Determination and fight out on the field were the key to the nib Newcastle Knights’ first home match victory against the Gold Coast Titans last weekend, according to centre Dane Gagai.
Relishing the win, the 26-year-old admits the side got the results they’ve been waiting for.
“We wanted to honour the fans and work hard for each other and make sure we got the two points,” Gagai told Knights TV.
“We’d like to continue that this week and continue to improve but it just comes down to working hard and the boys are definitely doing that.
“I couldn’t be happier with the fight the boys had in them.”
The Knights centre said the Knights side are moving in the right direction.
“We’ve got a group of guys that are buying in and I’m talking about the while squad,” explained Gagai.
“We’ve got a lot of depth in the team and players are pushing for positions and that’s what makes great teams, with the competition amongst the group.”
Especially within the younger playing group in the squad which have been rising to the occasion.
“The young boys have really stepped up which is great to see and be a part of, but we’ve also got a couple of guys in NSW cup who can push for a spot in first grade which keeps everyone on their toes,” Gagai said.
Shifting focus to taking on the South Sydney Rabbitohs this weekend, the focus is on the things the team can control.
“Making sure we get off to a good start, that we don’t slack off in any periods of the game and play for the full 80 minutes,” added Gagai.
“South Sydney have good backs, they’ve got big strong experienced forwards but I believe in our boys and I know the things they can do.
“They have (Adam) Reynolds back and Alex Johnson has been going well in the backs which can change the game but we’ve got to focus on ourselves.
“We need to make sure we play for the full 80 minutes and turn up with a positive attitude and give everything we’ve got.”
Gagai admits it would be great to score this Saturday but playing a supporting role is just as important.
“I’ll always do everything I can to put the team first, it would be good to score some more tries but if it is getting a quick play for someone else to cross the line then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job,” added the Knights centre.
Be at McDonald Jones Stadium to cheer on the Knights this Saturday, gates open at 12 noon with NRL kicking off at 4.30pm.
