Since returning from a two-match ban, powerhouse prop Pauli Pauli has been one of the catalysts behind three consecutive Knights wins that have strengthened our hold on third place in this year’s Betfred Championship table.
Those wins, following our first league defeat since February against Halifax Panthers in May, have delivered a response in terms of getting back to winning ways. Despite performances not being as fluent as Head Coach James Ford would like, the former NRL man believes confidence is growing.
“It was definitely an important win for our season with how we’re going at the minute. We’re doing it tough and it wasn’t an easy win but we got it and hopefully we can stay in that top three for the rest of the season.”
Ford, along with Pauli’s teammates and supporters, have heralded his return and his impact in the three victories in ten days. The man himself, modestly, hailed the platform set by the team to allow him to be his destructive self.
“I think I’m going 50/50, a bit on and off, but I only play as well as the boys play. If we’re all playing well, we all want to do our bit and keep that going.
“I’m more confident than ever in what we are doing. At the start of the year, we were a bit tocky but the boys are starting to gel together and we’re learning how each other play. Going into the rest of the season, we should only grow in confidence as we get towards the finals.”
Now halfway through his first season as a Knight, Pauli further credited his teammates for helping him settle in.
“I love it here. Fordy has made me feel like I’m at home and the boys have made me feel really welcome. It’s different to what I’m actually used to, it’s a bit more open here and free than being in Super League where it’s a bit busy.
“I’ve got a lot of freedom here which is goof for my rugby and, hopefully, we can continue that run together.”
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