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NEWCASTLE has fired the first psychological barb of the week by openly questioning whether the Sydney Roosters can handle the pressure and expectation of a grand final qualifier.
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The two teams meet this Saturday night at ANZ Stadium with the Roosters short-priced $1.30 favourites - according to TAB Sportsbet - to advance to the NRL decider.
Former Knights champion Matthew Johns and ex-Newcastle premiership-winning coach and player Michael Hagan asked on Monday whether the Roosters could handle and embrace the favourites tag.
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"It will be interesting to see how the Roosters handle the pressure," said Hagan, who coached Newcastle to the 2001 premiership.
"Newcastle has nothing to lose; the Roosters have everything to lose.
"There is always pressure in semi-finals and they can do funny things to sides. Let's see how the Roosters handle the big ocassion."
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Johns, who played 197 NRL games for the Knights, said the Roosters would be well aware they won't be able to bully or intimidate the Knights pack.
"The Sydney Roosters have been outstanding this year through the strength of their forwards," Johns said.
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"But when they've been beaten it's always been by a team who holds their own through the middle third.
"Will guys like Willie Mason, Jeremy Smith and Beau Scott hold their own? Absolutely.
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"This is a real awkward game for the Roosters. They are a playing a side on the rise and going a million miles an hour.
"I reckon the Knights are playing with more energy and confidence than they have in a long time. They didn't fear Melbourne last weekend and they won't fear the Roosters.
"I believed Newcastle would win against the Storm and everyone laughed at me."
Johns reckons the week off, which the Roosters enjoyed after beating Manly in week one of the finals, can be damaging.
"The week off can freshen you up but it also gives you time to relax," Johns said.
"It can take the edge off you if you're not careful."
Newcastle has roared over the first two weeks of the finals, beating Canterbury and Melbourne, last year's grand final teams.
They are ready to confront and beat anyone.
"The Knights really don't have anything to lose," Hagan said.
"No matter what happens this weekend, Newcastle has exceeded all expectations this season.
"Newcastle is playing on emotion and that can be dangerous for the opposition side.
"I can't think of too many people outside of Newcastle who will tip the Knights. And that's just how Newcastle like it."
TAB Sportsbet has Newcastle $3.50 outsiders.
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