nib Newcastle Knights forward Mitch Barnett said Friday’s 22-12 loss to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs was another opportunity they let slip.
“(Nathan) Browny and all the boys were extremely disappointed,” said Barnett.
“We have got to start learning and continuing to move forward instead of taking a step back.”
Barnett admits they had glimpses of brilliance but are finding it difficult to finish matches.
“In the first half, right up to half time we defended really well but a lapse before and after hurt us and they got a little momentum,” explained Barnett.
“We were able to swing it back but we didn’t take the opportunities when they presented themselves.”
The Knights forward has refused to dwell on several disallowed tries during the match.
“That’s the game... we didn’t get them 50/50 calls but that’s not what lost us the game,” Barnett said.
Analysing his own performance, Barnett believes he could have contributed more.
“I wasn’t over the moon with my performance but I thought it was an okay game,” he said.
“There is a couple of areas I need to work on, couple of yardage penalties really hurt, I’ll work on that this week and get ready for another Friday night.
“For me personally, it makes me hungrier to get that win.
“I know the effort is there to win and it’s not changing week to week, just a couple little moments that hurt us individually.
“In the next game I know the boys will improve, they need to improve and a win is not too far away so when we get one hopefully we can get a couple.”
The 22-year-old is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Sydney Roosters this Good Friday.
“The football they have been playing is ridiculous, they’re a very good side, and they have a very big pack but it’s a good test for us,” Barnett commented.
“We showed up against the premiers, they were the best side last year and they’re a very good side this year again so hopefully we can show up against the Roosters.
“We have got to really step up to their big forward pack. This week we need to take the opportunities and we should be ok."
Especially a win at home would be a reward for the red and blue supporters.
“I reckon in Newcastle we have got some of the best fans,” said Barnett.
“They are very vocal, we always hear them out on the field so it really pumps you up, hopefully we can have the same sort of turnout this Friday night.”
Footy action is back at McDonald Jones Stadium this Friday with NYC kicking off at 3.45pm before NRL at 6pm.
