KNIGHTS skipper Mitchell Pearce says NRL players have a unique opportunity to "put smiles on plenty of people's faces" when they return to the field after the coronavirus hiatus.
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The vast majority of sport around the world has been on hold for almost two months, but rugby league is set to blaze a trail with its bold quest to resume the season on May 28.
Fans will be unable to attend games for the forseeable future but huge television audiences are expected to tune in.
Pearce said his teammates were well aware of the positive influence they can have on the community during a grim period.
"Especially up here, we all know how big of a following we have up here in Newcastle," Pearce said.
"We usually get some of the biggest crowds in the competition, year in, year out.
"Knowing that the fans aren't going to be there on game day, but on TV there'll be just as many eyes watching, as a player you feel quite privileged that we get an opportunity to not only play for each other but also make a lot of people happy, at home, when there's not much going on at the moment.
"So it's a privileged position we're in, and the players are definitely not taking that lightly.
"We know our responsibility that's ahead of us. As I said, it's quite a privilege to know that we've got an opportunity to put smiles on plenty of people's faces.
"Hopefully a lot of those smiles are on the people in Newcastle."
The 278-game veteran said he "actually really enjoyed" Newcastle's round-two clash against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval, which was the first time in his career he had played at a venue devoid of spectators.
"We all love crowds and atmosphere, and I'd prefer that any day. I think we all would," he said.
"But there was something fun about it. It was a bit different. You could hear your own voice.
"You had to create your own energy and your own momentum in the game ... so it definitely changed the dynamics a little bit."
Pearce said the unprecedented nature of the season ahead, and the biosecurity restrictions in place, would present "curve balls" that challenge every team.
"I think the most disciplined side this year, that sticks to the rules and does the right thing will be the most prepared team going into games," he said.
"As a group we're all committed, we listened to what's required and what's ahead of us. We all committed to it ... I think the way you manage your game days, the way you manage your preparation mentally going into games without crowds will have a big bearing on how you play."
