As the nib Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the New Zealand Warriors this Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium, forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon admits it is another big challenge.
“We always know they’re going to be a tough side coming across here but we’re just focusing on getting our roles individually right so we can get the points,” he said after Friday’s captain’s run.
“They are a big pack, although our pack has stepped up and gone to another level over the last few weeks.
“The boys won’t be intimidated up front, so hopefully we can get over them.”
Fitzgibbon maintains after last week’s win, they will be feeling a boost in confidence.
“It is a big confidence game, it’s in between the ears a lot of the time,” stated Fitzgibbon.
“It is physical but it’s also a battle of the mental game, so once you do have a couple of good games, as a team the belief is there."
For Fitzgibbon personally, he hopes to continue his strong form against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.
“I feel as though I have established myself,” the 23-year-old said.
“I can’t get complacent though, Reserve Grade aren’t going too bad either and there’s always boys jumping at the bit to try and get a run.
“These last five rounds I am happy with how I’ve been going and the last 12 to 14 weeks has been unreal."
Meanwhile, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Jack Cogger drop from the 21-man squad named for tomorrow's match against the Warriors. Chanel Mata'utia moves onto the wing for Kenny-Dowall, who is ruled out due to hamstring tightness.
Footy action remains at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday for Retro Round. NYC kick-off at 12.45pm before NRL at 3pm.
