After a light field session at McDonald Jones Stadium for Captain’s Run on Friday morning, nib Newcastle Knights forward Jacob Saifiti says he’s looking forward to the Round 19 clash with the Brisbane Broncos.
“It was a good, smooth, clean and pretty crisp training session and we’re ready to go tomorrow,” Saifiti stated.
On a positive note, the Broncos have announced that they will be without Origin stars Matt Gillett and Josh McGuire.
But there will be an early return for mercurial five-eighth Anthony Milford, who suffered a shoulder injury last month.
“The Broncos are a top four team so it will be a challenge for us younger boys,” explained Saifiti.
“I'm not expecting anything less than what they’ve been tossing out this year.”
The twin admitted it is hard to identify any one particular danger point.
“It's hard because they are good all around the park.
“Their centres especially with (James) Roberts and (Tautau) Moga, they’re pretty strong.
“And then they are especially strong in the middle, so we’re going to have to take it to them and do what we have been doing in the first half and get on the front foot early.”
After last week’s disappointing loss, Saifiti said the Knights are keen to put in a solid performance on home soil.
“Last week was very tough, probably the toughest loss I’ve had since I’ve been in grade... but those types of losses really motivate us and we’ll be using that to bring it tomorrow,” he said.
“I am looking forward to the challenge…. I always like playing against a tough opposition and they don’t come much tougher than the Broncos."