Latest news with #Clydsdale
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
The appointment that brought Knights gun to tears
YASMIN Clydsdale thought her chances of captaining a team had past but Knights NRLW coach Ben Jeffries believes no-one is more worthy of leading her home town than the inspirational back-rower. Clydsdale was announced captain of the Knights' NRLW team at the season launch on Tuesday, taking the reins from long-term skipper Hannah Southwell, who is now at the Dragons. The 31-yeat-old has achieved everything in the game, winning three premierships as well as representing her state and country. She now ticks the final box. "I probably thought I had past this opportunity," Clydsdale said. "It is a shock but also a privilege and honour. I would almost put this No.1 [in my achievements]. "BJ (Jeffries) told me when it was just us two. It didn't really hit me until he announced it to the team. I started crying. "This is my home town, the community I grew up in. To be able to represent and captain the team is something I didn't think would happen." Clydsdale is the most experienced player in the Knights squad with 39 NRLW games. She has won pemierships with the Roosters and Knights, was part of the NSW team which beat Queensland this year and has won a World Cup with the Jillaroos. But there is more to Clydsdale than just her playing record. "She sets the standard on and off the field," Jeffrries said. "I don't know how she fits everything in. She aligns herself to the club's values and epotomises what this club is all about. "This group adore her. I can't think of anyone more worthy than Yas to be the captain this season." Cyldsdale was a gun touch and rugby sevens player - representing Australia at both - before embarking on a rugby league career. Asked if she had ever captained a side, Clydsdale said: "No never. I don't know how I will go tossing the coin. Hopefully, I get a few wins. This is all very new to me." While Clydsdale may not have had the C besides her name, the Scone PE teacher has loing been a leader. "The way I lead is through communication," she said. "Being able to connect and communicate with the girls is something I pride mysefl on. I make sure I have conversations. Getting to undertstand them and getting to know them is something I do every year. "I want them to feel comfortable in this environment, so they can flourish." A new-look Knights open their 2025 campaign against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Friday July 4. Southwell, superstar fullback Tamika Upton and barnstorming prop Caitlan Johnston-Green are among seven departures from the side which finished fourth in 2024, going down 25-16 to the Roosters in the semi-final. Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Walsh and Kiwi Keighley Simpson head the list of arrivals, while premiership-winning forward Tiana Davison returns from the Roosters. NSW under-19 representatives Lilly-Ann White and Evah, McEwen and fellow home-grown talents Jules Kirkpatrick and Evie Jones will get more opprtunities. They join established stars, hooker Olivia Higgins, NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, New Zealand outside back Shanice Parker and England five-eighth Georgia Roche. "To be able to captain a team full of so much talent. I'm really excited," Clydsdale said. "It is a young team, but I feel everyone has leadership qualities and they all bring different quaities to the team. "We have a great bunch of girls and we push each other to be better. "I love that we are off the cuff and play what is in front of us. "BJ has worked really hard with the strength and conditioning team and the physio to make sure all the girls are ready to go on paddock. "We will take it one game at a time. We have two new teams coming in this year and it is a long season. I don't think anyone can be underestimated." NRLW expands to a 12-team, 11-round competition this year with the additions of the Bulldogs and Warriors. Jeffries has put the Knights squad through a gruelling preseason. The hard work showed in a 20-12 trial win over Canberra in Cessnock on June 15. "We are a fitter faster group than we were," Jeffries said. "That is the way the female game is going. "I'm really optimist about how we will go this year." YASMIN Clydsdale thought her chances of captaining a team had past but Knights NRLW coach Ben Jeffries believes no-one is more worthy of leading her home town than the inspirational back-rower. Clydsdale was announced captain of the Knights' NRLW team at the season launch on Tuesday, taking the reins from long-term skipper Hannah Southwell, who is now at the Dragons. The 31-yeat-old has achieved everything in the game, winning three premierships as well as representing her state and country. She now ticks the final box. "I probably thought I had past this opportunity," Clydsdale said. "It is a shock but also a privilege and honour. I would almost put this No.1 [in my achievements]. "BJ (Jeffries) told me when it was just us two. It didn't really hit me until he announced it to the team. I started crying. "This is my home town, the community I grew up in. To be able to represent and captain the team is something I didn't think would happen." Clydsdale is the most experienced player in the Knights squad with 39 NRLW games. She has won pemierships with the Roosters and Knights, was part of the NSW team which beat Queensland this year and has won a World Cup with the Jillaroos. But there is more to Clydsdale than just her playing record. "She sets the standard on and off the