Willie Mason likens the Newcastle Knights season so far to a wild roller coaster ride.
It's a statement that's reflective of the inconsistent nature of the Knights in 2014, a team that has endured as many ups and downs as any theme park classic.
But in the wake of Saturday's gutsy win over the Raiders in Canberra, Mason has called for his team to end the indifferent form and start building momentum.
It's a challenge that starts with a blockbuster Good Friday clash against the Brisbane Broncos at Hunter Stadium.
"We’ve sort of fiddled around a little bit for six rounds and we’ve got it right a couple of times and we’ve won some games," Mason said after training on Tuesday.
"But we’ve been in some games that we’ve lost and I think now is time to build some momentum into Origin.
"This time last week was probably the worst time I’ve had at the Knights I reckon after that loss against the Cowboys.
"It just shows how good and how bad a week in football can be and we went through a massive roller coster ride there.
"And to go on a pretty tough road trip having to play North Queensland up there on a Monday and then travel down to Canberra on a Friday was awful.
"And to beat them down there and they are in some pretty good form, so it took a great effort to win down there, so I’m pretty happy.
"If we do get Snowy (Kade) and Gids back we are full strength for the Broncos.
"So there are no more excuses, especially Friday night in front of our home people."
The Knights have had to deal with a raft off-field issues this season and Mason concedes it has been difficult for the players.
As tough as those setbacks have been though, the veteran bookend knows winning matches is all that matters when it comes to the Club's faithful supporters.
"Obviously they are always going to have a soft spot for what has happened with us with Alex (McKinnon) and with Russell (Packer) and with all ins and outs of the club," he says.
"It has been hard on all the players and everybody around the club, but we are dealing with it.
"We are dealing with the Alex situation.
"He’ll never be forgotten. We are going to go down and see him tomorrow and all the boys have been in and out of the hospital visiting him.
"He is always going to be on our jersey, but we can’t just keep thinking that everyone is going to forgive us for what happened to Alex.
"I don’t think he would. He would be filthy on us if we didn’t play our hearts out.
"The public has given us a little bit of leeway, but they want some results."
Get your free team song CD now
A free copy of the Club's team song CD, 'Long Live the Newcastle Knights' is available now at the Hunter Sports Superstore and The Locker Room at Wests Mayfield. Click here for all the information. For a free download of the song, click here.
