NYC Newcastle Knights coach Todd Lowrie said last weekend’s 54-12 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville was a reality check for his squad.
The home side stacked on 32 points in the first half only to continue the scoring dominance against the Knights in the last 40 minutes.
“It appears that we didn’t handle the travel well,’ Lowrie said after the match.
“We didn’t start well, we didn’t finish well, I think we didn’t turn up ready to play unfortunately.”
The Under 20s coach admits they were playing against a talented side who are ranked second on the ladder.
“We were playing against a team that are doing really well,” Lowrie said.
“We have been going okay in the last few weeks but a bit of a reality check this time.
“Bit of a lesson for us just turning up every week ready to play and not to expect things to happen.”
Lowrie said he was disappointed with energy levels throughout the match.
“I don’t know whether the travel got to the guys, I’m not sure what the reasons are, I guess I’m just looking for excuses,” explained the NYC coach.
“We just didn’t seem to have any energy right from the start.
“There is not a great deal to say, when you play like that and get beaten convincingly.
“I am sure there are a few guys in there that are quite embarrassed by the score line so that is all the motivation they need for next week I think.”
The NYC Knights travel to the Gold Coast on Friday for their Round 9 clash against the Gold Coast Titans this Saturday.
