Knights coach Adam O'Brien questioned his team's hunger, desire to compete and what their purpose and drive is for playing in the NRL after a meek 38-4 defeat to an injury-hit Roosters last week.

They have now lost four of their last five games, and meet an equally desperate Canberra side who have dropped four straight.

Hooker Brailey, 25, was handed Newcastle's co-captaincy this year alongside Daniel Saifiti and said he's still developing in the leadership role.

But he said the players didn't hold back internally this week when assessing their willingness to do the hard yards in games.

"It's been pretty up front and honest this week. We haven't beaten around the bush about how we're going as a team," he said.

"The (Roosters) video wasn't too nice to watch, but we just have to cop it on the chin and turn things around.

"It starts on the weekend, our effort-based things need to pick up and that's what we're most disappointed with. It's not things based on talent, it's just a couple of effort-based areas and working hard.

"A lot of it is choices based on how you're feeling. When things are hard and you're tired and fatigued, it's making a choice about whether to do something or not. It's an area we really need to pick up.

"If you're just happy to play in the NRL you put a ceiling on how well you actually play, I believe. We've just got to have a reaction this week.

"We've all got to tap back into why we do it. A lot of us wanted to play in the NRL since we were kids and it's a privilege to do what we do."

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The Knights will field an inexperienced halves combination this week with Mitch Pearce and Blake Green out injured.

Halfback Phoenix Crossland will play his ninth NRL game alongside Kurt Mann. While he's backed Crossland to impress, Brailey said he feels ready to take on more creative responsibility and take some pressure off fullback Kalyn Ponga.

"Phoenix is a really good local junior. He's got a really good kicking game, a good runner of the football as well and he'll bring some spark to us," Brailey said.

"For me being captain as well, I'd like to take a bit more on. I'm definitely experienced enough now to take a bit more control," he said.

"Across the park everyone's got to nail their jobs and be clear on what needs to be done.

"I feel like only eight or nine games in (to the captaincy role), I've already experienced a fair bit. I've experienced a whole range of different things and I'm still learning on the run.

"At the end of the day I want to put my teammates and the club first and do everything I can to get the boys ready each week.

"Performing on the field individually is really important. It's hard to criticise others if my game isn't in order, but if I'm playing well I feel like it's a lot easier to lead."

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