Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien admits his team was “red-lining” when they hit last year’s finals series but is adamant they are better positioned this time around.
The Knights crashed out in the first week of the 2020 play-offs, capitulating from 14-0 up against South Sydney early to be beaten 40-26.
It came in their first finals series in seven years, but while playing with a bruised and battered Kalyn Ponga at fullback and without their two first-choice hookers.
Newcastle has again battled injuries for the majority of this season, struggling to get their main spine on the park together at the same time.
However, with two games to go, they are virtually assured seventh spot and are poised to have close to their best 17 on the park come the opening week of the finals.
“We’re still capable of more,” O’Brien said.
“I don’t think I could have said that last year.
“I thought we were probably red-lining towards the end of last year and the tank was empty.
“I don’t think the tank is anywhere near empty with this team.
“We can keep getting better.
“We are running out of time with that.
“But, our training standards haven’t wavered, they’ve increased.”
Newcastle is yet to lose a game with Mitchell Pearce and Jake Clifford starting in the halves together, winning five from five.
Ponga and Pearce also have a 4-0 record together this year.
However, there are still problems for Newcastle.
They were far from convincing in last week’s 22-16 win over Canterbury, while David Klemmer will miss the clash with the Gold Coast through suspension.
His absence will only further challenge their front-row depth, given NSW State of Origin prop Daniel Saifiti is not expected to return from injury until the finals.
But, there is still some silver lining in their pack this weekend, with Tyson Frizell to make his comeback from a back injury.
“Certainly his experience (will be big) but what he gives with and without the ball, too,” O’Brien said.
“He is a hard guy to handle.
“To welcome him back to the team when we have a couple of young guys coming in, it will be a benefit as well.”
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS V GOLD COAST TITANS
Date: Thursday 26 August
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Kick-off: 7.50pm
TEAMS
Newcastle Knights (coach Adam O’Brien): 1. Kalyn Ponga (c), 2. Enari Tuala, 3. Kurt Mann, 4. Bradman Best, 5. Hymel Hunt, 6. Jake Clifford, 7. Mitchell Pearce, 8. Sauaso Sue, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Jacob Saifiti, 11. Tyson Frizell, 12. Mitch Barnett, 13. Connor Watson. Interchange: 14. Brodie Jones, 15. Chris Randall , 16. Josh King, 17. Jirah Momoisea. Extended bench: 19. Pasami Saulo, 21. Phoenix Crossland
Gold Coast Titans (coach Justin Holbrook): 1. Jayden Campbell, 2. Phillip Sami, 3. Brian Kelly, 4. Patrick Herbert, 5. Corey Thompson, 6. Tyrone Peachey, 7. Jamal Fogarty, 8. Jarrod Wallace, 9. Mitch Rein, 10, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Beau Fermor, 13. Sam McIntyre. Interchange: 14. Erin Clark, 15. David Fifita, 16. Moeaki Fotuaika, 17. Jaimin Joliffe. Extended bench: 18. Toby Sexton, 19. Sam Lisone
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