Newcastle ISP NSW coach Rory Kostjasyn admits a new-look spine is going to take time to gel.
Brock Lamb returned from a fractured cheekbone in last week's loss to Wyong and looking to build on his combination with Jersey Flegg half Hayden Loughrey.
This Sunday's clash with the Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium gives Lamb the opportunity to continue to not only build on a solid showing last week but click with his teammates.
"Brock did some good things," Kostjasyn said.
"He kicked the ball nicely and earned us a fair few repeat sets.
"His first time playing alongside a lot of the guys, we struggled for any cohesion in attack.
"I'm hoping this week we can be a lot slicker in attack."
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While the Knights have several players with first grade experience in their side, the Warriors are filled with NRL talents.
The likes of Blake Ayshford, Mason Lino, Albert Vete and Ligi Sao have been named for the clash which only reinforces Kostjasyn's message to tighten up their defence.
"I haven't looked too much at the Warriors," he said.
"I'm more focused on us and our attitude towards defending.
"We took a step in the right direction last week.
"I want us to build on our second half from last week. Our intensity and energy in defence took a step in the right direction and we only conceded one try in the second half.
"we need to be able to do that from the start of the game, not when the games already gone.
"I'll be looking for that similar effort, desperation in defence and intensity in defence to start the game."
Sunday June 17 – Round 15
ISP NSW kick-off: 11.45am
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium
Team
1. Nick Meaney, 2. Tom Hughes, 3. Matt Allwood, 4. Brent Naden, 5. Thomas Cronan, 6. Hayden Loughrey, 7. Brock Lamb, 8. Tyrone Amey, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Pasami Saulo, 11. Sam Stone, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Zac Hosking. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Jirah Momoisea, 16. Pat Mata'utia, 17. Beau Fermor, 18. Bobby Treacy, 19. Tori Freeman-Quay
