Lanky Lee leaping into action to pin down Coates

Edrick Lee is making the most of the new rules which help taller players leaping for the ball but the in-form Knights winger knows he might be meeting his match on Thursday night.

Lee will mark Broncos rising star Xavier Coates in Gosford and each lanky winger will be a target for their team's attacking kicks.

The rule change implemented in 2020 around attacking players no longer being able to be tackled mid-air could be put to the ultimate test - Coates scored a double against Manly last Thursday from the air, while Lee has been prolific on the left edge for Newcastle to be their equal leading try-scorer this year.

"I guess it's just been a real advantage with the new rule changes it's something we've looked at putting in our arsenal for the last options," Lee said.

"I'm making the most of it, if the kick does come my way. It will be a good challenge this weekend against [Coates] who has been doing the same."

Lee managed six tries from 14 appearances in 2019 but is on track to go past the half a dozen mark in a matter of weeks with Newcastle's left edge proving to be one of the more dominant in the NRL.

The emergence of Bradman Best has added an extra string to the bow for the Knights with the pair's combination flourishing with every game played.

"He's a really good kid, he's humble and work ethic is high," Lee said of Best.

"He's also absorbent to advice, if you give him advice and tips he definitely applies it. He's just at the start of his career and hopefully, there's many more years to come."

Lee said Newcastle cannot afford another slow start against the Broncos even though Brisbane gave up an 18-0 lead last week.

Newcastle produced their most disappointing 40 minutes of the season to concede three tries against a Melbourne outfit who held on in the second half despite a late rally from Adam O'Brien's men.  

The Broncos were run down late by Manly in an improved performance after being pummelled by the Roosters in record-breaking fashion seven days earlier.

"We didn't start or match it with Melbourne, it took us a while to get into the game," Lee said.

"In saying that I think it's a good thing that it happened, it's good to see where we're at and the areas we need to improve on in case we get back into that position.

"That was one thing we took it out of it, we'll definitely look to start fast. No game in the NRL is an easy game so we're expecting a fired-up Broncos.

"The way they play through the middle and with their experience on the edges we know the Broncos will turn it around."