Lake Macquarie ambushed the Blacks to run out 37-24 winners at Walters Park, ironically known as Disneyland, on Saturday

Blacks co-coach Ryan McCormack said a visit to Lake Macquarie was difficult at any time but Lakes had been in better form than their ladder position suggested.

“We started well, but unfortunately we fell into a wrestle with them and they are just too big for us,” he said.

“Their smallest forward is the size of our biggest forward and we needed to play the game on our terms utilising our speed and ball movement.

“We dropped too much ball and had to many handling errors as a result of the pressure they were able to exert on us.

“I think it’s one of those games we’ll just move on from and plan for next week.”

McCormack said Isaac Engright made his debut at centre after being called up late into the squad.

“He performed very well with another inexperienced centre partner in Dale Clacherty.”

McCormack said Nick Davidson and Sap Peniata, along with Chris Logan were the Blacks best players.

“Nick and Sap were incredible taking on Lake Macquaries giant forwards time and time again,” he said.

“Chris Logan was exceptional at fullback again. His kick returns were exceptional. He kept us from being caught deep in our own half and being hammered.”