The NYC coach Troy Pezet says the Newcastle Knights’ 38-14 victory over the Canberra Raiders in a trial match at Aubrey Keech Reserve will build confidence as the team approaches the opening round of the 2015 season.
“We started off a bit slow but we recouped and scored some really good tries early in the first half,” Pezet said following the match.
“We managed to finish really well to score 38 points.”
Pezet praised the strength of the side’s forward pack for allowing momentum to build in the game.
“Josh King and Daniel Saifita were really good leading from the front,” he said.
“They probably laid a good platform for us.
“Josh Birch in the backs was also one of our best."
The NYC Knights’ have flourished under the coaching expertise of former Newcastle Knight, New Zealand International and Queensland Origin representative Craig Smith, as well as former Knight, Michael Reid.
“Our forwards have worked really hard, they are reaping the benefits of a hard off season of tackle technique," Pezet said.
Meanwhile, NYC Knights captain, Danny Levi was back leading the side after joining the NRL squad for pre-season training.
Bryce Donovan, who was named leading point scorer in 2014, continued last year’s kicking form by converting four of the Knights' tries.
SUMMARY
Knights 38 (T: Levi, Tofilau 2, Donovan, LoMonaco, Pondekas, Faitotoa, G: Donovan 4/5, Lamb 1/2)
Raiders 14
