KIWI CHRISTMAS AHEAD OF KNIGHTS TEST
Newcastle Falcons talisman Jimmy Gopperth played host on Christmas Day as the Falcons gear up for next week’s clash in South Yorkshire.
“Our families are all back home in New Zealand so all the Kiwi lads went to Jimmy’s house for Christmas,” said Mayhew.
“Back home a typical Christmas is spent in the sun on the beach with a big ham and turkey and all the trimmings,” added the back-rower.
Speaking nearly a week after the Falcons’ narrow 12-9 victory over London Scottish at Kingston Park, Mayhew, 27, believes his side can kick-on against a Knights outfit which currently sit at the foot of the table on points difference.
Mayhew said: “It was a reality check when we played Scottish, and they played very well. We’ve got to make sure that we work hard in training this week and turn it around for the trip to Doncaster.”
Following last weekend’s game against the Londoners, man-of-the-match Joel Hodgson revealed his disappointment at failing to put on a show in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Mayhew agrees with the 20-year-old home-grown talent but insists the northeasterners will be better for the experience, adding: “Obviously all the boys wanted to make a statement in front of the Sky cameras, but at the end of the day we’ll worry about ourselves and the crucial thing was that we got the win.
“It’s a long season and one glitch isn’t going to be the end of the world – we’ll work hard this week and hopefully we can make amends next week against Doncaster and get the job done.”
