18-year-old Sione Mata’utia has a spring in his step after the weekend’s win against the Wests Tigers.
Over the last few weeks the versatile back has played at fullback, but has enjoyed the move to the centres inside winger Akuila Uate for the last two games.
“I wouldn’t say I didn’t enjoy the fullback role, it was more responsibility, I could say that,” Mata’utia said.
“It was the first time in a long time I had a lot of fun on the weekend.
“I’m really enjoying where I am at the moment so hopefully I can keep going at that.
“Five long weeks we have been waiting.
“It’s all about backing it up this weekend and keeping a consistent role and what’s right for the team and all the little stuff that gets us the win.”
With the extended turnaround, the young Knight said the side has mentally and physically prepared to peak at the right time.
“We have some good staff here that are good at managing time management and work loads during the week,” he said.
“It keeps our minds on things.
“We all know we have to keep consistency and we know what we have to do.
“Everyone knows there’s a long turn around and hopefully we can prepare for another win this weekend.”
Although the Knights have juggled forced changes in the line-up due to injury and Origin selection, each player knows their role and what is expected of them.
“Me, Aku (Uate) and Gids (Kurt Gidley) all spoke about how important our defence was for the weekend just gone," Mata'utia admitted.
“We believe that defence wins games so we really nailed down on everything that we did against Manly and I felt like we improved a lot against the Tigers."
The Knights look to be on their game against the Brisbane based team that’s set to roll out some its emerging talent.
“One thing about the Broncos is that they have a good nursery with players coming up,” he said.
“That’s the one thing we can’t do, that’s be complacent.
“We have lost Beau (Scott) but we have the likes of Joe Tapine and other players that can really step up.”
The Knights host the Broncos on Monday night at Hunter Stadium.
