The nib Newcastle Knights may have thrashed the Canberra Raiders in their pre-season trial, but big forward Jacob Saifiti says it’s a new game and a new day.
Having said that, the 21-year-old belives the Knights have every chance of notching up a win.
“We go into every game believing we can win.
“It is no different this week, we believe when we go out this weekend we can upset Canberra.”
Saifiti is well aware that the match will have to be won through the middle.
“Bring it through the middle, that is where they’re the strongest and if we do that we’ll lessen the impact of their outside backs,” Saifiti explained.
“If we get them through the middle, it will go a long way to winning the game.”
The Knights forward said they’ll have to keep a close eye on some of the danger men.
“(Junior) Paulo and (Shannon) Boyd are a chance of coming back so those two,” said Saifiti.
“Also look out for (Jordan) Rapana and (Joey) Leilua, we have to do a big job on them stopping the offloads and their runs so those four are the main targets.”
Meanwhile Saifiti admits his time with the Fijian team at the Pacific Tests in Campbelltown last week saw him gain a boost of confidence going forward.
“It is always good with the Fijian boys and with the players coming in such as Kane Evans, you learn a lot from them.
“Especially Petero Civoniceva, you try and absorb it from him and bring it back here to Newcastle.
“He was our idol growing up so to read what he said about us was pretty special and I’ll hold that close to me.”
