Newcastle has won just one match against the Warriors in New Zealand since 2008 but forward Jeremy Smith insists his team can get a rare victory at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking after training on Thursday, Smith told reporters the team is refreshed and ready to fire after the bye and several hard sessions.
"It’s always tough going over there," Smith said about the prospect of facing the Warriors at home.
"They are a big mob and we’ll have to bring our ‘A’ game to get the win.
"So we’ll just have to aim up from 1 to 17 and certainly get into them, especially over there in New Zealand."
Smith says the Warriors have impressed him in recent weeks, especially with their resolve under new coach Andrew McFadden.
"They are starting to play well and grinding out games," he says.
"It’s going to be a tough ask going over there.
"But we’ve been training well over the bye, so we are definitely looking forward to getting over there.
"I think we’ve just got to start winning again and start competing more than anything.
"That goes a long way in rugby league and I just think the boys are close."
Smith is itching to get back on the field after missing the past four weeks with a knee injury.
"It feels like it has been a long time but the knee has recovered well and I can’t wait," he says.
"It’s been a few weeks now, so hopefully it’s recovered and I’m looking forward to it."
Meanwhile, Smith says the team remains focused despite a number of off-field issues around the future ownership of the Club.
"There is not much we can control off the field," he says.
"We’ve had a couple of close games we’ve gone down by, so I’m looking forward to getting back out there.
"There is not much that we can control what happens off the field
"Our job is on the field.
"We haven’t spoken about it, but I suppose when the time is right they’ll come out and let us all know."
Voice for Mining Day is back!
See the Knights run out in the special edition hi-viz mining jersey and be part of one of the biggest crowds at Hunter Stadium this season when the Knights take on West Tigers at on June 8 for Voice for Mining Day! Get your ticket here.
