Newcastle Knights
Encyclopedia
The Newcastle Knights are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Newcastle, New South Wales
. They compete in Australasia's premier rugby league competition, the National Rugby League
(NRL) premiership. Playing in red and blue, the Knights joined the top tier competition in 1988
, 79 years after the previous Newcastle based team, the Newcastle Rebels
had departed the Sydney competition with the formation of a separate league competition based in the Newcastle region
.
The club has won two premierships over its history (1997 and 2001) and produced such players as Andrew Johns
. Their home ground is Ausgrid Stadium.
competition in 1988 with Allan McMahon
as coach. Newcastle had previously been invited to field a team in the NSWRL competition for the 1982 season, but declined, worried it would weaken the area's local league competition. The Canberra Raiders
were admitted to the 1982 competition in their place.
The team was a success from the start, becoming one of the most popular clubs in its first season. By 1990, the team was strong enough to enter a play-off for fifth spot.
The club won their first competition, the Nissan Sevens, in 1991 and made the playoffs in 1992, where they were beaten by the St. George Dragons
. The Knights made the semi-finals again in 1995 when the competition became the Australian Rugby League
, and won the reserve grade premiership the same year.
The club stayed loyal to the Australian Rugby League when Rupert Murdoch
started Super League
in an attempt to win pay television rights to rugby league—this decision was very popular in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley
areas. News Limited
formed the Hunter Mariners
to compete with the Knights in the one and only season of Super League in Australia, but the Mariners failed to win much support in the area.
From 1997–2003, the Knights made seven finals series in a row. The Knights won the 1997 Australian Rugby League premiership, defeating the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
22–16 in the Grand Final, with Robbie O'Davis
winning the Clive Churchill Medal
. The match is best remembered for its classic finish – Darren Albert
breaking a 16 all deadlock with his try 7 seconds from fulltime. This win was a huge morale boost to the district following the closure of the area's biggest employer, the BHP
Steelworks, being announced the same year. Seventy per cent of the winning squad were Newcastle juniors.
The following season, Knights players Robbie O'Davis
, Wayne Richards
and Adam MacDougall
tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs; however, all three maintained they started use after the Knights' 1997 victory. The three were suspended, despite O'Davis' claims the club was not notified his drug was banned until after his positive test, and MacDougall's medical reason for taking the steroids (his usage continued after he completed his suspension, now approved by the NRL). In addition, the Knights terminated Wayne Richards' contract.
In 1998, the Knights finished equal on competition points with the Brisbane Broncos
, but finished second on points differential. In 1999, the Knights were in with a huge chance going into the final rounds only to lose their final two games of the regular season to finish 7th, before being knocked out a week later by Parramatta. The Knights came third in 2000, followed by a National Rugby League Premiership victory over the Parramatta Eels
in 2001, with Andrew Johns winning the Clive Churchill Medal
. Newcastle were handed heavy underdog status, but shocked the Eels with a 24–0 halftime lead, and eventual 30–24 win. In 2002, the club finished equal with the New Zealand Warriors
on competition points but, once again, finished second in the minor premiership due to inferior points differential.
Andrew Johns
won the Dally M Medal
for best player in the National Rugby League twice in a row in 1998 and 1999, and won an unprecedented third Dally M Medal in 2002. In addition, Johns also won the Provan-Summons Medal (the people's choice award for player of the year) four years in a row from 1998 to 2001, the best performance by any player in the history of the award.
In 2004, injuries plagued the club, with Andrew Johns
and Ben Kennedy out for extended periods of time. The club missed the finals, finishing 10th despite strong performances from Matthew Gidley
, Kurt Gidley
and NSW State of Origin
captain, Danny Buderus
.
Following further injuries and a lack of experienced players, the club failed to win a single match in the first half of the 2005 premiership, losing 13 consecutive matches—the worst start to a season by any club since the 1960s. That losing streak finally came to an end with a win away from home over the Penrith Panthers
when they came from 14–0 down at halftime to win 28–24. In a tribute to the club's followers, crowds remained high throughout the losing streak, and while the Knights were unable to avoid finishing last, fans were rewarded for their stoicism as the team managed to win eight of their last eleven games, including a six game winning streak brought to an end in round 26 by the St George Illawarra Dragons
.
2006 boded well for the Novocastrians, with the side recruiting Great Britain and Irish winger Brian Carney and former Raider Luke Davico
, as well as re-signing 2005 recruit Milton Thaiday
and managing to retain the many promising young juniors (led by the likes of Brad Tighe, Jarrod Mullen, Reegan Tanner, and Riley Brown) that have come through in the club's worst ever season. Newcastle ultimately finished the season in fourth position, a stunning reversal in form, but were eliminated from the finals after losing in the Semi Final to the Brisbane Broncos
going down 50–6.
Prior to the 2006 season kick-off it was announced that the club's longest serving coach, Michael Hagan would depart the club following the 2006 season to begin a three year contract with the Parramatta Eels
. Ironically, during the week of the 2006 season-opening game against Parramatta, the Knights confirmed Parramatta coach Brian Smith
would take over coaching duties in 2007.
2007 was a year of turmoil for the club both on and off the field. After making a promising start to the season with victories over contenders such as the Canterbury Bulldogs
– the club and rugby league world was rocked by the shock retirement of Andrew Johns
. The departure of their captain and most influential player had an obvious effect on the team, and although they managed to stay in touch with the top eight until the last third of the season, their season was irreparably damaged by his absence. In addition to this – the Knights endured the worst injury toll in the 2007 season – fielding thirty seven players in first grade by season's end.
The club also struggled off-field, with Brian Smith's decision to release players such as Clint Newton
, Kirk Reynoldson
, and Josh Perry
meeting with displeasure from the Sydney media and some sections of the Newcastle support base. Newton's defection to Melbourne and Reynoldson's threats of legal action over the club refusing to play him in the fifteen games required to trigger his fourth contract year saw the club's reputation dragged through the mud. The Daily Telegraph campaigned strongly for the sacking of Smith whilst Bluetongue
owner John Singleton
also threatened legal action after the releases lead to a multi-million dollar advertising campaign being cancelled. To cap it all off, Andrew Johns again made the press late in the season after being arrested for ecstasy possession in the United Kingdom and confessing to having been a drug addict for the entirety of his playing career.
Before the final round of 2007, Tab Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie was reported in The Daily Telegraph saying that the Knights were certainties for the wooden spoon and "it was pointless taking money on the wooden spoon gong given Newcastle would be firmly planted at the bottom of the ladder by the end of the weekend". Despite these pressures, the Knights managed to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years – offloading the dreaded piece of 'silverware' to the Penrith Panthers
with a last round victory over the Wests Tigers
.