field," Jeffrries said. "I don't know how she fits everything in. She aligns herself to the club's values and epotomises what this club is all about. "This group adore her. I can't think of anyone more worthy than Yas to be the captain this season." Cyldsdale was a gun touch and rugby sevens player - representing Australia at both - before embarking on a rugby league career. Asked if she had ever captained a side, Clydsdale said: "No never. I don't know how I will go tossing the coin. Hopefully, I get a few wins. This is all very new to me." While Clydsdale may not have had the C besides her name, the Scone PE teacher has loing been a leader. "The way I lead is through communication," she said. "Being able to connect and communicate with the girls is something I pride mysefl on. I make sure I have conversations. Getting to undertstand them and getting to know them is something I do every year. "I want them to feel comfortable in this environment, so they can flourish." A new-look Knights open their 2025 campaign against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Friday July 4. Southwell, superstar fullback Tamika Upton and barnstorming prop Caitlan Johnston-Green are among seven departures from the side which finished fourth in 2024, going down 25-16 to the Roosters in the semi-final. Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Walsh and Kiwi Keighley Simpson head the list of arrivals, while premiership-winning forward Tiana Davison returns from the Roosters. NSW under-19 representatives Lilly-Ann White and Evah, McEwen and fellow home-grown talents Jules Kirkpatrick and Evie Jones will get more opprtunities. They join established stars, hooker Olivia Higgins, NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, New Zealand outside back Shanice Parker and England five-eighth Georgia Roche. "To be able to captain a team full of so much talent. I'm really excited," Clydsdale said. "It is a young team, but I feel everyone has leadership qualities and they all bring different quaities to the team. "We have a great bunch of girls and we push each other to be better. "I love that we are off the cuff and play what is in front of us. "BJ has worked really hard with the strength and conditioning team and the physio to make sure all the girls are ready to go on paddock. "We will take it one game at a time. We have two new teams coming in this year and it is a long season. I don't think anyone can be underestimated." NRLW expands to a 12-team, 11-round competition this year with the additions of the Bulldogs and Warriors. Jeffries has put the Knights squad through a gruelling preseason. The hard work showed in a 20-12 trial win over Canberra in Cessnock on June 15. "We are a fitter faster group than we were," Jeffries said. "That is the way the female game is going. "I'm really optimist about how we will go this year." YASMIN Clydsdale thought her chances of captaining a team had past but Knights NRLW coach Ben Jeffries believes no-one is more worthy of leading her home town than the inspirational back-rower. Clydsdale was announced captain of the Knights' NRLW team at the season launch on Tuesday, taking the reins from long-term skipper Hannah Southwell, who is now at the Dragons. The 31-yeat-old has achieved everything in the game, winning three premierships as well as representing her state and country. She now ticks the final box. "I probably thought I had past this opportunity," Clydsdale said. "It is a shock but also a privilege and honour. I would almost put this No.1 [in my achievements]. "BJ (Jeffries) told me when it was just us two. It didn't really hit me until he announced it to the team. I started crying. "This is my home town, the community I grew up in. To be able to represent and captain the team is something I didn't think would happen." Clydsdale is the most experienced player in the Knights squad with 39 NRLW games. She has won pemierships with the Roosters and Knights, was part of the NSW team which beat Queensland this year and has won a World Cup with the Jillaroos. But there is more to Clydsdale than just her playing record. "She sets the standard on and off the field," Jeffrries said. "I don't know how she fits everything in. She aligns herself to the club's values and epotomises what this club is all about. "This group adore her. I can't think of anyone more worthy than Yas to be the captain this season." Cyldsdale was a gun touch and rugby sevens player - representing Australia at both - before embarking on a rugby league career. Asked if she had ever captained a side, Clydsdale said: "No never. I don't know how I will go tossing the coin. Hopefully, I get a few wins. This is all very new to me." While Clydsdale may not have had the C besides her name, the Scone PE teacher has loing been a leader. "The way I lead is through communication," she said. "Being able to connect and communicate with the girls is something I pride mysefl on. I make sure I have conversations. Getting to undertstand them and getting to know them is something I do every year. "I want them to feel comfortable in this environment, so they can flourish." A new-look Knights open their 2025 campaign against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Friday July 4. Southwell, superstar fullback Tamika Upton and barnstorming prop Caitlan Johnston-Green are among seven departures from the side which finished fourth in 2024, going down 25-16 to the Roosters in the semi-final. Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Walsh and Kiwi Keighley Simpson head the list of arrivals, while premiership-winning forward Tiana Davison returns from the Roosters. NSW under-19 representatives Lilly-Ann White and Evah, McEwen and fellow home-grown talents Jules Kirkpatrick and Evie Jones will get more opprtunities. They join established stars, hooker Olivia Higgins, NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, New Zealand outside back Shanice Parker and England five-eighth Georgia Roche. "To be able to captain a team full of so much talent. I'm really excited," Clydsdale said. "It is a young team, but I feel everyone has leadership qualities and they all bring different quaities to the team. "We have a great bunch of girls and we push each other to be better. "I love that we are off the cuff and play what is in front of us. "BJ has worked really hard with the strength and conditioning team and the physio to make sure all the girls are ready to go on paddock. "We will take it one game at a time. We have two new teams coming in this year and it is a long season. I don't think anyone can be underestimated." NRLW expands to a 12-team, 11-round competition this year with the additions of the Bulldogs and Warriors. Jeffries has put the Knights squad through a gruelling preseason. The hard work showed in a 20-12 trial win over Canberra in Cessnock on June 15. "We are a fitter faster group than we were," Jeffries said. "That is the way the female game is going. "I'm really optimist about how we will go this year." YASMIN Clydsdale thought her chances of captaining a team had past but Knights NRLW coach Ben Jeffries believes no-one is more worthy of leading her home town than the inspirational back-rower. Clydsdale was announced captain of the Knights' NRLW team at the season launch on Tuesday, taking the reins from long-term skipper Hannah Southwell, who is now at the Dragons. The 31-yeat-old has achieved everything in the game, winning three premierships as well as representing her state and country. She now ticks the final box. "I probably thought I had past this opportunity," Clydsdale said. "It is a shock but also a privilege and honour. I would almost put this No.1 [in my achievements]. "BJ (Jeffries) told me when it was just us two. It didn't really hit me until he announced it to the team. I started crying. "This is my home town, the community I grew up in. To be able to represent and captain the team is something I didn't think would happen." Clydsdale is the most experienced player in the Knights squad with 39 NRLW games. She has won pemierships with the Roosters and Knights, was part of the NSW team which beat Queensland this year and has won a World Cup with the Jillaroos. But there is more to Clydsdale than just her playing record. "She sets the standard on and off the field," Jeffrries said. "I don't know how she fits everything in. She aligns herself to the club's values and epotomises what this club is all about. "This group adore her. I can't think of anyone more worthy than Yas to be the captain this season." Cyldsdale was a gun touch and rugby sevens player - representing Australia at both - before embarking on a rugby league career. Asked if she had ever captained a side, Clydsdale said: "No never. I don't know how I will go tossing the coin. Hopefully, I get a few wins. This is all very new to me." While Clydsdale may not have had the C besides her name, the Scone PE teacher has loing been a leader. "The way I lead is through communication," she said. "Being able to connect and communicate with the girls is something I pride mysefl on. I make sure I have conversations. Getting to undertstand them and getting to know them is something I do every year. "I want them to feel comfortable in this environment, so they can flourish." A new-look Knights open their 2025 campaign against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium on Friday July 4. Southwell, superstar fullback Tamika Upton and barnstorming prop Caitlan Johnston-Green are among seven departures from the side which finished fourth in 2024, going down 25-16 to the Roosters in the semi-final. Wests Tigers fullback Botille Vette-Walsh and Kiwi Keighley Simpson head the list of arrivals, while premiership-winning forward Tiana Davison returns from the Roosters. NSW under-19 representatives Lilly-Ann White and Evah, McEwen and fellow home-grown talents Jules Kirkpatrick and Evie Jones will get more opprtunities. They join established stars, hooker Olivia Higgins, NSW halfback Jesse Southwell, New Zealand outside back Shanice Parker and England five-eighth Georgia Roche. "To be able to captain a team full of so much talent. I'm really excited," Clydsdale said. "It is a young team, but I feel everyone has leadership qualities and they all bring different quaities to the team. "We have a great bunch of girls and we push each other to be better. "I love that we are off the cuff and play what is in front of us. "BJ has worked really hard with the strength and conditioning team and the physio to make sure all the girls are ready to go on paddock. "We will take it one game at a time. We have two new teams coming in this year and it is a long season. I don't think anyone can be underestimated." NRLW expands to a 12-team, 11-round competition this year with the additions of the Bulldogs and Warriors. Jeffries has put the Knights squad through a gruelling preseason. The hard work showed in a 20-12 trial win over Canberra in Cessnock on June 15. "We are a fitter faster group than we were," Jeffries said. "That is the way the female game is going. "I'm really optimist about how we will go this year."
