Forward Korbin Sims says the Newcastle Knights are prepared for a strong game up front when they take on the Canberra Raiders on Sunday.
“We have really worked on our tackle technique and defence this week,” he said.
“Our start and middle ruck is going to be a big focus.
“We've got to be better at working on being an 80-minute football team.”
Following last week’s result against the St George Illawarra Dragons, its an area the side is determined to strengthen before the weekend’s match at GIO Stadium.
“Our middles need to be a lot better and our middle defence, we are leaving too quick a play in the middle,” he said.
“We came in at half time and (coach Nathan) Browny was really disappointed with what we dished up defensive wise.
“We should have won that game.”
It is a challenging road trip but the side has confidence they can match the Raiders' intensity.
“It’s a tough trip down to Canberra and it’s hostile down there, but the boys have got the belief we can win this week and if we go down there we really need to do a job on them,” he said.
“They are starting to push into some form and pushing into the top eight so we have to get one over them.”
Personally, he looks to lead by example up front.
“Defence wise, I have to work on a lot more and have been through my vision…and have been shown a few things to try to fix up this week,” he concluded.
