Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens knows how much is at stake in tomorrow's NRL clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium, but he doesn't want his players to think about it.

A win would relaunch their fight for a top four spot and give them a critical four point advantage over the Warriors and whoever is in eighth place on the table in the countdown to the finals.

Lose and they could fall as low as eighth and back amongst the logjam of teams battling for the playoffs.

Breathing space is a valuable commodity at this time of year, but Sheens realises the pressure of knowing what is at stake could cause his players to restrict their free-flowing, flamboyant football.

"No, it's not must-win for us. I would certainly like to win but at the end of the day we want a good performance," said Sheens.

"The next few rounds are very vital for everyone but if you get the jitters and start making it make or break you don't play relaxed, good football.

"You try not to lose rather than try to win.

"Our attitude is to stay relaxed, we know it's going to go down to the last couple of games.

"If we play well the win will take care of itself."

Skipper Todd Payten, deputising until Brett Hodgson (fractured cheekbone) returns next week, believes the Tigers need to win to regather their momentum after three losses in five weeks.

"It's very important, almost must-win for us," said Payten.

"There's only seven rounds left so all clubs are starting to gear up for the finals and we have to take that extra step.

"We have to string a couple of games together to cement our spot."

Payten is preparing himself for a torrid afternoon, he has to square off with arguably the toughest prop in the NRL in Warriors skipper Steve Price.

"He has been outstanding all year ... they're a different side when he plays and he is definitely one guy we are going to have to keep an eye on," said Payten.

Price, unlucky not to be named player of the State of Origin series for Queensland, is in irrepressible form and his steamrolling go-forward with Ruben Wiki will be the biggest obstacle for the Tigers pack.

But Payten is backing his men to stand tall in front of the Warriors challenge, even though a recent anonymous player poll labelled the Tigers one of the softest packs in the NRL.

"I wouldn't say we use that as motivation," said Payten.

"We are not a naturally aggressive pack. We play to ourstrengths which is ball movement.

"I wouldn't like to be in an opposing side defending us, put it that way.

"I wouldn't expect us to come out and bash guys but we certainly don't back away."