The nib Newcastle Knights have travelled to the Sunshine State in readiness for their Round 11 clash with the North Queensland Cowboys tomorrow at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Coach Adam O'Brien and key players Mitch Barnett, Daniel Saifiti and Jayden Brailey spoke to the media as the side prepared for the game on the Sunshine Coast.
After a disappointing loss to the Tigers, the team has switched focus and Coach O'Brien says it's been a quality lead-up.
"We have had a productive camp," O'Brien said.
"It was an ideal time for us to get away and get some solid reviews done after the (Tigers) performance.
"The black cloud that followed us after the first 24 to 48 hours (after the Tigers game) is starting to disappear.
"The boys are excited about their football."
AOB: Review of Tigers match, dealing with pressure and KP update
After an up and down period of form, leaving the team in 11th, the side welcomes the next challenge and a much-needed win against the Cowboys.
The Coach also talked about accountability and dealing with pressure.
"The pressure sits squarely with me," O'Brien continued.
"We review everything, everyday regardless of result.
"It's my job to fix it."
Mitch Barnett also spoke ahead of the game after appearing in his milestone 100th game in the NRL last Friday.
The forward will don the No.13 jumper in the Cowboys game and will look to add his renowned physicality.
Although our enforcer also spoke about the crackdown on head-high infringements and the necessity to get the tackles correct.
"We've got to get our technique right," Barnett said.
"That's what we train for everyday.
"Making contact with the head can sometimes accidentally happen, but some (from the weekend) were warranted I thought so as long as they're consistent with it."
Barnett: Attention to detail on tackle technique and Cowboys challenge
A huge battle will take place in the middle of the park between our co-captain Daniel Saifiti and Cowboys captain Jason Taumalolo.
Two of the best forwards in the competition will go toe-to-toe in a riveting encounter which could go a long way to deciding the match's outcome.
Saifiti says the team will need to be at their very best to stop the former Dally M medal winner from North Queensland.
"He's (Taumalolo) one of the best forwards in the game so it's going to be a big challenge for us there in the middle," Saifiti said.
"He dominated us last year and pretty much won them the game.
"We got plenty of motivation this week after a bad performance, although I don't think that's our problem, it's being a consistent footy team week in, week out."
Fellow co-captain Jayden Brailey also spoke about the need to recapture consistency within execution and performance.
Brailey: Preparation on the Sunshine Coast and fixing inconsistencies
"Being an NRL side, you've got to be consistent on a weekly basis as it's a long season," Brailey said.
"Deep down we know what we're capable of.
"We've got a lot of excitement moving forward to change the results and show what sort of team we really are."
