Reserve Grade Newcastle Knights utility Will Pearsall says he’s enjoying being back in the halves and hopes to again form an intimidating combination with Jack Cogger for this Sunday’s semi-final against the New Zealand Warriors.
“I like playing with Coggs,” said Pearsall.
“I have played a little bit with him throughout the year but I also enjoy playing hooker, it doesn’t bother me as long as I’m on the field somewhere.”
Fielding a depleted side against the North Sydney Bears last weekend, the ISP side will almost be back to full strength.
“It will be really good getting everyone back,” Pearsall commented.
“Obviously, with first grade finishing last week and them not making the finals, we’ll get a few boys back including Mickey (Paea) and Tyrone (Amy) after his debut, so he’ll be pretty confident and a few other lads that really add to the team.
“It just shows how good our depth is and everyone understands their role even if they haven’t played in weeks or have played all throughout the year.”
The Knights utility knows the Warriors will have size to their advantage.
“They are really big throughout the middle, across their whole side really but they get tired at the back end of the half so we can wear them out early on and go straight to the middle,” Pearsall explained.
“You generally get the same with every Warriors team, they’re pretty big throughout the whole park and a lot of bash and barge so we just have to wear that.”
While it will be a battle all over the field, Pearsall maintains a solid defensive effort will be the key.
“Definitely defence wins the game,” he stated.
“We have been pretty good with our attack lately so you need to have a good balance.
“It is all about defence late in the halves especially when you start to get tired.
“How well you can defend your line, when you’re on your goal line are major keys.”
Reserve Grade take on the Warriors at Jubilee Oval on Sunday, kick-off is at 7.05pm.
