The Newcastle Knights have embarked on a regional tour that marks a significant shift in their pre-season preparations, with their first open training session held at Raymond Terrace's Lakeside Sports Complex this morning.
Reconnecting With The Hunter Community
New head coach Justin Holbrook recognises the importance of breaking out of their Broadmeadow headquarters bubble as he prepares for his first season at the helm. With less than 100 days until their opening game against North Queensland in Las Vegas, every training session becomes crucial, but Holbrook believes community engagement is equally vital.
The Knights will follow today's Raymond Terrace session with additional open trainings at Cessnock on November 29, a Fan Fest at McDonald Jones Stadium on December 13, and a camp session at Coffs Harbour on December 20. This initiative comes after the club witnessed the overwhelming community response when over 4000 fans attended a Brisbane Broncos training session at Maitland Sportsground in August.
Building Team Identity Through Regional Presence
Holbrook, who was still with the Sydney Roosters during the Broncos' Maitland appearance, acknowledged the powerful message it sent about community connection. "I understand the importance of it," Holbrook stated, emphasising the need to maintain the team's identity as representing a hard-working region.
The Coffs Harbour session carries particular significance as the Knights attempt to reclaim the region's junior pathways from the Bulldogs. This camp will also serve as a crucial bonding opportunity, occurring when several key players return from their mandatory off-season breaks.
Race Against Time For Full Squad Integration
Newcastle faces a compressed pre-season timeline with international representatives Dylan Brown, Phoenix Crossland, Dom Young and Bradman Best still on break, while new recruits Trey Mooney and Peter Hola commence training next week. Captain Kalyn Ponga and former Roosters playmaker Sandon Smith only returned to training this week.
The first trial game against the Dragons at Kogarah is scheduled for February 7, followed by a second trial against the Bulldogs in Newcastle on February 14. The team will then depart for America approximately one week later for their Las Vegas opener.
Holbrook acknowledged the challenge of integrating key players late in the pre-season but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to adapt quickly. "The elite guys that have been playing rep footy... they pick things up pretty quick," he noted, while recognising that the Christmas break will further shorten the time his complete squad has together.
