FOR the second consecutive year, the Knights appear set to open their NRL season by hosting a Friday 6pm game.
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While the governing body is yet to publicly announce its schedule for 2018, News Corporation reported on Sunday that Newcastle will be at home to Cronulla in round one.
The Friday 6pm time slot has been a crowd killer for most clubs, especially those based in Sydney, but Newcastle’s attendances have not suffered significantly.
The Knights kicked off last season with a 23,516-strong turnout for their golden-point win against Manly.
They also drew crowds of 22,718 and 14,801 for losses to South Sydney and Penrith.
In five Friday 6pm home games over the past two seasons, their average crowd is 19,875.
The Sharks shape as a daunting first-up opponent. Cronulla have dominated Newcastle for the past four seasons, winning eight consecutive clashes by a combined scoreline of 281-96, or 35-12 on average.
