There is one key word in Newcastle Knights forward Josh King’s vocabulary: consistency.
And, that’s what he’s hoping his team delivers when they tackle the New Zealand Warriors in round two of the NRL at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, on Friday 19 March.
The Knights, buoyed by an impressive 32-16 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the season opener last week, face an outfit who upset the highly-fancied Gold Coast Titans 19-6 in its first outing for 2021.
“I didn’t see much of that match but the Warriors are a very strong side,” King said.
“Everyone knows that.
“They’ve got a big forward pack and a big back three who bring the ball out.
“It will be a huge challenge for us up front to be able to control them.
“However, consistency, as a team, is also important.
“Last year, we’d come out and play unbelievable.
“Then the next week we wouldn’t be able to back it up.
“We’ve got to learn to not ride the rollercoaster and remain consistent every game.”
King, along with the likes of skipper Daniel Saifiti, David Klemmer, Mitch Barnett, Tyson Frizell, Jacob Saifiti and Sauaso Sue, laid the platform for the Knight’s 16-point triumph in an authoritative display.
“You always want to be dominant in matches,” the Singleton Greyhounds junior said.
“Just look at Klemmer, playing 73 minutes straight.
“Then D-Saf (Saifiti) ran a heap of metres, too, and scored two tries.
“Jesse (Sue) and Jacob (Saifiti) were unbelievable up front.
“They really led the way for the entire team.
“But, it was good to be out there, playing again.
“Every time we play at home (McDonald Jones Stadium), it’s always an incredible atmosphere – especially the members and fans who showed up in the torrential rain [on Friday].
“We were happy to get the win and happy the footy’s back.”
For King, himself, the encounter with the Bulldogs was also a personal milestone for the front-rower.
“Every year I’ve played, it’s been a goal of mine to be in that starting 17 for round one,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“So, to finally achieve that was great.
“I put a fair bit of work in last season during the COVID-19 break.
“So, I really think I earned my spot this time.
“Consistency’s been a big thing for me – to play week-to-week.
“That’s the sign of a good NRL player; being able to show up every week and put in your best performance.
“That’s definitely my focus.
“I’m confident at the moment – and feel really good.
“There’s no reason I can’t put in a strong effort every week.”
Round two line-ups:
Newcastle Knights –
1. Tex Hoy, 2. Starford Toa, 3. Enari Tuala, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Kurt Mann, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. David Klemmer, 9. Jayden Brailey (C), 10. Daniel Saifiti (C), 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Connor Watson. Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue, 15. Jacob Saifiti, 16. Josh King, 17. Brodie Jones. Extended bench: 18. Phoenix Crossland, 19. Pasami Saulo, 20. Dom Young, 21. Gehamat Shibasaki
New Zealand Warriors –
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (C), 2. David Fusitu’a, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Peta Hiku, 5. Ken Maumalo, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Chanel Harris-Tevita, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 11. Eliesa Katoa, 12. Bayley Sironen, 13. Tohu Harris. Interchange: 14. Jazz Tevaga, 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 16. Leeson Ah Mau, 17. Bunty Afoa. Extended bench: 18. Marcello Montoya, 20. Sean O’Sullivan, 21. Tom Ale, 22. Jack Murchie
DETAILS
Date: Friday 19 March
Venue: Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Gates: 3.30pm
NSW Cup: 3.45pm
Kick-off: 6pm
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