The nib Newcastle Knights are finalising preparations before they clash with the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Sunday.
After a day of travel to Auckland on Friday, the Knights had their captain’s run on Saturday morning.
Back on home turf, 21-year-old New Zealand born hooker Danny Levi has praised the squads’ efforts going into the season opening match.
“Preparations have been good, everyone is looking pretty sharp and is excited,” Levi said after Saturday's session.
He said it hasn’t mattered they’ve had to travel across the Tasman for round one.
”It’s not bad, the coaching staff made sure we did everything right with recovery and all our prep,” he explained.
“It’s a good time to get away with the boys and spend some time together and everyone is refreshed and ready to go.”
After a tough pre-season, the team looks forward to kicking off the season against the Warriors on Sunday.
“We tidied up on a few things at today's session and just made sure everyone knows their roles and what to do,” Levi said.
“It’s been a pretty long pre-season so everyone is just happy it’s over and it’s finally round one.
“I am excited. Everyone is ready to rip in, hopefully we have a great year.”
The Knights squad was reduced to 19 on Saturday afternoon, with Tyler Randell and Josh King omitted from the 21-man squad named on Tuesday. The final 17 is announced one hour before kick off on Sunday.
