NRL News Rugby League

NRL News
Knights Thriving under Brian Smith Regime
NRL News today received word from a Newcastle Knights source regarding the state of play inside the Knights camp.
With Brian Smith taking control this year after several seasons under Michael Hagan, much has been said about the Andrew Johns / Brian Smith relationship and how the controlling nature of Brian Smith would affect the usually relaxed style we see from the Knights.
It seems the Knights could really excel in NRL Season 2007 - word has it that players are enjoying the new policies. Players are taking more knowledge from training sessions, and Brian Smith has arranged a food delivery scheme for players to receive specialised meals three times a day.
Knights players have also whispered about the fact that the installment of Smith as coach has reduced the control wielded by Andrew Johns during the Hagan years. Apparently players were occasionally frustrated by the influence Johns had over the team, as he would pick and choose sessions to attend, arrive late and never have to answer to the coach.
Smith's initiatives have led to many players improving their playing weight and individual fitness levels are at their peak. This rang true in the recent trial against Cronulla, where the Knights hung on for the majority of the match and were able to steal the win at the death.
Another new initiative was the Newcastle Knights forward pack being sent away to train with the NSW Tactical Response Group. The Knights big men were put through brutal routines with the Police's elite squad and have relished the challenges and have enjoyed the experience.
While NRL News believes all the early signs for the Knights are positive, we eagerly await the Knights' performance in the NRL with Brian Smith guiding from the watchtower.
NRL News Article Sunday Night 4th March 11.59pm