Shaun Kenny-Dowall believes good foundations built for Pearce return
Good foundations have been built since the departure of Mitchell Pearce, following his injury in Round 7.
That's according to nib Newcastle Knights winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall, who believes Pearce's comeback will add those final touches needed.
"We've been pretty competitive but just to add those final touches with the experience that he has will be good for the team," said Kenny-Dowall.
Project Pearce
"He's really pumped, he's spent a lot of time out on the sidelines and we know what he means to this team, so we're all excited to welcome him back in the side."
The dynamic outside back admits the return of their captain will bring renewed energy to the squad.
His presence back on the field bringing confidence and belief.
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"He's definitely our on-field leader. He leads the boys around the park and comes up with the right plays at the right time," Kenny-Dowall explained.
"He's our captain and we're really looking forward to having his presence out there.
"We'll just take it one game at a time, the old cliché, and that's what we're doing thinking about the process not the outcome."
It was just six weeks ago the Knights encountered the Parramatta Eels.
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Unlike some of their last matches, this was one the players have been happy to remember.
They downed the Eels 30-4 in what Kenny-Dowall has described as one of their best games of the season.
He's hopeful they can replicate that.
"We thought we played one of our best games against Parramatta a few weeks ago so we know what we're capable of and we want to put it together on Friday night," he said.
"We put out almost an 80-minute performance against them last time and we'll take a lot of confidence out of that.
"I think the bye has given us a good chance to re-freshen, with a few niggling injuries that were hanging around, and it gives the injured boys a couple of weeks to get back, ready to go again for this week."
