There’s no bigger test than coming up against the Premiers of the previous season, but Chris Houston said the Newcastle Knights embrace the chance to challenge themselves against the benchmark of the competition.
The Knights hit the road to take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night carrying the confidence of last weekend’s win.
“There’s no secret with Souths, they have a great big forward pack. They try and test you in the middle,” he said after the team's final training session on Friday.
“Then there’s their class on the edges so they have strike all over the field.
“I think stopping their big boys will be our first priority.”
With the Rabbitohs sitting fourth on the ladder, the veteran forward views the opposition as the ultimate test.
“Being the premiers from last year, that’s always a big challenge," he said.
“But I suppose it’s an easy game to get yourselves up for because you want to test yourselves against the benchmark.
“It’s going to be big challenge.”
Yet the Knights are in a favourable position leading into the match after a morale-boosting win over the Gold Coast Titans at home.
“We have got plenty of work in this week and a bit of a shorter session there today,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get on a bit of a roll."
One of the most noticeable differences this week has been the positive atmosphere around Knights HQ.
“It’s definitely a happier place this week and a long time since their last win,” he said.
“It’s been fun like footy is meant to be. We’ve been continuing to work hard, that hasn’t change, but everyone is smiling.”
The Knights travel to Sydney on Friday afternoon, with Dane Gagai confirmed to play. More team news is available HERE.
