Here come the Knights
April 20th 2008 23:48
Chris Bailey scored two tries as Newcastle stormed home
Newcastle are a team on the mend.
They showed yesterday that they are a side capable of restoring some long lost pride down at the Hunter.
Last season they really were a rabble, and the years before that, they have failed to apply themselves in the necessary fashion that would threaten anyone in particular.
If the NRL was three rounds longer last season there is no doubt in my mind that this team would have run last.
Roll on 2008.
It's early days but the Knights look set to finally produce.
Coach Brian Smith has become a respected figure up in Newcastle and it's showing in the results achieved by his men this season.
In all they have won three games and occupy seventh position on the ladder.
But in all those games there has been one aspect of their performances that has shined more brightly than light ever could. Their belief and attitude.
Despite leaking points at crucial times, the Knights will always play for the full 80 minutes.
They play for their fans, their history and legacy and everything that Newcastle hold dear.
The Knights really are a fans team. You can stick through the hard times while sheding tears but deep down you know they will eventually deliver.
And season 2008 looks like the dawn of a new era.
With the likes of Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen leading a new brigade of player talent in Newcastle, alongside one of the greatest Hookers to grace our pitches in Buderus, the Knights do have what it takes to challenge the elite.
Yesterday afternoon they showed how deadly they can really be.
The Sydney Roosters looked set for victory with an eight point buffer heading to the final ten minutes. Everything looked smooth.
But no one tolded the Knights.
In seven minutes they produced tries to Cooper Vuna, Danny Wicks and Chris Bailey to eventually see them home in an epic contest.
The Win will do wonders for their performance as they head into the Bye.
Wes Naiqama had a great game at fullback, making 226 metres while Chris Bailey and James Mcmanus did all that were asked of them with great aplomb.
The Roosters on the other hand looked really tired.
After such a gruelling opening month of games which featured the likes of Brisbane and Melbourne not to mention arch rivals South Sydney and Canterbury, it was inevitable that Brad Fittler's men would not be up to scratch.
They have played at such a big intensity for a while now and really looked in need of a rest.
But they must prepare themselves for the Anzac Day clash against the Dragons this Friday afternoon. A clash of immense importance to both sides.
The way they back up this week will determine if they will be the real deal come October.
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