Big forward Daniel Saifiti believes composure in the second half will be a key factor to recording a win against the Wests Tigers back home this Sunday.
“As a team, we need to be composed, stick to the game plan and I think we’ll do fine this weekend.”
“Personally, I am just going to do what I’ve been doing in the last few weeks.”
The 21-year-old admits both teams have a lot to lose.
“We are both fighting, no one wants the wooden spoon,” said Saifiti.
“It is going to be a fast-paced game and both teams have quality players.”
The Round 17 clash will again be in the hi-vis jersey for the Voice for Mining Family Day.
The Saifiti twin knows it’s a great day to recognise the contribution Hunter miners make to New South Wales and a great day out for local fans.
“It is definitely great for the fans, we are a hard-working town,” Saifiti added.
“If we can give them a win this weekend on a special week, it will be pleasing for them and pleasing for us.”
Despite an unfavourable result at Kogarah on Sunday, the Knights front rower believes there’s several positives to take out of the game.
“We were down 10-nil and in the past we may have caved a bit but we came back and we played some really good footy,” Saifiti explained.
“Our halves took control off the back of good defence.
“Jaelen (Feeney) and Lamby (Brock Lamb) took control and we stuck to the game plan and started to score some points which was pleasing.”
Saifiti maintains their second half performance will be in the spotlight this week after a disappointing last 40 minutes riddled with errors against the St George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.
“Late tackle count penalties don’t help and silly offloads,” Saifiti commented.
“When you give a quality team like St George the ball, they are going to make the most of it and we need to cover up those errors and stay more composed across the park instead of frantic.
“I can’t put my finger on it, we did the same thing against the (Penrith) Panthers, sort of frustrating to be honest.
“I think everyone that played in the first half contributed to why we went so well but it is hard to dwell on that when we lost, it was disappointing.”
After six weeks away, the Knights are back at McDonald Jones Stadium for their encounter with the Tigers.
NYC kick off at 11.45am before NRL action kicks off at 2pm.
