In this week's Rookie Report, we take a look at the nib Newcastle Knights players developing in the Knock-On-Effect NSW Cup competition.
Due to the current suspension of the competition due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the NSW Cup is on standby while COVID draws were placed on Round 16 and 17 games.
The players have maintained their training load in preparation for the restart of play.
"We had three really good sessions last week, we've done bit of contact stuff along with conditioning," coach Andrew Ryan said.
"A lot of the guys weren't playing but a number featured in the (Newcastle) Rugby League competition on the weekend."
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Under the testing circumstances, the squad has rallied around each other and continued to move forward.
Coach Andrew Ryan has heaped praise on his experienced guys who are helping steer the side through the suspension.
"Our experienced guys like Zac Hosking have been immense during this time," Ryan said.
"We've also got a lot of young guys like Chris Vea'lia, Zane Camroux who are doing a great job.
"Mitch Black has also comeback (from injury) and ripping in."
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A few of the players have reverted to Newcastle local league to keep up match fitness.
Coach Ryan provided an update on how the boys fared in their respective games on the weekend with players featuring for Wests, Maitland and Souths.
"I was able to watch both games over the weekend," Ryan said.
"Kurri-Kurri played Wests and Christian Ma'anaima and Liam Wilkinson went back and played there and got a really good win.
"Maitland and Souths was a tight game and we had six or seven guys from our part-time squad playing in both teams.
"It was a really good game of footy."
The NSW Cup side is enjoying a solid season currently sitting in fifth spot with five games to play when the season resumes.
Coach Ryan says his team will continue push forward for when the season resumes.
"We just want to see energy and effort, and have some fun," Ryan said.
"It's a challenging time given that they're not playing at the moment, but I think with these three things it will help us get through the next couple of weeks."
