Versatile back Dane Gagai admits significant improvements need to be made after Saturday’s testing game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The Knights’ have turned their attention inwards as they chase redemption against St George Illawara Dragons at Jubilee Oval on Sunday.
“It all starts with us,” he said.
“We know the Dragons have some big, strong forwards who have good feet.
“Then their backs are just as good.
“What we have to focus on is ourselves instead of worrying too much about what they are going to do.
“At the end of the say you can only control what we do.”
The Knights were tested by the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium with Gagai openly reflecting on the shortcomings of the team’s performance.
“I think they were a bit too fast for us in the rucks and play the balls,” he said.
“In those fourth tackle areas and five tackle penalties, that gave them good ball sets down in their end.
“Defending a team like that and GI (Greg Inglis) coming out the back, they are obviously going to be hard.
“We are making too many unforced errors and giving away too many penalties."
The Queensland Origin representative sees the disappointing result as a lack of consistency rather than effort and desire.
“When I’m out there with the boys I know they are trying their hardest,” he said.
One of the most difficult things for Gagai about the team’s under-par form has been the feeling of letting down the Club’s supporters.
“It’s obviously hard because we are letting the fans down and I guess that’s the toughest part about it because you want to do everything you can for the fans and sponsors who give a lot for us to do what we do,” he said.
“We just have to make sure the last couple of games we play that we minimise those errors and keep ourselves in the game.
“They are obviously a great side, the Rabbits, but we didn’t make it easy on ourselves. We just didn’t have much possession of the ball and when we did, we didn’t do much with it.
“I guess it’s just more frustrating than anything.
“That’s something we can fix though.
“We haven’t been playing our best footy, but when we have, we have proven we can play.
“I think it’s just about getting some consistency."
Gagai has full faith the Club can restore confidence and has a bright future lying ahead.
“That’s why I re-signed here, it’s the young boys that we have in the team,” he said.
“I think Jake Mamo had an unbelievable game for us and the Mata’utia boys are still young.
“I’m only 24 myself and we have Joe Tapine who can still come up and play.
“He has been unbelievable for us when he has chucked on the jersey.
“There is plenty of hope for the future because we have such a young talented team coming through.
“I’m looking forward to that.”
