THE MOMENT...New Wests Tigers Captain Kyle Lovett celebrates the 2012 premiership victory with Tony Carson - now the Wests Tigers NRL Football Manager. Photo: Wayne Cousins.
Kyle Lovett knows he and his team-mates are marked men in 2013.
As captain of the Wests Tigers NYC side, Lovett is aware of the pressures facing the 2012 Premiers as they start their title defence against Newcastle Knights tonight. Kick-off is 4.45pm.
It is a point Coach Todd Payten has drummed into his men.
Todds message at our first meeting was we are the number one target. Every team wants to knock us off, Lovett said.
It is important we show respect to the team that won the Club the premiership last year.
Lovett, Kurtis Rowe, Matt Mulcahy, Nathan Brown and Brenden Santi are the only players from last year's Grand Final winning team that will line up against the Knights.
For the players like me, we have to show respect and look after that title. We have to defend it well.
The pressure is massive. I might be the captain but Matt, Kurtis, Nathan and Brenden are all leaders and we have to stand up.
If we are not pulling our weight, then how can we expect the rest of the boys to do so.
Lovett said the teams training session on Tuesday was the best of the year in a week when the Club mourned the death of former NYC team-mate Mosese Fotuaika.
Kyle Lovett knows he and his team-mates are marked men in 2013.
As captain of the Wests Tigers NYC side, Lovett is aware of the pressures facing the 2012 Premiers as they start their title defence against Newcastle Knights tonight. Kick-off is 4.45pm.
It is a point Coach Todd Payten has drummed into his men.
Todds message at our first meeting was we are the number one target. Every team wants to knock us off, Lovett said.
It is important we show respect to the team that won the Club the premiership last year.
Lovett, Kurtis Rowe, Matt Mulcahy, Nathan Brown and Brenden Santi are the only players from last year's Grand Final winning team that will line up against the Knights.
For the players like me, we have to show respect and look after that title. We have to defend it well.
The pressure is massive. I might be the captain but Matt, Kurtis, Nathan and Brenden are all leaders and we have to stand up.
If we are not pulling our weight, then how can we expect the rest of the boys to do so.
Lovett said the teams training session on Tuesday was the best of the year in a week when the Club mourned the death of former NYC team-mate Mosese Fotuaika.
