Frizell motivated by last week's big fall not last year's big call

Tyson Frizell says last week's frustrating performance in Mitchell Pearce's 300th is all the motivation he needs ahead of his reunion with the Dragons in Newcastle on Easter Sunday.

A year on from confirming his departure from the Dragons, Frizell will line up against his former club for the first time after 165 appearances in the Red V. 

Frizell's early call on leaving the Dragons left some questioning whether he could stay focused throughout the 2020 season or his mind would wander to what lay ahead in Newcastle.

However, the 29-year-old's battle with his former teammates has been somewhat overshadowed by the fallout from the shock loss to Wests Tigers.

"I'm looking forward to it after a disappointing loss on the weekend, it would be nice to bounce back with a good performance," Frizell said on Wednesday.

"I don't think there's any extra motivation [playing the Dragons]. I guess more so after a disappointing loss it's the main motivation for myself and the team. That's all the motivation I need to play better.

"We get to play at home again and give back to the fans after a disappointing loss and hopefully get a win on a Sunday afternoon."

The Knights came up with 18 errors in round three to take some of the gloss off a solid start to the season against the Bulldogs and Warriors.

Inexperienced right edge duo Gehamat Shibasaki and Dominic Young were among those who struggled with three handling errors apiece – several of those at crucial stages in the game.

"It wasn't individuals that caused that game to go the other way," Frizell said.

"We all played a part. If there were a few more of us guys playing better, it might've been a different result.

"Our completions are something we were pretty good at in the first two rounds – controlling the ball and where we finished our sets.

"[But] we were very inconsistent on the weekend with that. We've watched last weekend and it's something we don't want to happen again."

Experienced playmaker Blake Green has been named on the bench as he closes in on his first game in eight months after an ACL injury.

Kalyn Ponga and Lachlan Fitzgibbon are also nearing returns from shoulder injuries, while Edrick Lee (foot) is not far away from making a comeback.  

The positive news comes after Bradman Best was ruled out for an extended period after the young gun injured his elbow at training last week.  

"We've probably got a few more injuries than what we would've liked but that's part of footy and we've got guys who are preparing for footy as well as they can so when they get their opportunities they make the most of it," Frizell said.

"We'll get some players back in a few weeks' time hopefully and that will only strengthen our team.

"Hopefully we can do a lot better in weeks to come with a few boys out but once we get them back it will be nice."

The Knights have further concerns in the lead-up to the clash with Mitch Barnett (calf) and Jacob Saifiti (leg) in doubt to play.