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Kostjasyn: 'We need to earn back some pride'

The Newcastle Knights ISP side would rather forget the last time they met the Mounties.

A whopping 62-0 score line stung badly back in Round 13.

He may not have been coach at that time of the season, but Rory Kostjasyn admits it was an embarrassing outing.

So, their one goal this Friday... earn back some pride.

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"Last time we played them wasn't a pleasant experience for us, it was really disappointing," Kostjasyn said.

"The time we played them, first grade, Canberra being the feeder side had a bye, so they had quite a stacked team.

"This time they've got a few changes, but it is good because we need to earn some respect back."

He's hoping the return of handy fullback Nick Meaney from NRL duties will give his side a boost.

"It will be good to have Means back who has some experience at NRL level now so looking forward to seeing him back in my side," he said.

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While ISP suffer the loss of Cory Denniss to first grade, Mitch Andrews again gets the nod from the 20s.

"Last time he played for us, he fractured his wrist in the first few seconds of the game and then stayed on and played the whole 80 minutes and we ended up winning that game so a really tough kid," Kostjasyn added.

"He's worked his way back from that injury now so definitely deserves another opportunity at ISP level."

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The loss of quality front rower JJ Felise is expected to be felt.

The former Tiger has been named on the NRL bench to make his Club debut.

Although, Kostjasyn has confidence in the players coming in.

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"Obviously when you lose a quality front rower, it always hurts your side a little bit but confident the guys we have coming in will be able to do their job," Kostjasyn maintained.

"Pasami (Saulo) is going really well, progressing every week and anything we're asking him to work on, he's doing."

Meanwhile, Zac Hosking was rested last week and is back in the starting no. 13.

"He had a shoulder complaint last week, so it is good seeing him back on the field," he said.

"He has been a really important part of our side in the middle, gets through a huge amount of defensive work and gets to pass the ball a little bit as a ball playing middle which helps our attack."

This is the ISP side's last home game at McDonald Jones Stadium, with a bye in round 25.

Kostjasyn is hopeful his men take the opportunity to turn the tables on a dismal result following their last encounter.


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And, despite not a chance to make finals, look at the bigger picture.

"It's nice to win and win competitions but for the 20s and ISP, it's about developing themselves as players as well as a team and learning how to play at another higher level," stated Kostjasyn.

"It's when you get an opportunity to go up to NRL level, you've got some foundations there that will help you have some success at the highest level possible."

Team
1.Nick Meaney, 2. Tom Hughes, 3. Matt Allwood, 4. Mitch Andrews, 5. Brent Naden, 6. Jack Cogger, 7. Brock Lamb, 8. Pasami Saulo, 9. Chris Randall, 10. Luke Yates, 11. Sam Stone, 12. Brodie Jones, 13. Zac Hosking. Interchange. 14. Christian Hazard, 15. Junior Roqica, 16. Pat Mata'utia, 17. Tyrone Amey, 18. Jack Johns, 19. Bobby Treacy.

Friday, August 3 – Round 21 ISP
Newcastle Knights v Mounties
ISP kick-off: 3.45pm
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium