One more slip-up and we're out

Jarrod Mullen has warned the Knights to lift their game. Source: Tony Feder / Getty Images

A BATTERED and bruised Jarrod Mullen admits Newcastle can ill-afford to lose another game if they are to secure a spot in the NRL finals this season.

The Knights playmaker injured the knee he underwent surgery on in April during Friday's gripping 18-all draw with Brisbane and is also sporting an eye injury he picked up tackling Sydney Roosters' back-rower Boyd Cordner eight days ago.

Mullen sat out of training on Monday but said he'd be fit to face Cronulla this Saturday - the first of four difficult fixtures in their final five rounds of the season.

After taking on the Sharks the Knights host premiers Melbourne before trips to North Queensland and Brisbane with cellar-dwelling Parramatta rounding off the season at Hunter Stadium.

Wayne Bennett's men are clinging to eighth spot, one point ahead of Gold Coast and the Warriors, and Mullen acknowledged it will be a massive test to make the finals.

"Every game is crucial now for us," Mullen said.

"One to four are already in there but between five and 10 on the ladder it's very congested.

"We have some crucial games coming up. Cronulla are always hard down there then we have Melbourne at home.

"It really doesn't get any easier so if we're there in the eight come finals time it is anybody's game."

Mullen missed four field goals against the Broncos as the Knights desperately tried to snare a much-needed two points.

Despite fighting back from 18-10 down with 12 minutes remaining to grab a share of the spoils, Mullen echoed the sentiments of Bennett by calling for golden point to be scrapped.

"Both teams have come up to play 80 minutes of football and if they can't be separated after that then fans should go home knowing their team got one point each," he said.

"But extra time is crazy. There are no penalties in golden point, everyone is always standing offside.

"But that is no excuse, at the crucial time me or somebody else has to step up and take responsibility ...

"We need to start practising some field goals."

The Knights could be handed a big boost with skipper Kurt Gidley in line for a return to action against the Sharks.

Gidley has been sidelined since May after damaging foot ligaments but trained with his teammates on Monday.

"I think he's ready to go," Mullen said. 

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