nib Newcastle Knights forward Mitch Barnett is glad to get his 2017 try-scoring account up and running after two impressive tries in the win over the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.
In just ten minutes he doubled his total NRL tally, running over from a Brock Lamb pass first and then muscling his way over next to the posts in the ninth minute.
“It's always good to get over the line and I don’t get many, so I was stoked to get that but happy that we got the win,” Barnett said.
“There were a few things I could have done better but I'm just stoked to get the win and if I can just keep working on finishing off strong, I’ll be happy.”
That back-to-back feeling hasn’t been felt for a while at the Knights, in fact the last time was in 2015, which after the double, was the icing on the cake for Barnett.
“Everyone is obviously feeling very good,” commented Barnett.
“It is the first time we’ve done that in a while so we’ve taken a lot out of that and the boys have really enjoyed it but now we need to switch on ready for Friday night.”
Despite the win, Barnett maintains they still have to fix up a few facets of their game.
“We are all starting to learn a few lessons that we didn’t learn earlier on in the year,” stated Barnett.
“We have still got a long way to go and can’t get ahead of ourselves.
“We are not making as many errors and we’re showing up defensively and our scramble defence has been outstanding the last few weeks.
“We are getting a fair share of possession which is helping a lot.”
Set to take on the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on Friday, Barnett knows it will be a big task for the Knights.
“I think Parramatta have won their last six so they are on a roll,” he said.
“We are going to have to show up and we’ll need to take the positives out of the last two weeks.
“It is always a goal just to get a win anywhere but if we can get a win on the road, it will give the boys confidence heading into the last few weeks.
“Hopefully we can continue to get the results, but we’ve got to continue to work hard at training and on the little things."
Meanwhile, the Knights forward is disappointed to lose fullback Nathan Ross after he suffered a back injury in the second half against the Warriors.
“I have sent him a message and he’s really positive that the injury is not as bad as what it could have been,” said Barnett.
“He’s a strong character and he’ll get in and do his rehab when he has to and he’ll be back next year bigger and better.
“He is a massive loss, he brings together all of the boys off the field just through his talk and his laughter and on the field, he is such a dynamic player, brings the ball back strong and has sorted out our defensive line really well.
“We are going to miss it and it’s unfortunate but I’m sure whoever steps into his role will do the job.”
