Jarrod Mullen will never forget the pride he felt when he ran out in the red and blue for the first time in the NRL as a starry-eyed 18-year-old.
Now 11 years on, the quintessential Newcastle Knight will make his 200th first grade appearance, a significant feat in itself, let alone when earned representing the same Club.
“It’s a pretty big achievement playing your 200th for the Club you grew up supporting and in the town that you live in and love,” he said about the milestone.
“It’s going to be a big occasion for my family and I.
“They are coming from Krambach, Taree and far and wide to watch me play.”
While there’s plenty of highlights to reflect on since that momentous day in 2005, Mullen’s has his eyes fixed on the future leading into the Round 3 game.
“To be honest, I haven’t really looked back at the moment. I’ve been concentrating on getting our first win for the season,” he said.
“200 is a big one, but I’d rather a win first.”
The Knights face the in-form Canberra Raiders on Saturday.
“They’ve had two good wins down in Canberra, but hopefully we can get our season rolling this weekend,” he said.
"Our preparation in terms of our game plan going into Canberra is different to what it was going into Souths (Rabbitohs).
“We didn’t play up to our best against Souths, but being back at home, hopefully we’ll get a win.
"We know they (Canberra) like to roll through the middle, so I know it’s going to be a good test.
"They have some good outside backs out their too so it’s going to be a good game.”
The skilful playmaker knows better than anyone the incredible impact the support shown by Knights fans can have on the team and hopes the Knights will use the home ground advantage to deliver a win.
“The people from Newcastle, they need a win too…it’s a big occasion for all of us to play in front of our family and friends for the first time this year, I’m really looking forward to it,” he concluded.
#MULLO200
To celebrate Jarrod Mullen’s 200th game, the Newcastle Knights have special celebrations planned for the Round 3 match at Hunter Stadium.
Limited edition ‘#Mullo200' singlets will be fired into the crowd and 200 game try cards given out for free for the first 5000 people through the gates.
Supporters who receive a banner can present it in-store at the Knights Club Shop or at a merchandise outlet on the Eastern or Western Grandstand when you spend at least $200 in one transaction and receive 20 per cent off your total purchase.
See all three grades play at Hunter Stadium on Saturday for the first time in 2016! Purchase your match ticket today.
