Newcastle veteran Steve Simpson says getting one over coach Brian Smith's future employers won't be the motivation for next week's NRL match against the Sydney Roosters.

Smith will quit the Knights at season's end to join the Bondi Junction-based club but Simpson says his motivation next Saturday is a more personal one.

Embarrassed by his team's capitulation at Gosford's Bluetongue Stadium on Friday night to Manly after holding an early 14-0 lead, the former Test back-rower says beating the Roosters is all about restoring pride.

"I think we just really want to bounce back," Simpson told AAP.

"I'm not worried about that (Smith's move) at all. That's got nothing to do with me.

"I'm disappointed with my own game. I'm just really looking forward to next week, bouncing back and making amends."

Simpson says speculation Smith's decision to leave the club could derail the Knights season was off the mark.

He said the heavy loss to the Sea Eagles was more about what happened on the pitch rather than any off-field issues.

"It's all been good, we've all been positive and that's got nothing to do with the way we played tonight, I don't think," he said.

"Coming into the game we were all pretty confident in the team.

"The way we started ... we started so well and we just sort of slackened off in a few areas, made a lot of mistakes on a dewy night and Manly to their credit took advantage.

"Really disappointing and I think we've got plenty of motivation for next week."

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