When the Newcastle Knights face up to the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs on Saturday, Chris Houston says the home team will harness the energy surrounding Old Boys Day as it strives for a third straight win.
The forward spoke on Wednesday about the side’s Round 25 match and the team’s preparation on the back of a trip down South at the beginning of the week.
“We will be firing on Saturday. It’s a big occasion there,” Houston said.
The Knights will embrace the short turn around and momentum built from Monday night’s Melbourne Storm upset.
“I think the Dogs are a great side,” he said.
“I saw them play their first game at Belmore a few weeks ago now and I thought they are genuine contenders for the title.
“We are up against it on Saturday and it doesn’t get any easier in the NRL and every game is a step up or just as hard as the last one.
“It’s going to be a big battle.”
The Knight have managed their recovery during the week and have their final training run on Friday.
“The coaches will come up with a few tricks or a bit of a game plan they’ll want to put into place,” he said.
Houston believes the excitement and energy of Old Boys Day will contribute to the team’s performance.
“Beds (interim coach Buderus) has tried to make a bit of an occasion for us each week and we won’t need too much motivation this week with Old Boys Day,” he said.
“It’s going to be a big clash.”
It will be time for the current players to reflect on those who have stood in the red and blue before them.
“You think about the past players that have pulled on the jersey,” he said.
“It’s in our locker room every time we pull the jersey on we see who has worn that number before.
“It’s only a short history here at Newcastle which makes it pretty special.
“They’ll all be in the sheds and will have the guard of honour.
It’s something that I’ll cherish.
