Dominic Young is heading into this weekend’s Magic Round with a smile on his face and high praise for his teammates.
And, for good reason.
The Newcastle Knights winger says the side is building confidence and starting to look “pretty dangerous” in attack as they prepare for their round 11 clash with the Gold Coast Titans.
He also reflected positively on the outfit’s recent form following strong back-to-back wins.
Newcastle’s thrilling 42-38 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs was followed up by a 44-10 demolition of the St George Illawarra Dragons, a result that helped keep the club inside the top 10 and sitting eighth overall on the ladder.
“We looked pretty dangerous out there,” Young said.
“I think everyone saw how well our attack was flowing
“It was another good win for us and something to build on heading into Magic Round.”
For Young, those performances have given the squad plenty to be positive about as it gears up for one of the biggest weekends on the NRL calendar.
But, he extolled the virtues of fellow flyer Greg Marzhew’s recent five-try haul, while acknowledging captain Kalyn Ponga’s triumphant return from injury.
“I think opposition teams will be having nightmares about him,” Young said.
“Trying to defend him and stop him.”
The towering Englishman recalls watching the Magic Round as a kid and, even then, feeling the buzz around the extravaganza.
“As a player, you like to play on the big stages and in the big games,” Young said.
“Magic Round has that feel to it; the atmosphere’s electric.
“I can’t wait.”
With confidence rising and its attack firing under coach Justin Holbrook, Newcastle is determined to make another big statement at the expense of the Titans.
The two combatants lock horns at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday 17 May from 2pm.
