The NYC Newcastle Knights have taken the first steps to turning their season around with a convincing win over the New Zealand Warriors.
After falling into a mid season slump, young Knight Brock Lamb said a focus on nailing the simple things made a big difference to the weekend’s outcome.
“It was about going back to basics. We’ve overplaying our hand the last couple of weeks,” Lamb said.
“And that’s what we did and we got away with the win."
The dynamic half made the shift to fullback for the match at Mount Smart Stadium and had a field day as part of the Knights' back line.
The 17-year-old bagged a double and converted six of the Knights’ tries, a 100 per cent kicking rate.
“It was pretty exciting for me as I got to roam around and have a lot of fun,” he said about the switch to the number one jersey.
“I just pushed up on Danny’s kicks really, we practice it at training.
“I was pretty stoked that I ended up having a decent game.”
The Australian Schoolboys representative believes the Knights’ approach to the daunting overseas game went a long way in securing the win.
“They are always tough and are probably one of the biggest teams in the comp. It’s always a hard game and very physical,” he said about the Warriors.
“We just had a very good positive attitude and came into the game thinking we could win and we believed in ourselves and after a couple of minutes, we scored a few points.”
Lamb and his teammates are now motivated to continue their good form when they back up to meet Canberra Raiders at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
“The confidence has always been there, but after a win it’s so much higher,” he said.
“The boys really build off confidence, so it should be good for us.
“I think we just need to prepare like we have the last couple of weeks.
"Preparation has been good, but it’s just coming into the game.
“Over the weekend there was a good vibe, we were all positive and had fun and didn’t stress too much so think we have to keep that up."
In exciting news this week, the Wests Maitland junior was named in the 29-man U18s NSW representative squad.
“It’s a great achievement and it makes you proud representing your state,” he said.
“I am pretty happy to be a part of that squad at the moment."
Lamb has been named alongside Knights Jack Cogger, Brodie Jones and Jayden Butterfield.
“It always makes it easier to join into a group when you have other mates there from the same Club,” Lamb added.
“They are all good kids so hopefully we all make the final team and we can play together for NSW and it will be a good experience.
“Every time you go into a team like this you form new mates and get to have a great experience."
The final team that will play the precursor to State of Origin game two will be named on the weekend by coach Todd Payten.
