Forwards must lift bar

Coach feedback all OK

NATHAN Brown’s calling out of individual failures last Friday may be a sign of frustration but experienced forward Chris Heighington doesn’t blame his coach.

Brown highlighted some penalties at crucial times in his side’s loss to Penrith as something that cost the Knights points and possession and singled out Connor Watson and Luke Yates in particular.

While the Knights were rolled by South Sydney two weeks ago, Brown felt they had their chances to win against the Panthers but the poor discipline hurt them.

Heighington, who played his 326th NRL game last week, didn’t think the coach’s reaction was anything to be concerned about.

“I’ve seen a lot more frustrated coaches over my time, let me tell you,” he said.

“He is and he ought to be.” BRONCOS hooker Andrew McCullough says it is time for the club’s young forwards to step up and deliver.

The Broncos will be forced to make more changes on Friday night for their clash with the Roosters after the loss of Alex Glenn (knee) and young gun Payne Haas (shoulder).

With Josh McGuire (ankle) and Matt Gillett (neck) already on the sideline, their forward pack depth is being tested.

The losses of Glenn, McGuire and Gillett leave McCullough and Sam Thaiday as the most experienced players in the pack.

McCullough believes this is a chance for the likes of Matt Lodge, Jaydn Su’A, Tevita Pangai Jr and Joe Ofahengaue to prove they can deliver when the team needs it most, saying the responsibility should not fall solely on the shoulders of Thaiday and himself.