Despite the excitement of Saturday's round two victory, nib Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown knows it is important to build on the performance.
It starts in defence.
“It is great that we’ve started really well... but we could have worked a little bit smarter or harder in some key areas... but we are a developing team,” Brown explained.
“We need to improve our kick defence, there’s one or two little things defensively.
“What we want them to do is get some confidence out of the win and the good feeling of winning and see the reasons why they won the game.
“Winning in the NRL is hard to do it week in, and week out.”
Asked about his favourite moment from the win, Brown said it was the reaction following Nathan Ross' try minutes before the siren.
“Seeing how the crowd were, the smiles on all the players’ faces, that was pleasing,” the coach said.
Meanwhile, there were no major injuries to report from the match.
“There were one or two minor injuries, Brock Lamb with concussion but he could of went back on the field, that should be fine and Danny Levi came off with a little bit of a tight hamstring and he went back on the field so hopefully they’re all okay,” added Brown.
Brown’s attention has quickly turned to the side’s Round 3 clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“Coming into South Sydney where the first week they lost Greg Inglis, which was an unhappy week, and then on the weekend they got their game together against Manly,” said Brown.
“They now have (Adam) Reynolds back and the Burgess boys, so some very good players and Robbie Farah seems to be finding his way well.
“We’re going to have a side that is, apart from Greg Inglis, pretty healthy, they received a few bumps and bruises but they’re still a very good side and we need to be mindful that it’s hard to back up winning.
“The consistency is going to be a real key and being able to keep some experience and similar combinations on the field will play a part which is the same for all clubs.”
All three grades are in action at McDonald Jones Stadium this Saturday. Gates open at 12 noon, with the NRL match kicking off at 4.30pm.
