Pauli Pauli couldn’t be happier playing in the red and blue.
It’s a realisation the towering forward made when he experienced his first home game at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.
The Bankstown-born Newcastle Knight was blown away by the energy generated by the Club’s passionate supporters in the team’s first match on home turf for the season.
“It was crazy listening to the crowd,” he said.
“It’s different to other crowds. I know the crowd is really backing us at the moment and we really appreciate that."
In his first two games for the Knights the 21-year-old has captured attention with his powerful carries in attack.
“I try to get us on the front foot and make metres for the team,” he said.
“I’m getting a fair few minutes out which is building my confidence up as well.
“It’s good to play with the boys."
While an unprecedented number of rookies have taken the field for the Knights’ since season’s starts, it’s something Pauli feels is a benefit for the Club and a valuable point of difference from other teams.
“I enjoy it very much, especially it being a young side. I’m pretty young myself,” he said.
“The advantages are that we will develop every game. The young kids pick up little things every week and better themselves for the next game.
“The experienced players are helping the younger ones out too, that brings a bit more confidence.”
The Knights have embraced the extended turnaround and approach their clash against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland on Monday determined to this time post a win.
“All the boys have been training hard this week to better themselves for this weekend’s game,” he said.
“The boys are ready and fit to go.”
