Defence the focus for McKinnon

The Newcastle Knights will play trial matches against the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla Sharks next month and second rower Alex McKinnon told newcastleknights.com.au he is counting down the days until he is back out on the field.

“Everyone’s come back from our Christmas break in good shape and ready for the next four weeks,” he said.

“I watched a game last night on Fox Sports and realised how much I have missed being out there playing.

“I can’t wait for the next month to be over and we are back out there ripping in.”

In his first season with the red and blue, McKinnon established himself as a regular first grader, while still being eligible for the Under 20’s.

His efforts were recognised with a Dally M Rookie of the Year nomination and a spot in the under 20’s Blues and Junior Kangaroos, a team he captained to victory over the Junior Kiwis.

“I want to be a bit more consistent this season and have been concentrating on improving my defence,” McKinnon said.

“Having Jeremy (Smith) and Beau (Scott) here has been great me and I have already learned a lot which is good.

“They are players who play in the positions that I like to play in and their experience has already helped me improve and I can’t wait to play alongside them in February.”

The Knights will take on the Rabbitohs at Coffs Harbour’s BCU International Stadium on Saturday February 16 and the Sharks at Tamworth’s Wests Scully Park on Saturday February 23.

Click here for more information on the Knights upcoming trial matches.

Later this month McKinnon will take part in a three-day Emerging Blues Camp, read more here.