Newcastle forwards Aidan Guerra and David Klemmer have spoken of Mitch Barnett's good character as he awaits the outcome of an NRL investigation into an alleged racial slur.
Within the coming days the NRL is set to finalise the integrity unit's probe into claims Barnett racially vilified Indigenous star Tyrone Peachey in the Knights' loss to Gold Coast on Friday night.
It could be finalised as early as Monday afternoon to give Newcastle clarity for their team list in the days before their elimination final against South Sydney at on Sunday.
Barnett has already spoken to the NRL's integrity unit and denied Peachey's allegation that a racial slur - "black c***" - was directed at him by the Knights back-rower.
About 1700 ticketed members were given the chance to watch the Knights train at McDonald Jones Stadium on Monday where Guerra spoke of Barnett's importance to the team.
"He's just that guy around the club, always makes sure everyone's all right," Guerra, a former Queensland representative, said.
"He's friends with everyone. He's just an easy bloke to talk to and one of those blokes you can sit there and have a conversation with, no matter what it's about.
"On the field, that speaks for itself, he's a player that you want to play with."
NSW Blues prop David Klemmer echoed Guerra's sentiment in support of Barnett.
"Mitch is a very influential character around the club. He's got a big personality and we love playing with him," he said.
"He's one of the blokes who will always have your bac. He's someone that won't let you down and is very respectful to everyone in the club.
"To have him in my footy side is great. I wouldn't want to play with anyone else."
The situation has created a less than ideal preparation for the Knights' first NRL finals appearance since 2013.
Compounding the situation is their shock 36-6 thumping to the Titans in the final round of the regular season - which cost Newcastle a home final.
However, Guerra said they have moved on quickly after a brutal review session on Monday and are now focused on getting a win in their first final in seven years.
The former Roosters forward was a part of the side that ended the Knights' hopes of a grand final in 2013, and said he remembers the bus loads of fans who came down the highway for the preliminary final in Sydney.
"It's been a long time coming for this town so we know it means a lot to them," Guerra said.
"It's not just good enough to go one week into the finals.
"If we cap ourselves and say we've achieved what we want then we're selling ourselves short.
"We have a football side here that if we play our best we can match it with any team in the competition."
Australian Associated Press
