Knights will rally around new halfback Jack Cogger following Mitchell Pearce injury
YOU gotta have faith. That’s the message going out to Knights players as unheralded halfback Jack Cogger steps in to replace Mitchell Pearce.
Knights
Don't miss out on the headlines from Knights. Followed categories will be added to My News.
YOU gotta have faith. That’s the message going out to Knights players as Jack Cogger steps in to replace Mitchell Pearce.
Coach Nathan Brown has delivered a directive to his players that nothing changes with Pearce out and Cogger — who plays just his 10th first grade game this Friday against Manly — must receive the same respect as 245-game veteran Pearce.
“We need Jack to be dominant but we also need the team to pay Jack the same respect that they pay Mitchell and if Jack wants the ball he should get the ball as did Mitchell when he wanted the ball,” Brown said.
“The big key is when you’re going into games you’ve got to have faith and confidence that you can do well. I’d like to think that the players can put the confidence in ‘Coggs’
“Coggs has been training now for three years probably for this day. He’s played the past couple of years when he wasn’t ready. I believe he is ready now.
“His opportunity to play halfback has come through some misfortune for the club and Mitchell but Jack’s been working for three years with us now and his time has come to be a bit more of a dominant player and we need to put the faith in him.”
After a solid performance in his call-up to first grade last week against the Tigers, teammates are confident Cogger can take control of the team.
Cogger is known to be a player who is meticulous in his preparation, which is why Knights centre Nathan Ross is certain he’s up for the job.
BITE: Lawrence returns for Tigers
DON’T CHANGE: Bunnies want same old Burgess
“His nickname is ‘Business’ because he’s just down to business all the time. He’s very methodical in everything that he does, he’s perfect,” he said.
“I know he’s going to prepare right and he’ll come into this game and the whole team will have a lot of faith in what he does, he’s played halfback his whole life.”
The team will be buoyed by the return from injury of Connor Watson, who comes in to partner Cogger in the halves.
Watson completed a tough session on Tuesday and showed no signs of trouble from the shoulder he injured in round three against the Roosters.
Brown said Watson will slot in well at five-eighth role alongside Cogger, who will be taking on the dominant role.
“Connor was probably fit to play last week but we thought it’s best to give him another week,” Brown said.
“Connor’s keen and hungry and tough and he’ll bring plenty of commitment and plenty of speed to our team.
“Connor is playing where he sort of trained all year and Coggs is pretty adaptable … but Coggs is probably going to have to assume a little bit more responsibility than probably what he did last week.”