Round 8
Newcastle Knights 28 d. Brisbane Broncos 12

2009 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Knights Praise Supporters
Tue May 5, 2009
Source: www.newcastleknights.com.au

The Newcastle Knights have praised Novocastrian football fans for their dedication and resilience during Saturday night's blockbuster against the Broncos at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Despite torrential rain, lightning and a power blackout, the majority of the 18,154 strong crowd braved the cold conditions to spur Newcastle to a comprehensive victory against the competition leaders.

"For the crowd to stay with us through those conditions was overwhelming, particularly for the players," CEO, Steve Burraston said.

"We're working overtime to convince our supporters the club is heading in the right direction and I hope this is a sign that they believe in what we're doing.

"We have an exciting team of young players who are well coached and giving their all for Newcastle every time they run out in Knights colours. They're playing exciting football at the same time so we can't ask for much more than that.

"Our supporters have witnessed their club going through a tough time lately and they're responding as Novocastrians do - by getting behind the Newcastle Knights."

The Knights face their next challenge this Sunday when they host equal competition leaders, the Titans for the Round Nine clash at EnergyAustralia Stadium with Kurt Gidley, Jarrod Mullen and James McManus all backing up from representative duties.

Head to head the Knights and the Titans have met on four occasions with two wins each. Only one game has been played at EnergyAustralia Stadium with Newcastle walking away with the points against the odds last season.

Results from the last four clashes are;

2009 - TITANS 34 d. KNIGHTS 20 at Skilled Park.

2008 - KNIGHTS 32 d. TITANS 12 at Skilled Park;

KNIGHTS 13 d. TITANS 12 at Energy Australia Stadium.

2007 - TITANS 28 d. KNIGHTS 22 at Gold Coast Stadium.

The biggest head to head wins were KNIGHTS 32 d. TITANS 12 at Skilled Park, 2008 and TITANS 34 d. KNIGHTS 20 at Skilled Park, 2009.

"We have a great opportunity to take another step towards rebuilding the fortress this weekend when Sunday afternoon football returns to Newcastle," Mr Burraston said.

"The most loyal fans in the NRL play a huge part in their team's success. I hope we can get 20,000 through the gate to lift the boys to the next level."

Meanwhile, the Newcastle Knights Annual General Meeting has been scheduled for 6.00pm, Wednesday 20 May, 2009 in the Crusader Lounge, EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The 2009 Annual Report will be released on the club's official website tonight, highlighted by a major financial turnaround from 2008.

Formal notification of the AGM date and agenda will be posted to members tomorrow.

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