The nib Newcastle Knights are looking to set the benchmark high for 2019, and it all starts on the training paddock.
After years of not making the finals, the performance staff are putting the players through their paces as pre-season training begins to heat up.
Head of Physical Performance, Balin Cupples said he's trying to make the players feel 'uncomfortable' as they strive for a successful 2019.
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"Across a 15-week pre-season, you've always got to keep players accountable," Cupples told the Newcastle Herald
"You've just got to set standards and the big thing for myself and the staff is to keep them uncomfortable.
"You have to be strict to make sure that players stay strong, because the pre-season, across that whole game, moves forward each year.
"The Knights obviously weren't involved with finals football this year, so we have to try to put things in place that allow us to move forward quicker."
