Daniel Saifiti believes it will be a big test for the nib Newcastle Knights through the middle when they take on the Sydney Roosters on Good Friday.
“They are definitely one of the better packs in the comp,” commented Saifiti.
“Being a young pack coming through, it will be a big test for us in the middle and on the edges.
“We have definitely matched most teams in the middle, besides that Panthers game.
“Last week against the Bulldogs we were with them for a bit and only slipped at the end so we can definitely take confidence out of each week.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than the Roosters and we will take away confidence from matching them and it will put us in god stead for weeks to come.”
Saifiti feels they’ll be ready for any suggested bullying tactics the Roosters might impose.
“I feel like it might have worked last year but I’m 20 games in now and like I can get my rhythm and do my best for the team,” added Saifiti.
“They have got big forwards, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Boyd Cordner, representative forwards, they’ll try to but we’ll do our best in the middle.
“They have big imposing players but I definitely think we’re a better forward pack than last year, we’ll try our best to stop their momentum.”
The Knights forward feels a bit more discipline would serve them well.
“If we picked up in some areas we could have got away with some wins so hopefully we pick it up this week and come away with the two points,” Saifiti said.
“It is frustrating knowing that we could have won a few games and be high up on the ladder but we can’t focus on the past, just focus on this weekend and putting in a good performance.
“Not just myself but the team, we’ve come a long way and that helps my confidence as a player.
“We are definitely prepared, that’s for sure.”
Two grades will be in action at McDonald Jones Stadium on Good Friday. NYC kick-off at 3.45pm before NRL at 6pm.
