells you that you're a good footy side, and if you consistently do that this week and in weeks coming, it's going to hold us in good stead.”

Warriors head coach Andrew Webster says his side must keep improving and stay consistent as they push for a top-two finish. Photo/Photosport/Jason O'Brien

The Warriors will again have Luke Metcalf at halfback after his standout performance against the Panthers while Tanner Stowers-Smith remains an important option from the bench.

Stowers-Smith says the team’s strong starting pack sets the standard he wants to match.

“My mindset is... we've got such a good starting pack, I don't want to let them down by getting on the field and letting things get out of hand.

"The way they lead the game and start the game is exactly how I want to play as well... if those boys are going to chase the game as hard as they are, then I need to step up too and live up to their standards.”

The Warriors’ pre-game haka has also added another layer to the team’s growing cultural identity, led by James Fisher-Harris.

“I think it helped the connection... when it was written and shown to the players, you could see the connection and the motivation around it," Webster says.

Warriors forward Tanner Stowers-Smith says the team’s strong starting pack sets the standard he wants to match when he comes off the bench. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

"They actually felt like they had something of their own, something that can be passed on for generations after we're all gone."

And Suncorp is expected to feel anything but like an away ground.

“Suncorp, it's like a home game... It's crazy how much our fans get around it. [The Broncos] have got a class team... they can throw anything at you and they've got top-level players," Stowers-Smith said.

"They've got nothing to lose, so they're going to come out firing, but so are we.”

Broncos v Warriors: Saturday 15 August, 9.35pm NZT, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. For more details, click here.

The Warriors celebrate their commanding win over the Penrith Panthers, a result that strengthened their push for a top-two finish. Photo/Photosport/Joshua Devenie

Teams

Warriors: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Ali Leiataua, Leka Halasima, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf, James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark. Interchange: Sam Healey, Tanner Stowers-Smith, Demitric Vaimauga, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava. Reserves: Taine Tuaupiki, Adam Pompey, Morgan Gannon, Luke Hanson, Makaia Tafua.

Broncos: Reece Walsh, Josiah Karapani, Kotoni Staggs, Deine Mariner, Grant Anderson, Ezra Mam, Thomas Duffy, Xavier Willison, Billy Walters, Payne Haas, Jaiyden Hunt, Jordan Riki, Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Aublix Tawha, Jack Gosiewski, Va'a Semu, Blake Mozer. Reserves: Ben Talty, Gehamat Shibasaki, Jesse Arthars, Hayze Perham.

Waaka focused on getting the details right

The Warriors women sit fourth after four wins from six games and will look to build on last week’s 22-14 Indigenous Round win over the Newcastle Knights.

Experienced forward Annetta Nuuausala returns to the starting side while Stacey Waaka continues in the centres.

Waaka says the Indigenous Round win was special particularly being able to represent culture in front of a strong home crowd.

“The jersey was absolutely amazing, loved wearing it. The crowd came out and everyone brought the energy and the atmosphere that we wanted to see... culture is a massive part of what we do, why we’re here, and to have the support of everyone there... it was an awesome feeling.”

Her role in the centres has also allowed her to create opportunities for the players outside her.

“I love setting my outsides up. I would much rather set another person up than score them myself. It’s a much better feeling, I’m not sure what it is!

Warriors centre Stacey Waaka says representing culture and connecting with the crowd made the team’s Indigenous Round win over the Knights a special occasion. Photo/Warriors.kiwi

"But to be able to play through our game plan, if I can execute my role and my job properly to let them do what they do on the outside, then I’m pretty happy.”

Against a Tigers side sitting fifth with the same number of wins, Waaka says the Warriors need to keep their attention on their own game.

“In order to win this weekend we just have to probably focus more so on ourselves and what we should do... less errors, less mistakes, which meant we could get the flow-on effect.

"Against the Tigers that’s going to be really key... we’re not going to worry about that, we’re going to worry about what we can do and stick to our game plan and structures.”

Wests Tigers v Warriors: Sunday 16 August, 3.45pm NZT, CommBank Stadium, Sydney. For more deails, click here.

The Warriors women celebrate their 22-14 Indigenous Round win over the Newcastle Knights, a result that lifted them back into fourth place on the NRLW ladder. Photo/Photosport/JD Mills

TEAMS

Warriors: Apii Nicholls, Payton Takimoana, Mele Hufanga, Stacey Waaka, Tysha Ikenasio, Emmanita Paki, Gayle Broughton, Annetta Nuuausala, Patricia Maliepo, Maarire Puketapu, Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa, Shakira Baker, Kaiyah Atai. Interchange: Jasmin Huriwai, Harata Butler, Metanoia Fetalaiga, Mya Hill-Moana. Reserves: Ivana Lauitiiti, Capri Paekau, Lavinia Tauhalaliku, Natalia Hickling, Matekino Gray.

Wests Tigers: Caitlin Turnbull, Harmony Crichton, Namoe Gesa, Shenai Lendill, Lily Rogan, Losana Lutu, Raecene McGregor, Sarah Togatuki, Salma Nour, Shaniece Monschau, Portia Bourke, Shaylee Bent, Holli Wheeler. Interchange: Faythe Manera, Tara Reinke, Christian Pio, Brooke Talataina. Reserves: Leah Ollerton, Tyla Amiatu, Jetaya Faifua, Lucyannah Luamanu-Leiataua, Kayla Henderson.