Parramatta's inexperienced semi-finals combatants are ready to handle the headlights of September, according to grand final winner Michael Jennings, who is viewing Thursday's game against second-placed Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium as a dress-rehearsal for next month.

The fifth-ranked Eels are set to feature in the finals for the first time since 2009 and despite Jennings, Kirisome Auva'a and Beau Scott having won titles elsewhere the club's eight-year absence from the top eight naturally means they will enter the semis with less experience than rivals.

Pressing for a top-four finish themselves they can expect a trial run of sorts in front of a big crowd in Brisbane on Thursday night.

"It's a great challenge for us if we want to consider ourselves a top-four team. This is a great test for finals footy and I think it's come at a great time for us," Jennings said.