Newcastle coach Nathan Brown believes the main ingredient for victory over South Sydney is to shut down Thomas and George Burgess on Friday night at McDonald Jones Stadium.
He admits the Burgess twins have bounced back to their ultimate best and his players need to be on high alert to limit their impact on and off the ball.
"They just look to me like they are playing back where they were when they won the premiership (in 2014)," Brown said.
"They are back carrying the ball very hard and are also error free.
"I think Souths would be very happy with their form."
The Newcastle mentor admits his side is slowly finding their Telstra Premiership groove and camaraderie is high.
"If we can find another try with our attack and stop one more try with our defence, then it would make us a very hard team to beat," Brown said.
"I guess we sort of have that ledger around the wrong way because we've won our fair share of games.
"That's not as easily said as done I suppose."
The Knights showcased a new halves combination for the first-time last week against the Sea Eagles atg Lottoland – although Brown expects to see better continuity from Jack Cogger and Connor Watson.
"I'd like to think this combination and the people around them would flow a bit better," Brown said.
"It's understandable as Connor has been out for a month and it was Jack's first game at halfback.
"I would like to think we could have a little bit more flow and people could move onto the ball a little bit better with them.
"I think that will come with Jack being a bit more confident and Connor has only played a handful of games with the club.
"I also hope that Connor can be a lot more dominant as well."
Brown also acknowledged in-form hooker Slade Griffin has been a terrific recruit.
"I think the more he has played the more respect he has received from the boys as well," Brown said.
"He is starting to understand that he is a very important player in our team. The traits he learnt from Melbourne in his commitment and defence has been invaluable."
The Knights are expecting more than 20,000 spectators at McDonald Jones Stadium in time for kick-off.
