NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster is playing down his connection to Penrith Panthers ahead of Saturday's clash, as he prepares to face his old side for the first time.
The Kiwi side is vowing to show plenty of aggression in a mammoth challenge against the defending premiers, as both teams look to avoid three straight defeats.
Webster knows just how much of a threat the Panthers are, but he's keeping his cards close to his chest.
"I think you can get carried away looking at where all their strengths are," he said.
"They've got some class players so you've got to be smart on how you focus on that."
Smarts and confidence are two things the former Panthers assistant deems crucial when it comes to trying to topple the back-to-back champions.
"You've got to be confident. You've got to go after it.
"We have to play what works for us. You have to pay respect to the opposition, whoever it is.
"And they're a good side."
A good side, but like the Warriors they're coming off two straight defeats - something they haven't endured since June 2021.
But despite his depth of knowledge on Penrith after years working as an assistant coach to Ivan Cleary, Webster won't be flooding his side with information this week.
"If I'm focussing too much on Penrith this week, and just feeding information about everything they do, and this play and that play, their heads would be spinning."
And although bragging rights are on the line for Webster, coming up against mentor and former Warriors coach Cleary, he's playing down the match-up.
"I know everyone likes to build it up, but Ivan and I aren't going to tackle each other, not that I know of anyway."
Cleary didn't shy away from some banter but was also full of praise for his former assistant.
"[He's] a great bloke, great coach, and doing a good job," said Cleary. "I think he suits the team and the club.
"[I'm] happy for him and how he's started."
A game that will be intriguing in the coaches box, as well as on the field.
