Interim Newcastle Knights coach Danny Buderus says the team will formulate a game plan to suit the Melbourne Storm's fierce style of football ahead of Monday night’s match at AAMI Park.
Reflecting on past contests between the two sides, he says the Knights will be prepared for the fast paced game the competition heavyweight is likely to bring on Monday night.
“We’ve played Melbourne a lot of times and we know what’s coming,” Buderus said on Tuesday.
“We know we are coming up against a Melbourne team that’s honing its skills for a finals series.
“If you can’t create a quick ruck then you’re in trouble.
“That’s why they are the best at it and have some great exponents of it.
“It will be a challenge for us to create some quick rucks and come up with a game plan that will complement that.
“We will get in here and will keep honing our skills knowing we are coming up against a pretty potent Melbourne team," he said.
Buderus indicated there would be an unchanged line-up, an advantage that has evaded the Knights for much of the season.
“We haven’t been able to name that since probably around Round 3,” he said.
The extended turnaround is also in the Knights' favour with the players enjoying eight days between Saturday's win over the Wests Tigers and Monday night’s match in Melbourne.
“I gave them a couple of days off because they have the long turnaround which has been fantastic and has freshened them up,” he said.
On the injury front, Buderus said Robbie Rochow - who is recovering from a broken arm - will not yet be considered for selection.
James McManus will also remain sidelined while he continues to receive tests and wait for results after a concussion.
“Where Jimmy (McManus) is at over the next couple of weeks will be decided, but at the moment we are waiting on the results of scans,” he added.
Fully aware the Storm will present the red and blues with a considerable test, particularly on the road, Buderus views the game as a positive opportunity for the players to embrace.
“I’m excited about it for them. It’s a long turnaround and get to rest their bodies up and go down there fully fit, a lot of energy and with a bit of confidence,” he said.
“We had a great game down there in the semi-final series…for us to go down there it’s just a great challenge and that’s the way the boys will be looking at it.
“They’ll get a chance to play against some of the best players in their position.
“That’s the way the boys will be embracing the week."
Although the Knights are out of finals contention, the team remains motivated to improve its standing in the competition.
“We are trying to keep on building towards the back end of the season and have three games left,” he said.
“I’m focusing on positives and that’s all I can do.
“Hopefully we can cause a few surprises there.”
“I’m just trying to create little wins for them.
"If you have little wins at training and during the game, you usually turn it into big wins and that means a win on the weekend with the two points.
“That’s the mindset and the process we are doing and creating an environment to have a win and when ever they train or get together, to be able to walk off and feel like they’ve achieved something.”