Sydney Morning Herald
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
They've already won the series. But Blues want to pile misery on Maroons
Blues back-rower Yasmin Clydsdale is primed to help NSW clinch a historic State of Origin whitewash this week – before returning for another crack at Queensland next year. The Blues have already won the series after victories in the first two games of the inaugural three-match campaign, and will be aiming to complete a shut-out at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday. Whereas their male counterparts might be inclined to rub Queensland's noses in it, if they were in the same position, the motivation for the women's Blues is simply to deliver the first-ever 3-0 clean sweep. 'We still haven't finished our job,' Clydsdale said. 'We've still got one more to get ... I think we'd just like to come away with the win and do the whitewash because it hasn't been done before. 'So we would love to start, like, a legacy of us having whitewashed the Queenslanders. I know that they'll come out blazing because they're playing for their pride. And we want to be able to get that whitewash win.' Blues utility Jocelyn Kelleher expressed similar sentiments. 'It's about having that record,' Kelleher said. 'We would be the first team to ever do that in the women's space and that record will never be broken again after that. So if we get that, that's ours forever. It's more about the legacy of that.' To put it in context, the NSW men's team needed five attempts before they first swept the Maroons in 1986.
The Age
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
They've already won the series. But Blues want to pile misery on Maroons
Blues back-rower Yasmin Clydsdale is primed to help NSW clinch a historic State of Origin whitewash this week – before returning for another crack at Queensland next year. The Blues have already won the series after victories in the first two games of the inaugural three-match campaign, and will be aiming to complete a shut-out at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday. Whereas their male counterparts might be inclined to rub Queensland's noses in it, if they were in the same position, the motivation for the women's Blues is simply to deliver the first-ever 3-0 clean sweep. 'We still haven't finished our job,' Clydsdale said. 'We've still got one more to get ... I think we'd just like to come away with the win and do the whitewash because it hasn't been done before. 'So we would love to start, like, a legacy of us having whitewashed the Queenslanders. I know that they'll come out blazing because they're playing for their pride. And we want to be able to get that whitewash win.' Blues utility Jocelyn Kelleher expressed similar sentiments. 'It's about having that record,' Kelleher said. 'We would be the first team to ever do that in the women's space and that record will never be broken again after that. So if we get that, that's ours forever. It's more about the legacy of that.' To put it in context, the NSW men's team needed five attempts before they first swept the Maroons in 1986.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Why Blues want Newcastle venue to be made permanent
For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums." For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums." For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Why Blues want Newcastle venue to be made permanent
For second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale bad weather in Newcastle has more impact than just keeping footy fans away from game three of women's Origin. The recent deluge on NSW's mid-north coast has stopped Clydsdale's husband Adam from being able to cross a creek to get to their cows on their farm in the upper Hunter. But the Newcastle NRLW star knows nothing will stop footy-mad supporters in the region from turning out in numbers to see NSW lift the women's State of Origin shield on May 29. She's adamant Newcastle should always host a game of women's Origin to honour the passion and support the locals have for the women's game. "They (Newcastle) always show up for women's rugby league so it's like a reward," Clydsdale said on Thursday. "I always say we have such amazing and passionate fans so if we only had one (game) in NSW, I definitely think Newcastle would be the place. "It's a rugby league town, they live and breathe rugby league so they'll just get on board anything rugby league related. "They're not fans, they're supporters, and they always show up for us." The forward is better placed than most to know what it would mean for locals struggling with flooding and intense rainfall, owning a cattle farm in the town of Rouchel in the upper Hunter. "It's pretty scary at the moment, we can't even get to our cattle because the creek's up so high we can't cross," Clydsdale said. "Adam's making sure the cows are OK but we just can't get to them right now so hopefully they're all safe." NSW were stunned by a Lauren Brown field goal in Newcastle last year, but Clydsdale is determined to give her home fans the treat of seeing a NSW whitewash. "It feels a bit surreal to have already won the series, but we have a team that's very competitive and we want to win three-nil," Clydsdale said. Fellow Hunter local Jesse Southwell has starred for NSW in the first two games and says everyone in rugby league knows Newcastle fans turn up for women's sport. "The NRL sees that as well, Newcastle always shows up for the women's game, doesn't matter who's playing," Southwell said. "That's why the Magic Round is there as well, they'll get around it." The belief McDonald Jones Stadium should always host Origin is even held outside those who grew up in the region, with Sydney-born winger Jaime Chapman full of praise for the Hunter faithful. "The roar of the crowd is like no other in Newcastle, especially when you're playing for the Blues," Chapman told AAP. "I don't like it when I'm going down there playing against Newcastle, but when they're behind you, you can really feel it. "It gives you this feeling of adrenaline you don't get in other stadiums."
