Reserve Grade Newcastle Knights forward Pat Mata’utia will be back in the side for the semi-finals clash against the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.
“It will be a tough game this week,” said Mata’utia.
“I will just be doing my part to help the boys get the win, working on my defence.”
The 24-year-old maintains the Warriors strength will be mainly through the middle.
“They have got some big boys in there and I think we’re going to have to muscle up with our middles and try and stop them in their tracks from making more metres,” explained Mata’utia.
“The boys got a big score line last week and that is great motivation for week two of finals.”
After a depleted side last week, including the absence of himself, Mata’utia admits it will be great to get some of their big men back.
“Getting Mickey (Paea) and Tyrone (Amey) is a bonus for us,” stated Mata’utia.
“They have a lot of experience, especially Mickey and getting them back in Reserve Grade this week will be a good opportunity for us to grind out their middles.
ISP encounter the Warriors at Kogarah on Sunday, kick-off is 7.05pm.
