Press conference: Connor Watson on Round 12
The faults in their game have been acknowledged, but it's how the nib Newcastle Knights learn from these errors and grow as a unit that truly depicts the character of the side.
According to his senior teammates, young five-eighth Connor Watson has a strong will to learn from the past weeks, and his drive has shown during a series of tough training sessions from coach Nathan Brown.
"It has been tough," stated Watson.
"We haven't been playing as well as we would have liked in the past three weeks, and the only way to fix that is to ramp up training and really turn it around there."
A tough week on the paddock may be just what the doctor ordered, as the Knights plan ahead to take on the big men of the Cronulla Sharks, with prop Andrew Fifita in fine form and arguably the most consistent forward in the NRL this season.
"It's a big game for us, coming off two really disappointing losses and we need to really send a message, come out and lift our game", said Watson.
"They are the kings of grinding out teams. They have a great forward pack and a lot of older heads that know how to win footy games.
"It's a really big challenge and for us we just need to grit our teeth and have a real crack this week."
Watson admitted that the raw power of the Sharks make them a tough team to match.
However, the young half stated that the Knights won't be shying away from their attacking flair they possessed earlier in the season, and looking to dominate those one per-centers.
"I think you have to do a bit of both.
"Every game you want to get into the grind and try to break down teams, but I think you have go to chance your arm and seize those opportunities.
"We won't be shying away from playing our attacking footy."
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