“When I walk around the streets in Newcastle now compared to when I first arrived, a lot of people come up to me and my brother Adam – because I'm usually with him – for autographs and photos, which is great.

“Going for a walk, go to the pub, whatever, even the neutrals who support rugby league say we're great,” Griffiths tells au.fourfourtwo.com.

Newcastle has traditionally attracted many junior footballers to its ranks and has produced a number of quality players. But at senior level, rugby league has always enjoyed stronger support than the various football teams under the Newcastle moniker.

Now with football booming and the Jets in their second A-League preliminary final and third finals appearance, Griffiths says he can feel the difference in a town - especially as local NRL side the Knights have struggled in recent years.

“You've got a good audience out there. A lot of juniors play soccer in the Hunter region and they want role models and I think they've got that now.

“Before the Jets was just a slogan or an image, now they know who we are. That's how far the league has come,” added 28-year-old Griffiths.

The Jets are expecting another full house of up to 24,000 to EnergyAustralia stadium for this weekend's do or die preliminary final with Queensland.

And with a young squad, it will be a test of character again after the side wilted under the pressure of the Mariners last week in the second leg of the major semi final.

One of those who struggled, according to coach Gary Van Egmond, was James Holland. Griffiths nevertheless, sees a big future for the teenager.

“James is a good kid... but he's got a lot to learn. And this is the problem when the media put a lot of pressure on an 18-year-old. It's up to the older lads in the team and coaches to pull him in and have a quiet word.

“But in saying that he's a cheeky devil and if he wants to kick you, he'll kick you. He's not afraid of who you are.

“At the time you don't really like it but I really like that and you look back on it and think 'yeah, he's going to be someone'.”