The Newcastle Knights find themselves at the top of the NRL ladder after convincing wins against the Sydney Roosters and the Wests Tigers in the opening fortnight of the 2022 season.
The Knights were predicted to be one the biggest sliders this season but halves duo Jake Clifford and Adam Clune have been instrumental in the team’s strong performances.
Matthew Johns says that the influence of his brother Andrew’s coaching has shone through in the opening rounds.
“Clune has made such a big difference to the Knights side,” Johns said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“When Andrew went up and started doing some stuff with them, he said Adam Clune is a top-notch organiser and an old-styled halfback.
“It’s exactly what the side needs, and it was proven.
“Jake Clifford is starting to realise the potential he had when he was an under-20’s player.
“You started to see why he was getting the plaudits as a young player.
“A lot of that is to do with Clune.”
The Knights crossed over for their first try after three minutes against the Tigers courtesy of a brilliant solo effort from Clifford and never looked back.
Johns said that in previous years, the Knights would’ve followed up their impressive upset win over the Roosters with a disappointing performance at home.
However, the halves combination of Clifford and Clune has given Knights fans something to cheer about this season.
“In the past, Newcastle put one good one together then followed it up with a stinker,” he said.
“That was the sort of game that they would drop.
“The Knights are a side that particularly at home, like to start fast.
“They did start fast and (Clune and Clifford) had their hands in everything.”
Newcastle will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they take on Penrith in top of the table clash in Bathurst on March 26.