THERE was a positive atmosphere at Maitland Sportsground on Friday as the Newcastle Knights went through their final preparation before Saturday’s trial match against the Parramatta Eels.
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A sell-out crowd of more than 7000 people will converge on the recently-renovated ground, which Knights coach Nathan Brown rates as good as any regional ground in NSW.
Newcastle CEO Philip Gardner said the support from fans was a great vote of confidence for the upcoming season.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt more excited about a start of a season,” he said.
The Knights will be showcasing their big guns in the match after an extensive off-season recruitment campaign that should see them climb up the NRL ladder after a couple of tough seasons.
Knights winger Nathan Ross said the team had gone back to the drawing board for 2018.
“We’ve added a lot of strikepower with our new recruits, so it’s up to us now to step up,” he said.
“If you’re a league fan, get along to Maitland and support the mighty Knights.”
Parents are reminded that while there will be free entry for children, only those with passes will be allowed through the gates.