2008 was a resurgence year for the Knights. They were unlucky to miss out on the finals, going down to the Brisbane Broncos
24–2 in the final round of the competition, which allowed the New Zealand Warriors
(who easily overcame the Parramatta Eels
) to take 8th place.
The Knights started the 2009 season convincingly, they were placed 2nd in the ladder at round 10. During the season the Knights equalled their best home winning streak record with 9 wins, equalling the previous 9 wins recorded in 1995. Towards the end of the season coach Brian Smith
announced he was leaving the Knights to join the troubled Sydney Roosters
in 2010 after their horrific season. Over the next few weeks assistant coach Rick Stone
was announced as the new coach of the Knights. The Knights toward the end of the season lost 3 games in a row, which put them in doubt for the finals, which they had looked like making all year. They then had an outstanding comeback to beat eventual grand finalists, Parramatta
up the ladder. They finished the year 7th out of 16 after losing to the Bulldogs
in week one of the finals. Rick Stone
said he was looking forward to his first off-season in charge. On the 16th, December 2009 it was announced player Danny Wicks
was involved in a drug bust involving amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy. He was stood down. Eventually Wicks terminated his own contract as he didn't want to keep bringing shame the club and sponsors.
For the 2010 season the Knights signed McDonalds and Coca-Cola
as major sponsors.
In March 2010 Chris Houston
was served with notice to attend court on charges of supplying ecstasy and cocaine
. He was stood down indefinitely.
June 2010 capped of a good period for the Knights after they confirmed the signings of 2009 Toyota Cup Player of the Year Beau Henry
on a 3-year deal, 2009 Toyota Cup Centre of the Year Siuatonga Likiliki
on a 2-year deal and former Australian international prop Antonio Kaufusi
on a 2-year deal. In the next few days, the Knights also confirmed the signings of current Queensland Maroons star Neville Costigan
on a 3-year deal and promising, young backrower Kyle O'Donnell
on a 2-year deal.
The Knights finished 11th in the 2010 season. While the club did not play in the finals, Adam MacDougall
recorded the most tries for the club and Akuila Uate
equalled the most tries in a season marking an otherwise forgetful year for the Knights.
In December 2010, former Knight Chris Houston
was cleared of all drug charges and re-signed with the club for 2 years.
On the 31st of March 2011, the Knights were officially taken over by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler
after a member's vote in which Tinkler won by 97%.
On the 12th of April 2011, the Knights confirmed the signing of 'supercoach' Wayne Bennett. They finished 8th in 2011, being elimintated in the first week of the finals. After the 2011 season, the Knights cleaned out 15 players, aswell as signing 6.
The Knights will celebrate 25 years in the NRL competition in 2012.
----
Last updated on 3 September 2011.
----
Finals Series: 12 (1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011)
Wooden Spoons: 1 (2005)
Most Points
Most Tries
Most Goals
----
Most Tries
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Most Tries
Most Goals
Playin' hard, playin' tough,
Just plain good is not good enough,
We're gonna show you what league's all about,
If there's a lesson to be learned we're handing it out.
This game is our game,
This town is our town,
Turn the heat up and listen to the crowd.
Go hard, Go Knights, Go proud.
This game is our game,
This town is our town,
Turn the heat up and listen to the crowd.
Go hard, go Knights, go proud.
Some notable supporters of the club include Kim Beazley
, Michael Costa, Jennifer Hawkins
, Jessica Mauboy
and Josh Pyke
.
Newcastle, New South Wales
The Newcastle metropolitan area is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales and includes most of the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Local Government Areas...
. They compete in Australasia's premier rugby league competition, the National Rugby League
National Rugby League
The National Rugby League is the top league of professional rugby league football clubs in Australasia. The NRL's main competition, called the Telstra Premiership , is contested by sixteen teams, fifteen of which are based in Australia with one based in New Zealand...
(NRL) premiership. Playing in red and blue, the Knights joined the top tier competition in 1988
New South Wales Rugby League season 1988
The 1988 New South Wales Rugby League Premiership was the eighty-first season of professional rugby league football in Australia. This year saw the first expansion of the NSWRL competition outside the borders of New South Wales, with the addition of three new teams, the Brisbane Broncos, Gold...
, 79 years after the previous Newcastle based team, the Newcastle Rebels
Newcastle Rebels
Newcastle were a rugby league team who played in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership from 1908–1909, one of the nine foundation clubs. After the formation of several clubs in January 1908, members of the NSWRFL came to Newcastle to hold talks with the local footballing community...
had departed the Sydney competition with the formation of a separate league competition based in the Newcastle region
Newcastle Rugby League
The Newcastle Rugby League is a rugby league competition in Newcastle, Australia. It is one of the oldest rugby league competitions in Australia, founded in 1910...
.
The club has won two premierships over its history (1997 and 2001) and produced such players as Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
. Their home ground is Ausgrid Stadium.
History
The Newcastle Knights entered the NSWRLNew South Wales Rugby League
The New South Wales Rugby League is the governing body of rugby league in New South Wales and is a member of the Australian Rugby League. It was formed in Sydney on 8 August 1907 and was known as the New South Wales Rugby Football League until 1984 when forward thinking marketing managers decided...
competition in 1988 with Allan McMahon
Allan McMahon
Allan McMahon was an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. He was an Australian test player and a former coach of the Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights and Illawarra Steelers.-Playing career:...
as coach. Newcastle had previously been invited to field a team in the NSWRL competition for the 1982 season, but declined, worried it would weaken the area's local league competition. The Canberra Raiders
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
were admitted to the 1982 competition in their place.
The team was a success from the start, becoming one of the most popular clubs in its first season. By 1990, the team was strong enough to enter a play-off for fifth spot.
The club won their first competition, the Nissan Sevens, in 1991 and made the playoffs in 1992, where they were beaten by the St. George Dragons
St. George Dragons
The St George Dragons was an Australian Rugby league football club in St George, Sydney, New South Wales that played in Australia's top-level Rugby league competition from New South Wales Rugby Football League in 1921 until 1998; in 1999 they formed a joint venture with the Illawarra Steelers,...
. The Knights made the semi-finals again in 1995 when the competition became the Australian Rugby League
Australian Rugby League
The Australian Rugby League is the governing body for the sport of rugby league in Australia. It is made up of state bodies, including the New South Wales Rugby League and the Queensland Rugby League...
, and won the reserve grade premiership the same year.
