Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley says the team refuses to show complacency against a Brisbane Broncos side who come to town this week minus their Origin stars.
Instead they strive to go the extra mile and channel the same type of defensive effort displayed in their first four successful rounds when they return to Hunter Stadium on Monday night.
“We’re not talking about the depleted Broncos,” Gidley told the media on Friday.
“We’ve seen it in the past during this time of the year, they are still a strong team and have some guys that seem to push through.
“It’s certainly not a week to be complacent, that’s for sure.
“We don’t want to underestimate them this week.
“It’s an important game, every week is important.”
Newcastle’s Round 10 win against the Wests Tigers couldn’t have come at a better time and has lifted the team’s spirits as they prepare to face stiff opposition.
“It was a tough win on the weekend but one that we needed,” he said.
“We don’t want to have a good win last week and drop off again this week.
“We had a pretty ordinary five weeks before the Tigers game, so we need to get back on track and last week was a step towards that.”
It’s clear to the veteran skipper that the key to the Knights’ success is a resilient and courageous attitude.
“Defensively I thought we were back to how we were in the first month and I think that’s a pleasing thing,” he said.
“We didn’t win any possession in the first month, yet we were still winning games.
“That was put down to our defence and desperation.
“We spoke about being proactive in defence and we did that last week against the Tigers.
“Last week was a must win game and this week is again.”
The Knights host the Broncos at Hunter Stadium on Monday night, CLICK HERE for all the team news.
