Calling all nib Newcastle Knights supporters.
Old Boys Day is going to be huge, but our Jersey Flegg Knights are playing in a Qualifying Final before first grade and their coach Todd Lowrie hopes to pack out the ground for their match.
Hosting the Mounties on Saturday, Lowrie knows first-hand the influence the crowd can have on a team and is keen to take full advantage of the loyal fans this weekend before the NRL kicks off.
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"Traditionally with Old Boys Day, there's a big crowd but it'd be fanatic if everybody could try and get there as early as they can," Lowrie said.
"It'd be great to get as many there as we can to see our game be it a semi-final.
"If we win this, we go straight through to the grand final qualifier, so it would be fantastic to get a bit of local support there. We haven't played at McDonald Jones Stadium much this year and I know the boys would get a buzz out of seeing some local support there."
The boys kick-off at 12.40pm, 10 minutes after gates open.
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While acting as a precursor to first grade, the 20s side has supplied a handful of talent that has featured in the NRL.
Tom Starling is one of those talents.
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While the No.9 will make his NRL debut this weekend, he has played several games in the Flegg side this season and would've featured in Saturday's final if it wasn't for the call-up.
While Starling won't turn out in the 20s, Pasami Saulo returns to the competition after a handful of games in the NRL with the Flegg match not only a terrific opportunity to cheers the local talent on but a glimpse into the future of the Knights.
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"Newcastle fans are famous for indicating they want more grades on at the stadium," Lowrie said.
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"This week is a great opportunity to support the game and there's future NRL players there.
"Tommy Starling is a regular member of our team and he's playing NRL this week which is fantastic this week.
"Pasami Saulo is playing for us this week and he's played NRL this year.
"There's some guys in the team you'll see in first grade over the next 12-18 months. It's a good chance for the Newcastle crowd to come out and see them in action, in a semi-final, which means a lot."
