Newcastle Knights forward Robbie Rochow believes the reason why the Knights has accomplished recent wins against some of the toughest teams in the competition can be put down to how well the team is controlling the football.
On the back of last round’s spectacular comeback against the Melbourne Storm, the Knights are looking to replicate the same game when the host the Warriors this Sunday.
“A big reason we’ve been playing well against a few of our last top sides is because how well we’ve controlled the ball in the back of the field sets, that’s when we’re coming out of our own half,” Rochow told the media at a press conference on Thursday.
However, he doesn’t underestimate the assignment of taking on the team that sits in 6th spot on the table.
“The Warriors are playing well and always have big forward pack,” he said.
“With (Sam) Tomkins and Shaun Johnson, there’s a lot of agility and a lot of speed they play with now, so we have a big job in slowing them down this week.
“There will also be a big emphasis on completing our sets coming out of our yardage.”
As the Knights prepare to tackle the Warriors on home turf, they won't be looking back at their 38-18 defeat in Round 12.
“I’m not looking to the last time we played them, there’s a different 13 this week," Rochow said.
“We’re playing a different type of footy and we’re going to try and have a bit of fun with our football and hopefully play well in front of our home fans."
The team morale is still high after Sunday’s win and the players look forward to another game in front of a home crowd.
“It’s not ideal to win the way we did on the weekend, but it’s a great feeling,” Rochow added.
“We’re tyring to keep it upbeat.
“We’ve had our bad weeks this year so we’re trying to have as much fun as we can on the field."
The 23-year-old received a head knock late in the second half of the game against the Storm and didn’t return to play, but has since been cleared of concussion and deemed fit to play this weekend.
“I did the practical straight after the game and did the CogSport before we trained this week as well, so I’m all fine,” he assured.
The Knights play the Warriors at Hunter Stadium on Sunday at 2pm. Click here to to buy your ticket!