The club stayed loyal to the Australian Rugby League when Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch
Keith Rupert Murdoch, AC, KSG is an Australian-American business magnate. He is the founder and Chairman and CEO of , the world's second-largest media conglomerate....
started Super League
Super League war
The Super League war is the common name given to the corporate dispute that was fought in and out of court during the mid-1990s between the Rupert Murdoch and News Corporation-backed Super League and the Kerry Packer and Optus Vision-backed Australian Rugby League organisations over broadcasting...
in an attempt to win pay television rights to rugby league—this decision was very popular in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Region, more commonly known as the Hunter Valley, is a region of New South Wales, Australia, extending from approximately to north of Sydney with an approximate population of 645,395 people. Most of the population of the Hunter Region lives within of the coast, with 55% of the entire...
areas. News Limited
News Limited
News Limited is one of Australia's largest diversified media companies. The publicly listed company's interests span newspaper and magazine publishing, Internet, Pay TV, National Rugby League, market research, DVD and film distribution, and film and television production trading assets.News Limited...
formed the Hunter Mariners
Hunter Mariners
The Hunter Mariners were an Australian rugby league club based in the Hunter Valley region's largest city, Newcastle. Hunter was formed in mid 1995 and was later disbanded at the end of 1997. The club was formed because of the Super League war, which was the rivalry between the traditional...
to compete with the Knights in the one and only season of Super League in Australia, but the Mariners failed to win much support in the area.
From 1997–2003, the Knights made seven finals series in a row. The Knights won the 1997 Australian Rugby League premiership, defeating the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles are an Australian professional rugby league club based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League's Telstra Premiership, the premier rugby league competition of Australasia...
22–16 in the Grand Final, with Robbie O'Davis
Robbie O'Davis
Robbie O'Davis is an Australian retired rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Queensland and Australia, and played his entire club career with the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won two premierships.O'Davis' primarily played at fullback though he also occasionally played...
winning the Clive Churchill Medal
Clive Churchill Medal
The Clive Churchill Medal has been presented to the man-of-the-match of the National Rugby League's annual Grand Final match ever since the 1986 season. The award was created to honour Clive Churchill, one of the greatest rugby league players in Australian history, following his death in 1985...
. The match is best remembered for its classic finish – Darren Albert
Darren Albert
Darren Albert is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he played his club football for the Newcastle Knights , St...
breaking a 16 all deadlock with his try 7 seconds from fulltime. This win was a huge morale boost to the district following the closure of the area's biggest employer, the BHP
BHP Billiton
BHP Billiton is a global mining, oil and gas company headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and with a major management office in London, United Kingdom...
Steelworks, being announced the same year. Seventy per cent of the winning squad were Newcastle juniors.
The following season, Knights players Robbie O'Davis
Robbie O'Davis
Robbie O'Davis is an Australian retired rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Queensland and Australia, and played his entire club career with the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won two premierships.O'Davis' primarily played at fullback though he also occasionally played...
, Wayne Richards
Wayne Richards
Wayne Richards is a retired Australian rugby league player. He won the 1997 ARL premiership with the Newcastle Knights.- 1991-1996 :Richards made his first grade debut as a replacement player for the Newcastle Knights in 1991. He remained with the Knights until the end of the 1994 season when he...
and Adam MacDougall
Adam MacDougall
Adam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001...
tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs; however, all three maintained they started use after the Knights' 1997 victory. The three were suspended, despite O'Davis' claims the club was not notified his drug was banned until after his positive test, and MacDougall's medical reason for taking the steroids (his usage continued after he completed his suspension, now approved by the NRL). In addition, the Knights terminated Wayne Richards' contract.
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
, but finished second on points differential. In 1999, the Knights were in with a huge chance going into the final rounds only to lose their final two games of the regular season to finish 7th, before being knocked out a week later by Parramatta. The Knights came third in 2000, followed by a National Rugby League Premiership victory over the Parramatta Eels
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
in 2001, with Andrew Johns winning the Clive Churchill Medal
Clive Churchill Medal
The Clive Churchill Medal has been presented to the man-of-the-match of the National Rugby League's annual Grand Final match ever since the 1986 season. The award was created to honour Clive Churchill, one of the greatest rugby league players in Australian history, following his death in 1985...
. Newcastle were handed heavy underdog status, but shocked the Eels with a 24–0 halftime lead, and eventual 30–24 win. In 2002, the club finished equal with the New Zealand Warriors
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
on competition points but, once again, finished second in the minor premiership due to inferior points differential.
Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
won the Dally M Medal
Dally M Medal
The Dally M Medal is the premier individual award in the Australian rugby league competition, which is given to the player voted by sports commentators as the best and fairest in the competition for that year....
for best player in the National Rugby League twice in a row in 1998 and 1999, and won an unprecedented third Dally M Medal in 2002. In addition, Johns also won the Provan-Summons Medal (the people's choice award for player of the year) four years in a row from 1998 to 2001, the best performance by any player in the history of the award.
In 2004, injuries plagued the club, with Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
and Ben Kennedy out for extended periods of time. The club missed the finals, finishing 10th despite strong performances from Matthew Gidley
Matthew Gidley
Matthew "Matt" Gidley is an Australian rugby league administrator and retired professional footballer. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Gidley represented New South Wales and Australia. He is the currently CEO of Football Operations at the Newcastle Knights...
, Kurt Gidley
Kurt Gidley
Kurt Gidley is a professional Australian rugby league player and captain of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback he has played his entire NRL career to date with the Knights. He is the younger brother of Matthew...
and NSW State of Origin
Rugby League State of Origin
State of Origin is an annual best of three series of rugby league football matches contested by the Maroons and the Blues, who represent the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales respectively...
captain, Danny Buderus
Danny Buderus
Danny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL...
.
Following further injuries and a lack of experienced players, the club failed to win a single match in the first half of the 2005 premiership, losing 13 consecutive matches—the worst start to a season by any club since the 1960s. That losing streak finally came to an end with a win away from home over the Penrith Panthers
Penrith Panthers
The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan...
when they came from 14–0 down at halftime to win 28–24. In a tribute to the club's followers, crowds remained high throughout the losing streak, and while the Knights were unable to avoid finishing last, fans were rewarded for their stoicism as the team managed to win eight of their last eleven games, including a six game winning streak brought to an end in round 26 by the St George Illawarra Dragons
St George Illawarra Dragons
The St George Illawarra Dragons is an Australian professional rugby league football club, representing the St. George and Illawarra regions. They have competed in the National Rugby League since 1999 as a joint venture between Sydney's historic St. George Dragons club and 1982 expansion club, the...
.
2006 boded well for the Novocastrians, with the side recruiting Great Britain and Irish winger Brian Carney and former Raider Luke Davico
Luke Davico
Luke Davico is an Australian former professional rugby league player of Italian descent. He previously played for the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights.Davico made his first-grade debut two days before his 21st birthday in round ten of the 1994 season...
