They were four tries apiece, however, a disallowed try in the dying minutes was the deciding factor when the nib Newcastle Knights lost to the Warriors 22-16 in Round 15, with the difference coming down to goal conversions.
Nevertheless, ISP coach Rory Kostjaysn is determined to halt the points display in order to reduce pressure on the young side's kicking game.
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"We are more focused on stopping the 22 points," stated Kostjasyn.
"Last game we were probably unlucky to have a try disallowed on the bell though and that probably would have sealed it for us.
"So, therefore, we will be more focused on tightening our defence, rather than relying on kicking goals to secure the win."
The 12th placed Knights will take on the 7th placed Warriors in Auckland on the same ground the Knights NRL side will play at, just hours earlier. No doubt the ultimate goal of any emerging player in ISP is to secure a regular position in the NRL side and taking on a leadership role whilst in the lower grades is the ultimate opportunity.
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Brock Lamb and Nick Meaney have shared the captaincy role for the majority of the season, albeit a few exceptions, and Kostjaysn believes this shared role is advantageous in terms of growth for both players.
"Brock (Lamb) and Means (Meaney) have been sharing the captaincy role throughout the season," said Kostjaysn.
"The only difference between them in their current capacity is that Brock has a C next to his name this week.
"Brock and Means have the opportunity to captain the side and share that role, which is good for the development, especially as leaders."
A revised forward has been forced unto the side with JJ Felise making his Knights NRL debut last week and retaining a position in the team, and fellow teammate Pasami Saulo expected to make his NRL debut this weekend.
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Josh King returns to ISP, and Luke Yates is named in the #10 jersey.
"It reduces the size of our forward pack definitely," stated Kostjaysn.
"Both boys (Felise and Saulo) have played really well when they have been in the ISP side.
"It doesn't, however, change our game plan with the forwards, it will just make it a bit of a challenge that's all.
"Both boys have been really good at generating ruck speed, but we have guys like Josh King and Luke Yates in there to fill in, and I am hopeful the other guys will step up."
TEAM:
1. Nicholas MEANEY 2. Thomas HUGHES 3. Matthew ALLWOOD 4. Mitchell ANDREWS 5. Brent NADEN 6. Jack JOHNS 7. Brock LAMB (c) 8. Joshua KING 9. Christopher RANDALL 10. Luke YATES 11. Samuel STONE 12. Brodie JONES 13. Zac HOSKING 14. Christian HAZARD 15. Vitale ROQICA 16. Jirah Momoisea 17. Bobby TREACY 18. Jacob GAGAI
Saturday, August 11 - Round 22 ISP
Warriors V Knights
ISP kick-off: 3.oopm
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
