Coach Rob Penney said, "We went over to Perth last year and got spanked. We didn't play well and were dealt a hard lesson. We don't want that replicated at home.
"We're desperate to do well."
Penney said centre Brayden Ennor's return lifted the dynamic of the backline.
"Brayden's another piece to the puzzle. He's got some unique abilities."
Also returning is flanker Tom Christie.
"Tom's been a part of the Crusaders through a magnificent run of championships, and he epitomises Crusaders' values with his work ethic and acceptance of some tough conversations.
"He's battled away behind the scenes and made sure he's helped prepare the group that are going out every week the best he can. He's had the opportunity to play for the second team on a couple of occasions and he's earned the right and deserves it."
Penney wants to see some evolution in his game. While he has led the competition in tackles, Penney would like to see him make more dominant tackles.
"He's such a good player, and we'd love to see a little more bang from him in his defence and bringing what he does on the training paddock in terms of his skill set and running ability to the fore in games. He's very capable in all those areas.
"For one reason or another, that hasn't flourished as much as it could for him. The loose forward group is very competitive. We've got some world-class players and he's in amongst that.
Christie's attitude had been important for the side.
"It's easy for distractions to slip in if players aren't focused on the end goal, which is about the 15 going out and doing a job, and I admire all the boys for their attitude around that.
"We've got a group coming back so that is going to be even more challenging for a boys who will be denied access over the next month or so. And that's a good position but has its own challenges."
Wing Macca Springer also returns this week, and Penney wants him to replicate his form towards the end of last season.
"He's got a massive work rate on a great skill set and his maturing over the last 12 months has been wonderful to see, especially around his voice and communication and ability to guide others from the edge."
Results in the competition to date have provided coaches with challenges in rotating their playing rosters.
"Moana Pasifika and the Drua have done exceptionally over the last few weeks, and with more consistency and opportunity, they'll get better and better. By cutting down to four teams, the Australians have enhanced their depths across all their teams.
"It's a tough, brutal competition.
"All of us are going to have to dig into the well because there will be injuries and people unavailable. The teams that cope with that best will probably end up fighting it out at the end."