No more Mr Nice Guy.
Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga says the battling Knights are ignoring the critics but aim to be a bit harsher on themselves after their horror NRL start.
The knives are out for Newcastle, with coach Nathan Brown reportedly under pressure to keep his job after the Knights suffered five straight losses.
Nor have the Newcastle players emerged unscathed, with accusations of a "party atmosphere" at the club and a lack of focus.
Ponga denied the "party" claim but reckoned the players were guilty of being too nice to each other.
While they have copped plenty of flak over their 1-5 season start, Ponga said Knights players now promise to be their own worst critics.
Ponga said the final straw was watching the video review of their last round 38-14 loss to Gold Coast, a butter-fingered display in which three dropped balls led directly to Titans tries.
"We had an honesty session (after review)," he said.
"We are probably a bit too nice to each other. There are a few times when your mate is not doing what he is supposed to be doing and it's like 'oh it's alright'.
"But we have to be more honest and accountable with each other, that makes your mate better and you better, and of course the team.
"Our effort last week wasn't good enough and, if we do it again, it will be the same result."
Ponga admitted it was hard to block out the rumours around his besieged coach ahead of Sunday's clash with a rampant Parramatta.
But the star fullback said it was simple to silence - by winning.
It would be easier said than done against an Eels side buzzing from their last-round 51-6 thrashing of the Wests Tigers.
"We are just going to do our best to get a result, that's the only thing we can do to relieve the pressure," Ponga said.
"Losing is never easy. You do get frustrated.
"We do believe in what we are doing, we just have to do better and work harder and if we get a win the fans will be happy."
Australian Associated Press