, as well as re-signing 2005 recruit Milton Thaiday
Milton Thaiday
Milton Thaiday is a former Aboriginal rugby league player for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition....
and managing to retain the many promising young juniors (led by the likes of Brad Tighe, Jarrod Mullen, Reegan Tanner, and Riley Brown) that have come through in the club's worst ever season. Newcastle ultimately finished the season in fourth position, a stunning reversal in form, but were eliminated from the finals after losing in the Semi Final to the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
going down 50–6.
Prior to the 2006 season kick-off it was announced that the club's longest serving coach, Michael Hagan would depart the club following the 2006 season to begin a three year contract with the Parramatta Eels
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
. Ironically, during the week of the 2006 season-opening game against Parramatta, the Knights confirmed Parramatta coach Brian Smith
Brian Smith (rugby league)
Brian Smith is an Australian coach and former player of rugby league football. He is the current head coach at the Sydney Roosters of the NRL. Smith played for St. George and South Sydney Rabbitohs , appearing in a total of 31 first grade games...
would take over coaching duties in 2007.
2007 was a year of turmoil for the club both on and off the field. After making a promising start to the season with victories over contenders such as the Canterbury Bulldogs
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Belmore, a suburb in the Canterbury-Bankstown region of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, as well as New South Wales Rugby League junior competitions...
– the club and rugby league world was rocked by the shock retirement of Andrew Johns
Andrew Johns
Andrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
. The departure of their captain and most influential player had an obvious effect on the team, and although they managed to stay in touch with the top eight until the last third of the season, their season was irreparably damaged by his absence. In addition to this – the Knights endured the worst injury toll in the 2007 season – fielding thirty seven players in first grade by season's end.
The club also struggled off-field, with Brian Smith's decision to release players such as Clint Newton
Clint Newton
Clint Newton is an American born professional rugby league footballer who plays for Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League. He previously played for Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition...
, Kirk Reynoldson
Kirk Reynoldson
Kirk Reynoldson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights and the Melbourne Storm. Reynoldson primarily plays in the second row.Midway though 2004 he agreed to a deal with...
, and Josh Perry
Josh Perry
Josh Perry is an Australian professional rugby league player for St Helens RLFC in the Super League competition...
meeting with displeasure from the Sydney media and some sections of the Newcastle support base. Newton's defection to Melbourne and Reynoldson's threats of legal action over the club refusing to play him in the fifteen games required to trigger his fourth contract year saw the club's reputation dragged through the mud. The Daily Telegraph campaigned strongly for the sacking of Smith whilst Bluetongue
Bluetongue brewery
Bluetongue Brewery is a beer company owned by Pacific Beverages, founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Coca-Cola Amatil and SABMiller. The company recently opened a brewery in the Central Coast suburb of Warnervale to produce and package the Bluetongue and Bondi Blonde premium beer brands...
owner John Singleton
John Singleton (Australian entrepreneur)
John Desmond Singleton AM is an Australian entrepreneur. He built his success and wealth in the advertising business in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s...
also threatened legal action after the releases lead to a multi-million dollar advertising campaign being cancelled. To cap it all off, Andrew Johns again made the press late in the season after being arrested for ecstasy possession in the United Kingdom and confessing to having been a drug addict for the entirety of his playing career.
Before the final round of 2007, Tab Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie was reported in The Daily Telegraph saying that the Knights were certainties for the wooden spoon and "it was pointless taking money on the wooden spoon gong given Newcastle would be firmly planted at the bottom of the ladder by the end of the weekend". Despite these pressures, the Knights managed to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years – offloading the dreaded piece of 'silverware' to the Penrith Panthers
Penrith Panthers
The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan...
with a last round victory over the Wests Tigers
Wests Tigers
The Wests Tigers are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Sydney's mid-western suburbs. They have competed in the National Rugby League since they were formed at the end of the 1999 season as a joint-venture club between the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs...
.
2008 was a resurgence year for the Knights. They were unlucky to miss out on the finals, going down to the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
24–2 in the final round of the competition, which allowed the New Zealand Warriors
New Zealand Warriors
The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia...
(who easily overcame the Parramatta Eels
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
) to take 8th place.
The Knights started the 2009 season convincingly, they were placed 2nd in the ladder at round 10. During the season the Knights equalled their best home winning streak record with 9 wins, equalling the previous 9 wins recorded in 1995. Towards the end of the season coach Brian Smith
Brian Smith (rugby league)
Brian Smith is an Australian coach and former player of rugby league football. He is the current head coach at the Sydney Roosters of the NRL. Smith played for St. George and South Sydney Rabbitohs , appearing in a total of 31 first grade games...
announced he was leaving the Knights to join the troubled Sydney Roosters
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League...
in 2010 after their horrific season. Over the next few weeks assistant coach Rick Stone
Rick Stone
Rick Stone is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League....
was announced as the new coach of the Knights. The Knights toward the end of the season lost 3 games in a row, which put them in doubt for the finals, which they had looked like making all year. They then had an outstanding comeback to beat eventual grand finalists, Parramatta
Parramatta Eels
The Parramatta Eels are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta. The Parramatta District Rugby League Football Club was formed in 1947, with their First Grade side playing their first season in the New South Wales Rugby Football League...
up the ladder. They finished the year 7th out of 16 after losing to the Bulldogs
Canterbury Bulldogs
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Belmore, a suburb in the Canterbury-Bankstown region of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, as well as New South Wales Rugby League junior competitions...
in week one of the finals. Rick Stone
Rick Stone
Rick Stone is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League....
said he was looking forward to his first off-season in charge. On the 16th, December 2009 it was announced player Danny Wicks
Danny Wicks
Danny Wicks is a former professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League competition. Wicks also previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons...
was involved in a drug bust involving amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy. He was stood down. Eventually Wicks terminated his own contract as he didn't want to keep bringing shame the club and sponsors.
For the 2010 season the Knights signed McDonalds and Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is a carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants, and vending machines in more than 200 countries. It is produced by The Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and is often referred to simply as Coke...
as major sponsors.
In March 2010 Chris Houston
Chris Houston (rugby league)
Chris Houston is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the NRL. His usual positions are at lock and in both the second-row and front-row. He previously played for the St...
was served with notice to attend court on charges of supplying ecstasy and cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
. He was stood down indefinitely.
