Bradman Best is certain the Newcastle Knights will erase last weekend’s setback and respond accordingly against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in round four.
After two strong performances to kick off 2026, the Hunter outfit succumbed 38-12 to a red-hot Warriors at McDonald Jones Stadium to slip back to eighth spot on the ladder.
And, even though Justin Holbrook’s team went into the clash without Kalyn Ponga, Dylan Brown and Fletcher Sharpe, many pundits expected a better showing at home, including the side’s star centre.
“It was disappointing,” Best said.
“That wasn’t us, we’ve taken the lessons [from that match] and we’ve reviewed where we went wrong.
“We hit the training paddock this week to fix it.
“So, we’re still very positive and I’m confident in the boys.
“We know what we need to rectify.
“When we made an error, we then gave away a penalty.
“That meant we were doubling down on our mistakes due to our poor discipline.
“You give any team chances like that, especially the Warriors, you pay the price.
“We’ve spoken about it and we’ll fix that up.”
Despite the loss, Best said there was still cause for optimism within the playing ranks… and Newcastle’s fans.
“We showed in rounds one and two what we’re capable of,” he explained.
“So, we’ve got plenty of belief we can do it… we see it every day at training.
“We know our system and we know the foundation that works; it’s now a matter of going out there this weekend and doing it.
“At the end of the day, we created tryscoring opportunities – unfortunately, the execution wasn’t there or it was the last pass which undid us.
“I’m sure the boys will step up.”
Cessnock product Sharpe has been named in the Knights’ squad, as has Maitland junior Cody Hopwood, replacing the suspended Trey Mooney.
“I think everyone’s looking forward to Sharpie’s return, if cleared,” Best said.
“He’s a freak of a player.
“If he gets his knee right, hopefully he’s back out there on the pitch with us.
“I’ve spoken to him; he’s ready to go.
“He may have a few more boxes to tick, but he just wants to play footy.
“Obviously with Trey out, Hoppy (Hopwood) comes into the side.
“He’s a young, hungry lad who loves his footy, too.
“You can tell he wants to build something special, so he’s very passionate.
“They’re the kind of blokes you want alongside you.”
Life doesn’t get any easier for the Newcastle camp with the undefeated Bulldogs waiting in the wings.
The two combatants will lock horns at Accor Stadium on Saturday 28 March.
“We definitely need to begin well,” Best explained.
“Canterbury’s a physical team and they’re good defensively.
“So, going down there [Sydney], a strong start is imperative.
“However, we also need to play our style of footy, our brand, and stick with it for the full 80 minutes.”
For Best himself, he must neutralise the threat of Bulldogs’ skipper Stephen Crichton.
“We all know Critta (Chrichton) is one of the best centres in the game and has been for a while,” he said.
“I’m always excited to go up against him.
“It’s a challenge I relish.
“But, nothing really changes for me… I just need to do my job.
“And, do it well.
“Even though we’re down on troops, it’s about the boys believing in the system and everyone doing their job.
“Because when all the guys do that, it simplifies things.
“So, if we do it as individuals and as a team, then we feed off that.”
Newcastle Knights v Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Round 4 – Saturday 28 March
3pm: Accor Stadium
- Newcastle Knights: Fletcher Hunt, Dominic Young, Dane Gagai, Bradman Best, 5 Greg Marzhew, Fletcher Sharpe, Sandon Smith, Jacob Saifiti, Phoenix Crossland, Tyson Frizell, Dylan Lucas, Jermaine McEwen, Mat Croker; interchange: Thomas Cant, Pasami Saulo, Cody Hopwood, Francis Manuleleua, Tyson Gamble, Harrison Graham; reserves: Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, James Schiller, Wilson De Courcey
- Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: Connor Tracey, Jacob Kiraz, Enari Tuala, Stephen Crichton, Marcelo Montoya, Matt Burton, Lachlan Galvin, Max King, Bailey Hayward, Sitili Tupouniua, Viliame Kikau, Jacob Preston, Jaeman Salmon; interchange: Kurt Mann, Josh Curran, Lipoi Hopoi, Sean O’Sullivan, Jonathan Sua, Fletcher Baker; reserves: Logan Spinks, Jack Underhill, Bronson Xerri
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