It wasn't just the result - the 29-16 victory means they have won two of their opening three matches, a feat not achieved since 2010 - but also the manner of the performance.
They scored four unanswered tries in the first 21 minutes and Parramatta had barely had an opportunity in the first half.
There were some wobbles in the second half, when the Eels scored three tries in 12 minutes, but overall this was another step forward.
There were real intensity from the outset, and once the shackles were off, plenty of flair to go with it. The forwards set the tone in the first 10 minutes with some thunderous hits and the Parramatta pack lost their edge after that.
They weren't helped by a run of misfortune; Nathan Peats and Tepai Moeroa both looked wobbly after getting their heads caught in the right place and Brad Takairangi limped away from a full blooded front on Thomas Leuluai tackle.
The first 20 minutes were the Warriors' best start to a match in an age. They scored three tries, could have had a few more and didn't make a single error nor concede a penalty.
Ryan Hoffman got things rolling with his third try in three matches - who knew the Warriors had purchased a try scoring machine from the Storm? - scampering over from dummy half after sustained pressure. Hoffman is developing the welcome, uncanny habit of scoring important tries.
Five minutes later Solomone Kata scored his second try in a week, first to a well placed Chad Townsend kick. The try of the half followed soon afterwards; a burst up the middle by Thomas Leuluai, who sent Tui Lolohea in under the posts. When Manu Vatuvei scored the Warriors fourth try - after Townsend ran off a Mannering offload - in just the 21st minute it was party time at Mt Smart Stadium.
But they didn't go on with it, failing to make the most of great territory and field position, with fifth tackle options again a problem as Johnson misplaced three consecutive kicks.
It was inevitable that the Eels would come back, and they savaged the Warriors right edge defence.
Brad Takairangi and Reece Robinson scored brilliant long range tries and David Gower managed an opportunist try after a poor Jonathan Wright carry. It made for a nervous last 20 minutes - which looked utterly improbable in the first half - but the home side was good enough to hang on for the precious two points.
Warriors 29 (R.Hoffman, S.Kata 2, T.Lolohea, M.Vatuvei tries; S.Johnson 4 goals, field goal), Eels 16 (B.Takairangi, D.Gower, R.Robinson tries; Robinson 2 goals). Halftime: 22-0.
