David Bhana says the Newcastle Knights intend to focus attention on their own effort approaching a challenging match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
“They have danger all across the park,” he said about the 2015 grand finalists on Friday.
“If we just focus on what we can do well and can bring some aggression in defence and execute well in offence, then we should go well.
"We have to get our things right before we focus on them, but we’ve progressed along nicely over the first seven weeks of the comp and can start to focus more on other little things.
“We are clicking a little better.”
Bhana returns to the fold after recovering from an ankle injury that saw him sidelined for four weeks.
“I’m feeling pretty good…I’m looking forward to being back in the mix,” he said.
"I’m assuming I’ll be feeling it the first 10 minutes or so, but I’ve been doing a lot of work in rehab so I shouldn’t fall off the pace too much."
After the excitement of achieving his NRL debut in Round 1, Bhana admits he viewed his injury setback as terrible timing, but remained in good spirits thanks to encouragement and support of his teammates.
“It roughed me up a little because I haven’t been injured for a while," he said.
“The boys just said, ‘keep your head up, it’s only early in the season and it’s not a season ending injury so stay up with rehab and you’ll be back before you know it’."
Bhana considers his inclusion in the NRL squad this weekend as reward for hard work and commitment since arriving at the Club at the start of the pre-season.
“I obviously impressed in the pre-season and it's just the little things I’ve been doing. Buying into the culture and he’s (coach Nathan Brown) rewarded me with that.
“I’m looking forward to being back."
While he is yet to have his role in the team confirmed, he expects to assume a utility role on Saturday night.
“Lock is my preferred position, but I’ll do anything for the team," he said.
"I like getting into contact first up, but if I come off the bench I will try to bring energy.”
He has no doubt the Broncos boast skill and experience but says the Knights are determined to continue their winning ways after Sunday’s victory.
“They made the grand final last year and have been playing well this year,’ he said when asked about the opposition.
“They have tough forwards and have some skilled halves so if we can stick to the principles in defence and execute well in attack then we’ll be a tough contest for them.
“It’s a good challenge but will be exciting for us.
“I’m looking forward to running up against some of them."
The Newcastle Knights travelled with a squad of 19 to Brisbane on Friday following the side’s final training run at Knights HQ at Wests Mayfield. The Round 7 match against the Brisbane Broncos kicks off at 7.30pm at Suncorp Stadium.