June 2010 capped of a good period for the Knights after they confirmed the signings of 2009 Toyota Cup Player of the Year Beau Henry
Beau Henry
Beau Henry is a rugby league footballer for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. He plays at five eighth and halfback.-Early career:...
on a 3-year deal, 2009 Toyota Cup Centre of the Year Siuatonga Likiliki
Siuatonga Likiliki
Siuatonga Likiliki is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is at .-Early years:...
on a 2-year deal and former Australian international prop Antonio Kaufusi
Antonio Kaufusi
Antonio Kaufusi is a Tongan-Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the London Broncos of the English Super League. An Australian and Tongan international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Melbourne Storm, North...
on a 2-year deal. In the next few days, the Knights also confirmed the signings of current Queensland Maroons star Neville Costigan
Neville Costigan
Neville Costigan is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. A Queensland State of Origin and Papua New Guinea international representative, Costigan previously played for the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders and most recently, the St...
on a 3-year deal and promising, young backrower Kyle O'Donnell
Kyle O'Donnell
Kyle O'Donnell is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He usually plays at lock or second-row but can also slot into the centres and on the wing...
on a 2-year deal.
The Knights finished 11th in the 2010 season. While the club did not play in the finals, Adam MacDougall
Adam MacDougall
Adam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001...
recorded the most tries for the club and Akuila Uate
Akuila Uate
Akuila Uate ' is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League...
equalled the most tries in a season marking an otherwise forgetful year for the Knights.
In December 2010, former Knight Chris Houston
Chris Houston (rugby league)
Chris Houston is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the NRL. His usual positions are at lock and in both the second-row and front-row. He previously played for the St...
was cleared of all drug charges and re-signed with the club for 2 years.
On the 31st of March 2011, the Knights were officially taken over by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler
Nathan Tinkler
Nathan Tinkler is a mining magnate and businessman from the Hunter Region, New South Wales, Australia.-Biography:Tinkler was an electrician in a coal mine before starting his own business. His big break came in 2006 when he borrowed $500,000 to buy a mine. He sold his company to Macarthur Coal...
after a member's vote in which Tinkler won by 97%.
On the 12th of April 2011, the Knights confirmed the signing of 'supercoach' Wayne Bennett. They finished 8th in 2011, being elimintated in the first week of the finals. After the 2011 season, the Knights cleaned out 15 players, aswell as signing 6.
The Knights will celebrate 25 years in the NRL competition in 2012.
2012 Squad
Player contract situations
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Anderson Sam Anderson (rugby league) Sam Anderson is a rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League.He mainly plays at prop in the NSW Cup competition.-Playing career:... |
Neville Costigan Neville Costigan Neville Costigan is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. A Queensland State of Origin and Papua New Guinea international representative, Costigan previously played for the Brisbane Broncos, Canberra Raiders and most recently, the St... |
Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson, born 24 February 1985 is an Australian rugby league player, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. His position is usually in the forwards, able to play in both the front-row and second-row, he can also play lock-forward.-Playing... |
Darius Boyd Darius Boyd Darius Boyd is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Boyd plays at fullback, however he is also very capable as a three-quarter back, as proven by his selection for Australia and Queensland as a winger... |
| Danny Buderus Danny Buderus Danny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL... |
Matt Hilder Matt Hilder Matt Hilder Matt Hilder Matt Hilder (born 30 April 1982 in Sutherland, New South Wales is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League... |
Alex McKinnon Alex McKinnon (rugby league) Alex McKinnon is a rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He plays at lock, centre and second-row in the National Rugby League.-Playing career:Born in Scone, New South Wales,... |
Kurt Gidley Kurt Gidley Kurt Gidley is a professional Australian rugby league player and captain of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback he has played his entire NRL career to date with the Knights. He is the younger brother of Matthew... |
| Joel Edwards Joel Edwards (rugby league) Joel Edwards is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at lock.-Playing career:... |
Chris Houston Chris Houston (rugby league) Chris Houston is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the NRL. His usual positions are at lock and in both the second-row and front-row. He previously played for the St... |
Jarrod Mullen Jarrod Mullen Jarrod Stephen Mullen is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League . A New South Wales State of Origin representative half, he has played his entire career to date with the Knights.Born in Singleton in Northern... |
Kade Snowden Kade Snowden Kade Snowden is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at prop but started his first-grade career as a second-rower. He began his career at the Newcastle Knights and made his first grade debut... |
| Richard Fa'aoso Richard Fa'aoso Lisiate Richard Fa'aoso is a Tongan rugby league player who plays for the Australian club Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. His position of choice is prop... |
Peter Mata'utia | Wes Naiqama Wes Naiqama Wes Naiqama is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League competition. Also the incumbent Fiji national team captain, his usual position is in the centres... |
|
| Marvin Filipo Marvin Filipo Marvin Filipo is a rugby league footballer of Samoan/Tokelauan descent, who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He plays at second-row and centre in the NSW Cup competition... |
James McManus James McManus (rugby league) James McManus is a Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League... |
Korbin Sims Korbin Sims He got drunk and f***** my mom.He is currently playing for the Newcastle Knights NYC side.-External links:*... |
|
| Daine Laurie Daine Laurie Daine Laurie is an Indigenous Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Laurie primarily plays as a prop and can operate in the second-row.... |
Junior Sa'u | ||
| Siuatonga Likiliki Siuatonga Likiliki Siuatonga Likiliki is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is at .-Early years:... |
Ryan Stig Ryan Stig Ryan Stig is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He plays at five-eighth and halfback in the NSW Cup competition. He was named in the 2011 Newcastle Knights fulltime train-on squad.... |
||
| Kevin Naiqama Kevin Naiqama Kevin Naiqama is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He plays at wing, fullback and centre and gained selection for the Fiji national team in 2009. Kevin is the younger brother of Knights player Wes Naiqama.-Playing career:Born in Sutherland, New South... |
Timana Tahu Timana Tahu Timana James Aporo Tahu is an Australian professional rugby league footballer and former rugby union player, a dual-code international, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He formerly played for the New South Wales Waratahs in the Super 14 competition... |
||
| Kyle O'Donnell Kyle O'Donnell Kyle O'Donnell is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He usually plays at lock or second-row but can also slot into the centres and on the wing... |
Zane Tetevano Zane Tetevano Zane Tetevano is a rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League and the Central Coast Centurions in the NSW Cup competition. He plays at second row and prop. He is a Cook Islands international... |
||
| Tyrone Roberts Tyrone Roberts (rugby league) Tyrone Roberts is a rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights. He plays at halfback and five-eighth and occassionally fullback. He was spotted by Knights coach Rick Stone playing in the Newcastle Rugby League... |
Akuila Uate Akuila Uate Akuila Uate ' is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League... |
||
| Robbie Rochow Robbie Rochow Robbie Rochow is an Australian rugby league player currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Melbourne Storm. His position is primarily in the Second Row.- NRL career :... |
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| Zeb Taia Zeb Taia John Zebelon "Zeb" Taia is a professional rugby league player for the Newcastle Knights who has represented New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Taia plays as a second-row, but can also play lock.-Playing career:... |
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| Evarn Tuimavave Evarn Tuimavave Evarn Tuimavave is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He has also represented the New Zealand Kiwis and was part of the 2008 World Cup-winning squad... |
