Warriors coach Ivan Cleary knows his side cannot fail to convert opportunities like it did in a five-minute period before half-time in last week's 24-18 loss to the Titans in Robina.
The Warriors blew a straight-flush-chance to grab two points and topple one of the competition heavyweights who finished third in the regular season last year.
When Manu Vatuvei scored his second try to reaffirm a 12-point lead late in the first-spell, the Warriors of old returned as they went to sleep.
"The biggest issue was the five minutes before half-time," Cleary said.
"We got comfortable and paid the price."
"There is certainly a lesson there for the young guys."
Fatigue also took its toll as the inexperienced Warriors side, missing Steve Price, captain Simon Mannering and hooker Ian Henderson, tired at the back-end.
They were also held scoreless in the second-half.
However, there were signs this is a different Warriors outfit.
Brett Seymour's performance in the halves was a highlight after overcoming many off-field challenges and James Maloney was also impressive in his first NRL game at five-eighth.
While disappointed, the Warriors started well and showed commitment across the park, which is something that was lacking last year.
It's confidence they will take into their clash with the Sharks on Saturday.
"When we get an opportunity, like we did in the first-half, to ram it home we need to take it," Cleary said.
"Physically we looked good, but mentally we tired and need to improve."
The Sharks pushed defending champion Melbourne all the way last week, slipping to a narrow 14-10 defeat.
And Cleary knows that any side with Ricky Stuart at the helm is a dangerous prospect.
"They are extremely competitive rabid dogs that are at you all time," he said.
"They will be charged up and desperate to get there first win."
The match will be emotionally-charged for the Warriors.
It's their first game at home, Michael Luck's 100th in a Warriors jersey while his back-row partner Simon Mannering will lead his charges out for the first time having recovered from a hamstring injury.
"It's been a long wait and I'm very excited to get on field," the captain said.
"It's special to be captain and to be to do it at Mt Smart is very nice."
He said there were a few nerves, the lungs would be burning, but there was plenty of firepower on the bench if he needed a rest.
"There is extra motivation when you know you're leading the team and the best way to do that is to play at your best."
If he is true to his word, the Warriors, with a vocal home crowd, will have a great shot in this one.