Presser Points: Read what coach Adam O'Brien had to say after our dominant Rd 1 victory

Nib Newcastle Knights head coach Adam O'Brien fronted the media after his team's strong 32-16 win over Canterbury in Round 1 at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Here's a few takeaways from Adam O'Brien's press conference.

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TEAM PERFORMANCE

The side ran in five tries to three in a dominant opening display.

Daniel Saifiti was instrumental in his 100th game while new recruits Tyson Frizell and Sauaso Sue played pivotal roles.

After losing Kurt Mann early due to injury and trading the lead with the Dogs in the first half, the side wrestled back control in wet conditions.

Coach O'Brien said he was jubilant with the opening performance.

"We're really happy, very happy for Daniel (Saifiti) and the debutants Jesse (Sauaso) Sue and Tyson (Frizell), I thought they were outstanding and happy for all the people who had to sit through that downpour at the start," O'Brien said.

"It was a tough performance, we knew it would have to be. After losing Kurt early it was going to make things even tougher so I thought we showed plenty of grit.

"Daniel done everything that I knew he would, that's who he is and that's how he's approached he's training. We call him the Alpha Male and he certainly showed that."

LEADING OUT THE TEAM

What a day for Daniel Saifiti!

After leading out his boyhood club, the prop scored two tries in his 100th game and led from the front in the middle of the park.

Co-captaining with Jayden Brailey, Saifiti amassed 174 running metres in only 56 minutes of football.

Daniel described the feeling of leading out the team to the media.

"I got goosebumps running out," Saifiti said.

"I've never been captain of any team in. For Adam to choose me out of all the boys is special and something I don't take lightly.

"It's crazy to think about it now and the win is the cherry on top."

PLENTY OF STANDOUTS

Coach O'Brien was full of praise for his outfit for a complete team performance.

Jayden Brailey returning from injury was dynamic from dummy-half while Mitchell Pearce was clinical at halfback.

A play from Connor Watson at the end of the game also drew high praise from the head coach.

"I thought in the early parts of the second half in particular where both sides (were close). Jayden made a decision to run and I thought he was decisive and for 80 minutes, right in the middle, I thought he done a really good job," O'Brien said.

"I thought (Mitchell Pearce) was excellent. I thought he managed the game really well and he kicked well, defended well and played like a guy who wanted to get out there and rip in with his mates.

"Connor's try-saver when the game was put to bed, that's what we want to build our game on and thought there was plenty of toughness from us.