When the Newcastle Knights won their first grand final in 1997, Robbie Rochow was just seven years of age.
It’s his first memory of the Club and a recollection that involved spirited family celebrations in Maitland, where he grew up.
“My earliest memory was the 1997 grand final, we had a family barbecue,” 25-year-old Rochow reflects.
His passion for the Club intensified when he began to experience the atmosphere and thrill of live games as a child.
“I used to come with Dad and sit on the hill. The stadium has changed a bit now,” he added.
“It was good to sit on the hill and sit back and enjoy it.
“In the breaks we used to have a football and kick it around and it used to go over the fence.
“It was a great atmosphere growing up here.
“I was at the game when Joey (Andrew) Johns kicked it from the sideline against the Bulldogs.”
The dependable forward says he gained inspiration from watching legendary Knights' front men Steve Simpson and Ben Kennedy.
Although as a young rugby league player, he never imagined himself running out on the big stage of Hunter Stadium.
“I remember when I started rugby league in under 11s I just played because my friends played and I enjoyed the game,” he said.
“I never really had great aspirations to play for the Knights. I didn’t think it would be a possibility until I got a bit older and started getting a bit more serious about the game."
Rochow believes nothing beats soaking in the atmosphere and energy of a home game at Hunter Stadium.
“Witnessing it live and being able to hear the collisions and seeing it and being a part of the crowd is one of the great things of our game,” he said.
“I remember my first game here at the Knights and I never wanted to take it for granted, that feeling of running out and putting in a good performance.
“Just being able to be here is really special and something I’ll always treasure.”
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