NSW Cup coach Matt Lantry says improvements made since the Newcastle Knights’ opening round have delivered the desired results with the side posting a 32-16 win over the Newtown Jets on Saturday.
“Last week we were a little bit inconsistent with completing our sets and our defensive attitude wasn’t great,” Lantry said following the match.
“To turn in a decent 80-minute performance in really tough conditions, it was quite hot again, was pleasing.”
It was the team’s speediest members in fullback Nathan Ross and winger Jake Mamo who made a substantial contribution to the Knights’ comfortable win.
“They are both class players and have a lot to offer the team and both players got a brace, so that was nice,” he said.
Lantry was quick to acknowledge the team’s hard working forwards who built the foundations for the backs' performances.
“I think our forwards need to take plenty of credit for that as well. They laid a nice platform and that allows Jake and Nathan Ross to do their stuff out the back,” he added.
Carlos Tuimavave played his first match for the NSW Cup Knights at five-eighth since joining the Club late last year.
“I think Carlos was solid for his first game back and gave us a little bit of control in the halves,” he said.
“We need to tidy up our kicking game in general and Carlos and Danny Kerr are aware of that and make sure our play five options are a little bit tidier than what they were on the weekend.
“I thought all-in-all Carlos had a solid game for the first one back.”
The Knights shift focus to Saturday’s round three match against the Wyong Roos at Morrie Breen Oval.
“I think for us now it’s about consistent performances and putting back-to-back performances together,” he said.
“If guys are going to be knocking on the door for an NRL appearance in a couple of weeks, it’s going to be about consistent performances for individuals, and generally if you’re getting that done, your team is going okay.”
