The Newcastle Knights are determined to keep notching up the wins against their finals-bound opponents.
The Knights have won six of their last eight games, including victories over the North Queensland Cowboys, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
“It is probably good playing teams ranked high, it encourages us to put our best foot forward and keep the roll on,” forward Beau Scott said after recovery on Monday.
As the Knights are unable to make the finals, it is about finishing the season well and setting a platform for next season.
“There is no point dwelling on it, we sealed our fate a couple of weeks ago there,” Scott admitted.
“Now we have to finish the season strong and look forward to next year.”
A talking point out of Sunday's win was the performance of the Mata’utia brothers, Sione and Chanel, who scored 16 of the Knights’ 28 points.
“It is always exciting to see someone of their calibre playing good football this early in their career, it is encouraging signs for Newcastle,” Scott said.
“They are three or four games into their career, it is probably a good time for them to start their career because we are at the back end of the year and we don’t have too much pressure with not making the finals.
“As I said it is a good opportunity for them to play pressure-free football.”
After losing in all three grades in Round 12 against the Warriors, the Knights bounced back by defeating the Warriors in all three grades on the weekend.
“It was a good result for us, at home again, playing in front of the fans, everyone enjoyed the victory,” Scott added.
“It was great to put in a performance like that in front of our home fans and to encourage them to turn up for the next two home games.”
Before the two final games at home against the Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons, the Knights face the 10th-placed Brisbane Broncos this Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.
“I enjoy going to Brisbane and playing at Suncorp, it is always a good atmosphere up there,” Scott said.
“There are no excuses for us, we have a bit of a roll on and no need to take a backward step.”
