The loss of Edrick Lee to a broken arm is huge.
Fellow winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall knows that.
Lee has enjoyed a career best season, so breaking his arm in last week’s win over Brisbane was a cruel blow.
But one man’s loss is another’s gain.
“It’s a shame to see Edrick go down, but it opens up the door and someone else gets an opportunity to fill his role,” Kenny-Dowall said.
Injury Report: Lee injury blow, Ponga update, Levi return
“I think he’s such an integral part of the team and he’s been playing some great rugby league. Probably the most consistent and best he’s been playing in the NRL.”
Lee broke his arm in the first carry of the game, playing on for 18 minutes and scoring a try with the injury before leaving the field.
It was an inspirational showing from the winger.
“I know it’s a great effort to push through the pain barrier to get a try it probably held us in good stead,” he said.
'I just thought, this is actually about to happen'
“It’s very unfortunate for him.”
Missing Daniel Saifiti, Tim Glasby and now David Klemmer to State of Origin, the Knights will test their depth against the Warriors this weekend.
Jacob Saifiti comes into the starting side for the first time this season, while the backline has been shuffled as a result of injuries to Kalyn Ponga and Lee.
“I think the blue-print has been laid out over the last eight weeks,” he said.
“We know what it takes as a side and a club to win football games and I think that’s very clear for the next person stepping into the role. We just have to find a way to get it done.”
At home on Saturday night, the Knights are playing for back-to-back wins at McDonald Jones Stadium and anticipate a bumper crowd for the occasion.
But the Warriors aren’t a team that can be taken lightly.
With the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and try scoring ace Ken Maumalo to worry about, Kenny-Dowall knows he’s in for a tough night.
“I think he’s always a handful every game he plays,” Kenny-Dowall said of Maumalo.
“He’s such a big body and he hits the sets off to a great start. I think we handled him pretty well last game.
“Him and Roger (Tuivasa-Sheck) are going to be main targets for them and I think if we can stop them then we’ll go a long way to winning the game.”
