Andrew Johns’ rallying cry for Newcastle supporters
“This is about our fans, both up here and over here. Newcastle has endured some really tough times and hasn’t won a cup for 25 years, but the one constant has been these people. They turn up week after week, even when wooden spoons are being handed out at home. They keep coming because they have hope — hope that we can beat some of the big teams. Tonight, that hope has reached its peak.”
“So sit back and enjoy it. The atmosphere is incredible, and just look at our fans. Tonight, two players are representing the people of our town. One is Sandon Smith. Sandon’s semi-final series has been remarkable. In the first week against South Sydney and Cobden in New Zealand at Eden Park, he played as tough as they come. Then, against Penrith last week, he produced the game of his life, scoring two tries before saving us with that intercept and 90-metre run.”
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“And on this side, he’s the king — King Kalyn, our natural leader and captain. We all know how special he is and how much natural talent he possesses. He can do anything. But this year, we’ve also seen a harder edge, with Kalyn putting his body on the line. Just look at that huge hit on Moses Leota last week when the game was on the line.”
“Newcastle fans, wherever you are — whether you’re in the stands, at McDonald Jones Stadium, watching from home, or gathered in pubs and clubs — I don’t care where you are in the world. Stand up. I want to hear that Newcastle chant.”
