Jamie Buhrer can’t deny the nib Newcastle Knights are labelled underdogs but his feelings are, why not embrace it.
“We can’t help but feed off the underdog status because we’ve always got one so you’ve got to embrace it in a sense,” explained Buhrer.
“Winning in round two against the odds is something that everyone enjoyed and until we can consistently win games on the trot, we’ll be underdogs. “
The Knights forward admits the Penrith Panthers have been playing some high-quality football so far this season and Friday’s match won’t be an exception.
“It will be difficult for us at Pepper Stadium, I’m sure they’ll get a good crowd out,” commented Buhrer.
“From here on though, every game is going to be difficult and I think we’ve shown in the first three weeks, we’re physically capable of matching it with some of the bigger and better teams.
“We’ve got an opportunity this weekend to continue that.”
Buhrer praised the improvement he’s seen in the side each week, especially being generated from the younger players.
“They are capable of competing physically and fitness wise and they’ve got the skills required to compete in the NRL,” Buhrer said.
“Last year was difficult for a lot of them but now it’s a much more hardened squad.
“The way we’ve played in the last three weeks we are gathering confidence.”
While much talk has surrounded the battle of the halves on Friday Buhrer maintains the Panthers have weapons all over the park.
“They have a very strong middle with (James) Tamou, he adds a bit more strength, (Peter) Wallace is an experienced nine and you have (Tyrone) Peachy out wide,” Buhrer added.
“That’s not even mentioning (Matt) Moylan at the back so it’s a difficult one.”
Buhrer believes the Knights will need to tidy up their completion rate this weekend to be effective.
“Last weekend just wasn’t good enough, so if we can complete up near 75-80 percent and do our job in the middle, by the end of the game we’re going to be within a great show of winning,” said Buhrer.
“The way we’ve competed and steadily improved the first three weeks is something we hope to continue.
“I’m sure Penrith will want to come out and put on a show for their fans and it’s our job to go over there and spoil it and that’s exactly what we want to do.”
NYC and NRL action will be at Pepper Stadium Friday night, NYC kick off at 3.45pm before NRL at 6pm.
YOU CAN MAKE A BID FOR JAMIE'S MATCH WORN MARVEL JERSEY AND HEADGEAR HERE - ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE MARK HUGHES FOUNDATION
