Enforcer Mitch Barnett is confident the real Newcastle Knights will stand up against Cronulla on Friday night after admitting he and his teammates were "ashamed" of their performance in the embarrassing loss to the Warriors.
A day after an at times brutal honesty session with coach Adam O'Brien in the wake of their 36-6 defeat, Barnett said the squad is now all about getting their finals campaign back on track by bouncing back strongly against the Sharks.
"There is a point to prove this week, that's for sure," Barnett said yesterday.
"That performance [against the Warriors] is something that isn't us and I know everyone was really disappointed.
"You could tell from the get-go that mentally and then physically, we weren't in it. When you start with the amount of errors we had, it makes it hard to beat anyone. We were ashamed so it's a big week this week for us.
"We need to really show up this weekend."
Toohey's News: Listen to Barry Toohey's new podcast in your Podcast app
The Knights have made just two changes for the Sharks game with utility Phoenix Crossland returning on the bench at the expense of Chris Randall after Crossland was rested for the Warriors game.
Backrower Brodie Jones has also won a bench spot following the suspension of prop Pasami Saulo. Mason Lino retains his place in the halves alongside skipper Mitchell Pearce.
O'Brien said Monday's video review gave everyone an opportunity to have some input into what happened in Tamworth and what's needed to turn it around on Friday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.
"The key now is to get a response," he said.
"They have all put their hands up and owned it so now we'll see what sort of a bounce back we get. They all trained really well today and they are all aware of the importance of the game."
Barnett said he is in no doubt for the Sharks game despite picking up a painful sternum injury in the first half against the Warriors.
"Everyone knows if you've had a sternum injury, they are pretty painful. It's alright though now and I'll be right to go this week,"he said. "I'll probably have it needled and wear a guard."
Barnett admitted the Sharks, who sit a point behind the Knights in eighth spot, will come to Newcastle full of confidence with an attacking mindset.
"They're a good footy side, they score a lot of points and they have been defending really good too of late," he said.
"They have a lot of go-forward with Woodsy [Aaron Woods] up front and I think [David] Fifita's back now too.
"They are a real experienced side and we are going to have to show up physically and mentally this week."
Lino will play just his second NRL of the season against the Sharks and admits he wasn't sure his chance would come at all this season before he was selected for the Warriors game.
"Obviously, when all these players go down, you think you are going to get a crack but they get someone else in," he said.
"I got my opportunity on the weekend. I probably didn't grab it with two hands but hopefully I get another crack this week and I'll definitely put my best foot forward."
Asked about the review session on Monday, Lino said: "It was an honest review. Some things were said and some things were dealt with. It is what it is really, you've just got to own it."
Lino said he is looking forward to his clash with his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.
"Everyone knows what he can do with the ball, especially if we give them the amount of ball we gave the Warriors last week," he said. "I think he'll do some damage but I think we'll find ways to limit his opportunities.
"Shauny's a classy player and I understand he's just had his baby so hopefully he hasn't been having too much sleep."
IN THE NEWS:
- Facebook threatens to stop Australians sharing news articles on its platform
- Coronavirus: Merewether teacher Layne Wiseman is stuck in the UK due to passenger cap on flights to Australia
- 13 new COVID-19 cases in NSW, border to soften with Victoria says Premier Gladys Berejiklian
- Additional charges for allegedly impersonating medical professional
