Tohu Harris knows the pain of losing finals football and doesn’t want to experience it again any time soon.
Harris is one of twelve who remain from the Storm's qualifying final last year against the North Queensland Cowboys. He wants to taste success again.
"It does help being a part of finals games, both winning and losing," he said.
"I've been part of a team that has lost finals games – you don’t really like that feeling – it helps you prepare better for the next one. And also what it feels like to win finals games. It’s a good feeling and you want more of that.
"I think the guys who haven't experienced any of that, we can look to help them out and prepare them as much as we can for those sorts of highs and lows."
Harris echoed Cooper Cronk's comments about finals being a more challenging game.
"The game is more intense for longer periods of time," he said.
"That’s part of the mental challenge – you have to be in the game in the moments for longer periods of time. If we're preparing ourselves for that to be physically and mentally prepared for 80 minutes, then that can only help."
The 25-year-old has endured a rough year with injuries but is enjoying the experience of another finals campaign.
"It's been a challenging year," he said.
"But I'm grateful and lucky enough to be part of the side again, especially this time of year, I'm looking forward to it."
The Eels have defeated the Storm in their past two clashes at AAMI Park and Harris is wary of their threat.
"From 1-17 they've got quality players and like any team in this competition, you have to prepare as well as you can, or they can come out and beat you," he said.
"The last two times that's what they've done – we haven't been good enough.
"We've got to make sure we do every little thing we can this week to prepare for that challenge on Saturday."