|||
| Mark Wade Mark Wade (rugby league) Mark Wade is a rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at second-row but can play centre too.-Playing career:... |
Transfers
2012 Gains
| Player/Coach | Previous Club | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne Bennett | St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2015 |
| Darius Boyd Darius Boyd Darius Boyd is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Boyd plays at fullback, however he is also very capable as a three-quarter back, as proven by his selection for Australia and Queensland as a winger... |
St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2015 |
| Danny Buderus Danny Buderus Danny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL... |
Leeds Rhinos Leeds Rhinos Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... |
2012 |
| Mick Crawley | North Queensland Cowboys North Queensland Cowboys The North Queensland Cowboys are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Townsville, Queensland. They compete in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership... |
2015 |
| Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson, born 24 February 1985 is an Australian rugby league player, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. His position is usually in the forwards, able to play in both the front-row and second-row, he can also play lock-forward.-Playing... |
St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2014 |
| Daine Laurie Daine Laurie Daine Laurie is an Indigenous Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. Laurie primarily plays as a prop and can operate in the second-row.... |
Macquarie Scorpions | 2012 |
| Alex McKinnon Alex McKinnon (rugby league) Alex McKinnon is a rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He plays at lock, centre and second-row in the National Rugby League.-Playing career:Born in Scone, New South Wales,... |
St. George Illawarra Dragons | 2014 |
| Graham Murray Graham Murray Graham Murray is an Australian rugby league player and coach. Murray is currently the High Performance Unit Director of Coaching at the Newcastle Knights.-Playing career:... |
Wynnum Manly Seagulls | |
| Robbie Rochow Robbie Rochow Robbie Rochow is an Australian rugby league player currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Melbourne Storm. His position is primarily in the Second Row.- NRL career :... |
Melbourne Storm Melbourne Storm The Melbourne Storm are an Australian professional rugby league club based in the city of Melbourne. They are the first fully professional rugby league team based in the Australian rules football-dominated state of Victoria.... |
2012 |
| Kade Snowden Kade Snowden Kade Snowden is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at prop but started his first-grade career as a second-rower. He began his career at the Newcastle Knights and made his first grade debut... |
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | 2015 |
| Timana Tahu Timana Tahu Timana James Aporo Tahu is an Australian professional rugby league footballer and former rugby union player, a dual-code international, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He formerly played for the New South Wales Waratahs in the Super 14 competition... |
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan... |
2013 |
| Mark Wade Mark Wade (rugby league) Mark Wade is a rugby league footballer currently playing for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League. He primarily plays at second-row but can play centre too.-Playing career:... |
Merewether Carlton Rugby Union | 2012 |
2012 Losses
| Player/Coach | Club |
|---|---|
| Josh Ailaomai Josh Ailaomai Josh Ailaomai is a rugby league footballer of Maori and Samoan descent that plays for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League. He plays at prop and second-row in the NSW Cup competition... |
Sydney Roosters Sydney Roosters The Sydney Roosters are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. The club competes in the National Rugby League and is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rugby league history, having won twelve New South Wales Rugby League... |
| Garth Brennan | Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan... |
| Cameron Ciraldo Cameron Ciraldo Cameron Ciraldo is an Australian rugby league football player for the Penrith Panthers in the National Rugby League competition. He previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and more recently the Newcastle Knights... |
Penrith Panthers Penrith Panthers The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership, the top rugby league football competition in Australasia. For the 2012 NRL season they will be coached by Ivan... |
| Isaac De Gois Isaac de Gois Isaac De Gois is an Australian rugby league player currently playing for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League competition. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights and Wests Tigers. De Gois primarily plays at hooker.... |
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| Andrew Dunemann Andrew Dunemann Andrew Dunemann is a former coach of the Northern Pride a QRL club and is a former Australian National Rugby League player. He now works as the NYC coach of the Canberra Raiders... |
Canberra Raiders Canberra Raiders The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982... |
| Beau Henry Beau Henry Beau Henry is a rugby league footballer for the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. He plays at five eighth and halfback.-Early career:... |
Gold Coast Titans Gold Coast Titans Gold Coast Titans are an Australian professional rugby league football club, based in the Gold Coast, Queensland. The club competes in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership. It is the newest of the sixteen clubs in the league, having commenced its... |
| Marvin Karawana Marvin Karawana Marvin Karawana is a professional rugby league player. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He plays as a utility player.-Playing career:Karawana attended St... |
Released |
| Antonio Kaufusi Antonio Kaufusi Antonio Kaufusi is a Tongan-Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the London Broncos of the English Super League. An Australian and Tongan international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Melbourne Storm, North... |
London Broncos London Broncos London Broncos are a professional rugby league football club based in London, England. The club has competed in the Super League competition since its introduction in 1996... |
| Keith Lulia Keith Lulia Keith Lulia is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Bradford Bulls in the English Super League. He previously played for the St... |
Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league.... |
| Adam MacDougall Adam MacDougall Adam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001... |
Retirement |
| Shannon McDonnell | Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... |
| Constantine Mika Constantine Mika Constantine Mika is a New Zealand professional rugby league player of Samoan descent, currently playing for the Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition. His position of choice is second-row... |
Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... |
| Cory Paterson Cory Paterson Cory Paterson is an Australian professional rugby league player. He currently plays for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League . He previously played 77 NRL matches for the Newcastle Knights... |
North Queensland Cowboys North Queensland Cowboys The North Queensland Cowboys are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Townsville, Queensland. They compete in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership... |
| Ben Rogers | Retirement |
| Craig Sandercock | Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... |
| Steve Southern Steve Southern Steve Southern is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for English club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats of Super League... |
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
| Mark Taufua Mark Taufua Mark Larry Taufua is an Australian professional rugby league player. He is of Samoan descent, and currently plays for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights. He primarily plays at prop or at lock but he is also a proven second-rower... |
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks |
| Daniel Tolar Daniel Tolar Daniel Tolar is a former Australian professional rugby league player who played 101 games for the Newcastle Knights. In 2010, in reward for his long service at the club, he was awarded the captaincy of the Newcastle Knights in the Round 14 game against the New Zealand Warriors due to the absence... |
Retirement |
First-Grade Captains
All players that have captained the Newcastle Knights in first-grade.- Sam StewartSam Stewart (rugby league)Samuel Weka Stewart is a former rugby league footballer who represented his country. He played for the Newcastle Knights when they first started competing in the New South Wales Rugby League premiership and became the Knights first captain.-Playing career:...
