Interim head coach Danny Buderus says the ability to win the possession war against the Sydney Roosters will be the core focus for the Newcastle Knights when they face up against the third-place side on Sunday.
“What you need against the Roosters, you need an even amount of time with the ball,” he said on Tuesday.
“You can’t make elementary mistakes and give teams a chance, otherwise you’re defending your line for five minutes or you're conceding a try.
“We have to be discipline with and without the ball.”
Described as title favorites by Buderus, the Sydney Roosters are in flying form with a string of wins leading them into Round 22.
“We know were up against a big challenge this week against an outfit that’s probably hitting its straps at the right end of the year,” he said.
“It will be a big game and a big week for the team.
“It’s a challenge and the boys have to see it that way.
“It will be a fight and they are coming up here to not only win but to win pretty well.
"Their team is pretty big and aggressive in the middle and a title favourite team, but our guys will be right to go."
Buderus assures it’s not a challenge beyond the Knights who are desperate to rebuild and improve in the back end of the season.
“We are positive and we are up for the fight,” he said.
“We have a few things up our sleeve that we can call upon.
“We have nothing to lose this week and so much to gain.”
Buderus implored Knights Members and fans to come out in support as the team strives for a win at home.
“Hopefully our fans can come along and be our 18th man,” he said.
“We need them all there. To come up against the Roosters team, if we have a really big crowd there it will be fantastic.”
