Experienced halfback Trent Hodkinson says he is gaining confidence heading into his third game back in first grade.
Against the Bulldogs in particular his short kicking game was a constant threat, and led directly to one try and multiple repeat sets.
“Coming back into the grade I will focus on the things I can do for the side,” Hodkinson said.
“(Short kicking) has been something I have been focusing on, and it's what I can bring to the team so definitely something I’ll try and continue to do.”
Off the back of the devastating loss last Sunday, Hodkinson knows it’s important to focus on the positives from the match in a bid to emulate them against the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday.
“Our scramble defence was really good and we kept turning up for each other in that first half,” explained Hodkinson.
“They could’ve easily been two, three tries up going into halftime so our scramble defence was outstanding and we were able to score before half time.
“We need to focus on ourselves and get ourselves right this week then we can go a long way to winning the game.”
The Knights halfback said he’s glad to see the return of team mate Dane Gagai, who was awarded the Wally Lewis medal for his brilliant display at Origin, to line up against the Broncos.
“Gags had a great series and was well deserved for the Wally Lewis Medal, so super stoked for him,” Hodkinson commented.
“He's been back around the boys today and he's on a high.”
The 28-year-old said he’s continuing to work on an improving combination with young five-eighth Brock Lamb
“Lamby is a good young kid and has a massive future, so if we can keep continuing to work on that combination, moving forward, then it is going to be better,” Hodkinson stated.
“Lamby has the bigger boot naturally, he can kick the ball a lot higher than I can so it is a good balance where probably my strength is in that short kicking game around the try line, although if we need to, we can mix it up.”
Three grades are in action at McDonald Jones Stadium, NYC kick off at 1.15pm before ISP at 3.10pm and NRL action at 5.30pm.
In team news, Luke Yates and Tyler Randell drop from the squad. The final 17 will be confirmed one hour before kick off on Saturday.