(1988–89) - Glenn MillerGlenn Miller (rugby league)Glenn Miller was a rugby league footballer of the '80s and '90s. He played for the Penrith Panthers from 1986–87 and he was part of the inaugural Newcastle Knights squad from 1988-92.-External links:...
(1988) - Michael HaganMichael HaganMichael Hagan is an Australian rugby league football coach and former player. He currently works as assistant coach under Mal Meninga for the record-breaking Queensland rugby league team...
(1989–93) - Peter JohnstonPeter Johnston (rugby league)Peter "Magic" Johnston was a rugby league footballer of the '80s and '90s. He played for the Canterbury Bulldogs from 1984 to 1986, the Eastern Suburbs Roosters from 1987 to 1988 and finally the Newcastle Knights from 1989 to 1991.-External links:...
(1990) - Mark SargentMark SargentMark Sargent is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward, he played in the NSWRL premiership for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights, winning the...
(1994–95) - Robbie McCormackRobbie McCormackRobbie McCormack is a former professional rugby league player. He competed in the New South Wales Rugby League and English Super League competitions. He primarily played at...
(1994) - Paul HarragonPaul HarragonPaul "The Chief" Harragon OAM is an Australian rugby league football identity. A retired Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative forward, he played his club football for the Newcastle Knights whom he captained to the 1997 ARL premiership...
(1995–99) - Matthew JohnsMatthew JohnsMatthew Johns is an Australian rugby league football commentator and former professional player...
(1995–99) - Tony ButterfieldTony ButterfieldTony Butterfield is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A New South Wales State of Origin representative prop-forward, he started his club football career with the Penrith Panthers but played the vast majority of it with the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the...
(1997-00) - Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(2000–07) - Bill PedenBill PedenBilly Peden, is an Australian former rugby league footballer.Peden played for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL competition and London Broncos in the European Super League....
(2000–02) - Ben KennedyBen KennedyBen Kennedy , is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s...
(2001, 2003–04) - Matt ParsonsMatt ParsonsMatt Parsons is an Australian retired professional rugby league player of the 1990s and 2000s. He played at prop for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, then the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 2001 NRL Premiership...
(2002–03) - Steve Simpson (2003, 2006–10)
- Danny BuderusDanny BuderusDanny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL...
(2004–08) - Robbie O'DavisRobbie O'DavisRobbie O'Davis is an Australian retired rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Queensland and Australia, and played his entire club career with the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won two premierships.O'Davis' primarily played at fullback though he also occasionally played...
(2004) - Matthew GidleyMatthew GidleyMatthew "Matt" Gidley is an Australian rugby league administrator and retired professional footballer. Born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Gidley represented New South Wales and Australia. He is the currently CEO of Football Operations at the Newcastle Knights...
(2004–05) - Craig SmithCraig Smith (rugby league born 1971)Craig Smith is a former professional rugby league footballer. He formerly played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Illawarra Steelers, St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights as well as representing New Zealand and Queensland...
(2005) - Jarrod MullenJarrod MullenJarrod Stephen Mullen is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League . A New South Wales State of Origin representative half, he has played his entire career to date with the Knights.Born in Singleton in Northern...
(2007, 2010–11) - Kirk ReynoldsonKirk ReynoldsonKirk Reynoldson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League. He previously played for the Newcastle Knights and the Melbourne Storm. Reynoldson primarily plays in the second row.Midway though 2004 he agreed to a deal with...
(2007) - Adam WoolnoughAdam WoolnoughAdam Woolnough is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. His position is prop. He has previously played for the Penrith Panthers and the Newcastle Knights...
(2007) - Kurt GidleyKurt GidleyKurt Gidley is a professional Australian rugby league player and captain of the Newcastle Knights in the NRL. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback he has played his entire NRL career to date with the Knights. He is the younger brother of Matthew...
(2007–11) - Chris HoustonChris Houston (rugby league)Chris Houston is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the NRL. His usual positions are at lock and in both the second-row and front-row. He previously played for the St...
(2008–09) - Daniel TolarDaniel TolarDaniel Tolar is a former Australian professional rugby league player who played 101 games for the Newcastle Knights. In 2010, in reward for his long service at the club, he was awarded the captaincy of the Newcastle Knights in the Round 14 game against the New Zealand Warriors due to the absence...
(2010) - Wes NaiqamaWes NaiqamaWes Naiqama is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League competition. Also the incumbent Fiji national team captain, his usual position is in the centres...
(2011)
----
Knights Team Of The Era
In August 2007 the Knights announced their team of 20 years. This team was:First-Grade Coaches
- Allan McMahonAllan McMahonAllan McMahon was an Australian former professional rugby league footballer and coach. He was an Australian test player and a former coach of the Canberra Raiders, Newcastle Knights and Illawarra Steelers.-Playing career:...
(1988–1991) - David WaiteDavid WaiteDavid Waite is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He has also coached Great Britain in the Rugby League Tri-Nations.Waite holds a British passport, courtesy of his father being born in Leicester....
(1991–1994) - Mal ReillyMal ReillyMalcolm J. Reilly is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. A Great Britain international representative , Reilly played club football for Castleford Tigers in England and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in Australia...
(1995–1998) - Warren RyanWarren RyanWarren Ryan is former rugby league football coach and player from Sydney, Australia. He is considered as one of the most influential coaches in recent times. Ryan also played 1st Grade Rugby League for the St George Dragons and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks....
(1999–2000) - Michael HaganMichael HaganMichael Hagan is an Australian rugby league football coach and former player. He currently works as assistant coach under Mal Meninga for the record-breaking Queensland rugby league team...
(2001–2006) - Brian SmithBrian Smith (rugby league)Brian Smith is an Australian coach and former player of rugby league football. He is the current head coach at the Sydney Roosters of the NRL. Smith played for St. George and South Sydney Rabbitohs , appearing in a total of 31 first grade games...
(2007–14 August 2009) - Rick StoneRick StoneRick Stone is a professional rugby league football coach and former player. He is currently an assistant coach to Wayne Bennett at the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League....
(15 August 2009–2011) - Wayne Bennett (2012–)
Manufacturers
- Good Fellows (1988–94)
- Peerless (1995–96)
- CanterburyCanterbury of New ZealandCanterbury of New Zealand is a New Zealand-based sports apparel company that focuses on rugby football. The company is named after the Canterbury area in New Zealand where the company started to make knitwear. Other than producing rugby kits, the brand is also known for their rugby protective wear...
