Fitzgibbon has crossed for 18 tries in his 41-game NRL career to establish a reputation as a line-breaking back-rower, but throughout the pre-season the 25-year-old has been focusing on his tackling technique.

"For me, there's more to playing NRL footy than attacking," he told the Newcastle Herald.

"I have defensive goals that I want to reach, and not only be known as an attacking player running off Kalyn [Ponga].

"I want to be known as a really sound and solid defensive player, and hopefully that helps us become a good defensive team.

"I reckon we won't have much trouble scoring points this year. It'll be about stopping them."

Newcastle have struggled defensively for the past five seasons, conceding more points than any rival team in that time.

Last season only Manly leaked more points than the Knights, who will be intent on showing new-found resilience in Friday's season opener against the Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium.

"The whole team has to improve in defence," Fitzgibbon said.

"Last year we were the second-worst team in the comp, for points conceded.

"It's no secret that Browny [Knights coach Nathan Brown] has really instilled a defensive mindset into us for the 2019 season.

"If you look at last year, the Roosters only conceded 14 points a game, and that's why they were the best team.

"Myself and the rest of the boys realise that if we want to be playing finals footy, that's where we need to improve."

Fitzgibbon will be a key man in Newcastle's new-look left edge, which will feature Ponga at five-eighth, then new recruits Hymel Hunt and Edrick Lee at centre and wing respectively.