nib Newcastle Knights Head Coach, Adam O'Brien, spoke to the media ahead of our big clash with the Brisbane Broncos tomorrow night.
After an impressive performance against the Raiders, the Knights have turned their focus to backing up and performing well against the Brisbane outfit.
O'Brien discussed how they've handled the four day turnaround, his decision behind resting Jayden Brailey and the special reuniting of families last week.
THE QUICK TURNAROUND
"The boys are very professional in terms of their recovery," O'Brien said.
"I think they're excited by the challenge.
"It was physical and mental (recovery), we didn't overload them with a heap of video.
"We did a brief review (after the Raiders game) and it was all about getting them into ice baths and into pools.
"We've trained really well this morning and had some intensity in that.
"Look at our swimmers, they're standing on that podium and not too long after that they're qualifying for the next event.
"So that's similar for us with the Raiders (result), happy with the win but we're onto the next game.
"There will be no excuses from us, we'll be ready to go.
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RESTING JAYDEN BRAILEY
"The one thing I know about Chris Randall is he keeps himself extremely fit," O'Brien said.
"He done the job for 90 per cent of the season last year so it's not foreign to us, we know what Randy brings. He's a tough competitor and has earned the right.
"I don't feel any sort of unease about giving Jayden (Brailey) a rest and bringing Randy in.
"That's not understating what Brails gives us but he has played every game bar 30 minutes.
"To ask him to play in the middle would have been a test after a four day turnaround."
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REUNITED WITH FAMILIES
"It's given us a bit of an energy boost," O'Brien said.
"Not only for the guys that are attached to those families, the single guys who are up here on their own gave them an energy boost.
"Having the kids here, I have tough time keeping Connor and Kalyn away from running all the kids activities. They've been amazing.
"I think it's a great from the NRL to allow us to have that support network here."
