Steve Price knows most Australian rugby league punters won't agree.

But the former Kangaroos and Queensland prop has tipped the Warriors, the club he skippered for five seasons, as a real chance to land their first NRL title.

The Warriors finished the regular season sixth and face the third-placed Broncos in Brisbane in a qualifying final on Saturday night.

"No one else will probably give us a chance, but that doesn't matter," said Price, who continues to live in Auckland since his retirement last year.

"Brisbane are dangerous, they're playing some good footy. Melbourne and Manly have been the most consistent, and the Tigers are coming home with a wet sail, but who cares?

"I'm going for the Warriors. Fingers crossed they can go all the way and I think they can."

A premiership winner with Canterbury, Price said how far the Warriors progressed would depended on health, momentum, suspension and form.

They were travelling well in each aspect at the moment, and would also be boosted by the expected return this week of giant winger Manu Vatuvei.

What Price liked about the Warriors this season was the consistency in effort throughout the team.

He cited the propping rotation of Sam Rapira, Jacob Lillyman, Ben Matulino and Russell Packer.

It didn't matter which two coach Ivan Cleary started, every member of the quartet made a contribution in setting the platform up front.

"We're not relying on just two to do 60 minutes of work," Price said.

"They're pretty much evening it out. They all do the same role and they it well."

The attacking spark of young fullback Kevin Locke and rookie halfback Shaun Johnson had also been a big asset.

While their support play still needed work, their ability to score tries from long range had added to the Warriors' arsenal and "it's great to have that in your back pocket".

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP