The Canberra Raiders want to use their New Plymouth getaway to rediscover their NRL form and end a New Zealand hoodoo that has delivered just two wins in 13 years.
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Raiders hardman Jeff Lima said the players have a spring in their step despite suffering two successive losses that has halted their mid-year momentum.
Lima will provide the injection of enthusiasm against the unpredictable New Zealand Warriors at the base of Mt Taranaki on Saturday afternoon.
It's a crucial match given the Raiders need to get back on track after losing four of their past five games, and it's doubly important to get a win against a team just one point behind them on the ladder.
The Raiders have struggled in New Zealand since 2003, winning just two of 11 games against the Warriors.
But after a 14-hour trek from Canberra, Lima said the trip has given the Green Machine a chance to regroup and hopefu;;y resurrect their season.
"It's good when you can get away on a bit of a mini-tour with the boys, it gives you a chance to come together and then we've got a job to do on the weekend," Lima said.
"It's going to be a big game for us ... we're playing on their home soil and the Warriors are pretty similar to us –they've got a good side but they just can't get the wins at the moment.
"It's going to be a big ask for us, we need to throw everything at them if we want to finally get that win again.
"We've still got the confidence there and we've got a big spring in our step this week. We've been unlucky but the boys are remaining upbeat and we're looking on the bright side."
The Raiders have won four of their 10 games this season but have stumbled in the past month in some narrow losses.
A Penrith Panthers field goal sunk the Raiders in round nine and the St George Illawarra Dragons drove a dagger into Green Machine hearts when they intercepted a pass in golden-point extra-time to snatch a win.
Lima had to sit on the sideline as the Raiders squandered opportunities to rise up the ladder and cement a top-eight spot.
He broke his hand at the end of March in another close loss to the Gold Coast Titans at Canberra Stadium.
It has limited the veteran to just four games after the journeyman joined in the off-season.
"It feels like I'm starting for the Raiders all over again," Lima said.
"It's always hard when you're watching from the sideline and you can't do anything, but you just have to stay around the group and give advice to the young fellas.
"It feels like I'm making my debut again. I'm just going to get out there and do whatever job Ricky Stuart wants me to do – I'll put my body on the line."
Lima grew up in New Zealand and has played six Tests for the Kiwis. He's part of a Raiders' contingent, including Joseph Tapine and Jordan Rapana, returning to play in front of family and friends.
The Warriors haven't won successive games since rounds four and five.
They have the third worst defensive record in the competition, conceding 262 points in 10 games. But the Raiders are alert for an ambush.
"Last year we were really good away from home and I think it's the same this year," Rapana said.
"Getting to spend some time together really helps us on the field and playing so close to home and being around my culture again is great.
"But we know what the Warriors are capable of so we won't be taking them lightly."
