Parramatta are headed towards the NRL finals for the first time in seven years however captain Tim Mannah warns they face being bundled out swiftly unless they can find another gear.
Ahead of a litmus test of their title credentials against heavyweights Brisbane at ANZ Stadium on Friday night, Mannah issued a stern warning for his teammates.
The blue and golds are revelling in their best season since making the 2009 grand final - which sees them in seventh heading into round 21 - however there's a growing feeling of discontent about their recent performances.
Case in point, last week's one-point win over the Wests Tigers which has been described by everyone in the playing group as sub-par.
Mannah said they risked being towelled up by the third-place Broncos, and come September, unless they can lift.
"We turned over a lot of cheap ball, there are a lot of parts of our game that we need to improve and a side like the Broncos, they're a good side and they'll make you pay," he said.
"After the game we spoke about how we do need to take our game to another level. We're are capable to playing better than we have for the last few months.
"The pleasing thing is we've had good results but at the end of the day if we want to be serious contenders this year, we need to take our game to another level."
If the Eels want to go deep into September, they will have to do so without star fullback Clint Gutherson, who will miss the rest of the year with a ruptured ACL.
He will be replaced by Bevan French in the No.1 with Josh Hoffman to return on the wing to face his old side.
While the Eels have lost their No.1, the Broncos are getting theirs back with skipper Darius Boyd making his comeback from a broken thumb.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett confirmed Benji Marshall would play off the bench while Kodi Nikorima had been left out out the side to take on the Eels.
"We're happy but not complacent," Bennett said as his side seeks to lock up a top four finish.
"You can (win the competition from outside the top four) but it's a lot more difficult. It's a lot more difficult to do."
STATS THAT MATTER
* Parramatta has won four straight matches for the first time since 2010.
* The Broncos are averaging the most points (23.3) per match this season.
Source: Fox Sports Stats
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