He hasn’t had that winning feeling in 14 NRL games, but on the weekend nib Newcastle Knights forward Josh King finally found out what the fuss is all about.
The 21-year-old, who played his second NRL match for the season against the Canberra Raiders, put in a 40-minute effort and admits the win has created a great atmosphere back at Club HQ.
“Everyone has come in pretty happy this morning, a bit more chirpy than usual,” smiled King.
“It has been a while since we’ve got the win so it's great at the moment.”
King says they were able to execute their game plan well against a tough Canberra outfit.
“We had been practicing it all week,” explained King.
“At training no matter who you are coming into the side, you’ve got an expectation to do well and put in a good performance.
“Everyone knew the game plan and that showed with the result.”
The Knights forward believes his form is on track so far this season but there’s always room for improvement.
“I am getting there week by week,” said King.
“The more first grade games I play, the more comfortable I'll feel and I think I’m improving... I just have to work on the little things.
“It's an expectation amongst the boys that even though we haven’t played much first grade, we’ll come in and do our job and really put in a good effort for the team.
“On the weekend we proved that we can match it against a really good side.”
King had praise for all his teammates but in particular the skipper, who recorded his first win as captain for the Knights.
“Sione (Mata’utia) wears his heart on his sleeve every week and puts in a big effort,” he said.
“Across the park everyone really had a crack and put in a good effort.”
He also gave wraps to fellow forward Daniel Saifiti.
“Especially when he is bending the line and he’s getting a quick play the ball, it’s really good to go on the back of him,” King explained.
“I have played with Daniel Saifiti for a couple of years now and we’ve always loved running off the back of each other and taking the next carry.”
Despite going 14 NRL games without a win, King says he always remained optimistic.
“I am honoured to be playing first grade but to be able to win especially in front of the home fans is a special feeling," King said.
“To walk back having the crowd cheering you on, you can’t describe that feeling, it is incredible.
“The challenge for me now is to go out and play consistent football every week and now that I’ve been able to have a crack at first grade hopefully I can stay there for a while.”
