On Monday morning, five-eighth Jarrod Mullen was relishing the Newcastle Knights’ impressive start to the season after Saturday’s fourth consecutive win against the Panthers.
“It’s always good on a Monday when you have a win on the weekend," Mullen told the media at HQ.
“Everyone around the office and around training is very happy."
Yet, despite the team now sitting on top of the ladder, Mullen played down the hype, instead saying the Knights always intended to kick the season off strongly.
“We trained well during the pre-season to start the year well. We have a lot of home games early on in the season,” he said.
“We knew we had to start well.
“Four from four is ideal but it's a good test this weekend, the Dragons are starting to play some good football too."
Players in the Knights' pack like Kade Snowden, Chris Houston and new recruit Jack Stockwell were frontrunners in the playing stats.
“Our forwards have been tremendous, it’s no surprise that the outside back can then do their thing,” he said.
"When they are getting a bit tired our big fellas out wide like Joey (Leilua), Gags (Gagai) and Jimmy (Mcmanus), we’re not losing any momentum there.
“Everyone is playing their part well."
The 26-year-old says a positive atmosphere at Knights HQ has played a part in the team’s success.
“I think getting everyone happy at training is a main thing,” he said.
“Everyone is happy around training and each other so it goes a long way to winning footy.
“(Rick) Stoney has been great, but getting Craig Sandercock back and the blokes behind the scenes, him and Bedsy (Buderus) have been tremendous.
“Especially for the young fellas coming through. Craig Sandercock is really good for the one-on-one sort of things.
“He’s done a lot of good work in the pre-season and it’s showing off."
The Knights now shift their focus to hosting the St George Illawarra Dragons this Easter Saturday, with both teams carrying the momentum of Round 4 wins.
“They are coming together nicely. They have a lot of young kids in their team too so they will take a while to gel,” he said.
“I think Mary (coach Paul McGregor) has got them going good down there. It will be another good test Saturday night."
The Knights’ Voice for Mining round saw more than 20,000 people pack Hunter Stadium, with Mullen hoping for a similar show of support when the side returns to it’s home fortress this weekend.
“Our Members day here was really good and encouraging and we had a lot of people come here and really get behind the Club,” he said.
“Twenty thousands plus on the weekend was good too.
“Winning games it definitely helps. As long as we keep doing that and getting in touch with the community, they are going to keep coming out and supporting us.”