(1997–99) - FilaFila (company)Fila is one of the world's largest sportswear manufacturing companies. Founded in 1911 in Italy, Fila has been owned and operated from South Korea since a takeover in 2007. Headed by chairman and CEO Yoon-Soo Yoon, Fila now has offices in 11 countries worldwide....
(2000–01) - ISCInternational Sports ClothingInternational Sports Clothing is an Australian sports apparel manufacturer. Although they are an Australian company they have an operating base set up in the UK. The New Zealand Distributor for ISC is Lenco Sport NZ...
(2002–07) - KooGaKooGaKooGa is an Australia-based rugby apparel company. It was established in December 1999. The company is headquartered in Labrador on the Gold Coast of Queensland, with other Australian offices as well as a UK office in Rochdale, Greater Manchester....
(2008–10) - X-Blades (2011)
- ISCInternational Sports ClothingInternational Sports Clothing is an Australian sports apparel manufacturer. Although they are an Australian company they have an operating base set up in the UK. The New Zealand Distributor for ISC is Lenco Sport NZ...
(2012–present)
Alltime Wins & Losses Record
| Games | Wins | Drawn | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 585 | 298 | 15 | 272 |
Last updated on 3 September 2011.
Major Sponsors
- Henny PennyHenny Penny (restaurant)Henny Penny is a chain of 15 Quick Service Restaurants offering dine-in, take away and drive through facilities in the Newcastle Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia....
(1988–90) - BP (1991–93)
- StocklandStocklandStockland may refer to:* Stockland, a multinational company.* Stockland, Devon, a small village in Devon, UK.* Stockland Bristol a village in Somerset, UK...
(1995–97) - Impulse AirlinesImpulse AirlinesImpulse Airlines was an independent airline in Australia which operated regional and low cost trunk services between 1994 and 2001. It was acquired by Qantas in 2001 and later formed the basis of Qantas' low-cost airline Jetstar...
(1998-01) - Flight CentreFlight CentreFlight Centre Limited is Australia's largest travel agent. It is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of $1.145 billion as at March 2006. It has over 1500 stores in nine different countries with over 8000 staff.-History:...
(2001) - QantaslinkQantasLinkQantasLink is a regional brand of Australian airline Qantas and is an affiliate member of the Oneworld airline alliance. It is a major competitor to Regional Express Airlines, Virgin Australia and Skywest Airlines. As of September 2010 QantasLink provides 1900 flights each week to 54 domestic and...
(2002–04) - Coal & Allied (2005–11)
- Hunter Ports (2012-present)
Awards & Player's Achievements
Dally M Medal
- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(1998, 1999, 2002) - Danny BuderusDanny BuderusDanny Buderus is an Australian professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL...
(2004)
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Club Premiership Honours
Premierships: 2 (1997, 2001)Finals Series: 12 (1992, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2011)
Wooden Spoons: 1 (2005)
Career
Most Games- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
249
Most Points
- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
2176
Most Tries
- Adam MacDougallAdam MacDougallAdam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001...
87
Most Goals
- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
917
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Season
Most Points- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(2001) 279
Most Tries
- Akuila UateAkuila UateAkuila Uate ' is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League...
(2010) 21 - Timana TahuTimana TahuTimana James Aporo Tahu is an Australian professional rugby league footballer and former rugby union player, a dual-code international, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. He formerly played for the New South Wales Waratahs in the Super 14 competition...
(2002) 21
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Match
Most Points- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(Rd 21, 2001) 34 v CanberraCanberra RaidersThe Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
Most Tries
- Akuila UateAkuila UateAkuila Uate ' is a professional rugby league footballer for the Newcastle Knights of the National Rugby League...
(Rd 26, 2011) 4 v South SydneySouth Sydney RabbitohsThe South Sydney Rabbitohs are an Australian professional rugby league football team based in Redfern, a suburb of South-central Sydney, New South Wales. They participate in the National Rugby League premiership and are one of nine existing teams from the state capital... - Cooper VunaCooper VunaKerry Cooper Vuna is a professional rugby union player. He played league, on the wing for the Newcastle Knights , before switching to rugby union to play wing for the Melbourne Rebels.-Early years:...
(Rd 24, 2010) 4 v BrisbaneBrisbane BroncosThe Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two... - Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(Rd 21, 2001) 4 v CanberraCanberra RaidersThe Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982... - Adam MacDougallAdam MacDougallAdam "Mad Dog" MacDougall is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative centre, he has spent the majority of his career at the Newcastle Knights, with whom he won the 1997 and 2001...
(Rd 20, 2001) 4 v New ZealandNew Zealand WarriorsThe New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand. They compete in the National Rugby League premiership and are the League's only team from outside Australia... - Darren AlbertDarren AlbertDarren Albert is an Australian former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. A New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he played his club football for the Newcastle Knights , St...
(Rd 3, 2000) 4 v Wests TigersWests TigersThe Wests Tigers are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Sydney's mid-western suburbs. They have competed in the National Rugby League since they were formed at the end of the 1999 season as a joint-venture club between the Balmain Tigers and the Western Suburbs...
Most Goals
- Andrew JohnsAndrew JohnsAndrew Gary "Joey" Johns is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who is considered by many to be the greatest player of all time. He was heralded as the world's best halfback for a number of years...
(Rd 2, 2006) 11 v CanberraCanberra RaidersThe Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
Club Song
Go Hard, Go Knights (1995–Present)Playin' hard, playin' tough,
Just plain good is not good enough,
We're gonna show you what league's all about,
If there's a lesson to be learned we're handing it out.
This game is our game,
This town is our town,
Turn the heat up and listen to the crowd.
Go hard, Go Knights, Go proud.
This game is our game,
This town is our town,
Turn the heat up and listen to the crowd.
Go hard, go Knights, go proud.
Supporters
Newcastle Knights fans have been described as being among the most rabid in the NRL and in 2008 were the third-best supported club in the League with an average attendance of over 19,000 per home game.Some notable supporters of the club include Kim Beazley
Kim Beazley
In the October 1998 election, Labor polled a majority of the two-party vote and received the largest swing to a first-term opposition since 1934. However, due to the uneven nature of the swing, Labor came up eight seats short of making Beazley Prime Minister....
, Michael Costa, Jennifer Hawkins
Jennifer Hawkins
Jennifer Hawkins is an Australian beauty queen, model and television presenter best known as Miss Universe 2004 and the face of Australian department store Myer.-Early life:...
, Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Mauboy
Jessica Hilda Mauboy , is an Indigenous Australian R&B singer-songwriter and actress. In 2006, Mauboy was the runner-up on the fourth season of Australian Idol, she had auditioned for the talent show in Alice Springs to pursue a recording career...
and Josh Pyke
Josh Pyke
Josh Pyke is an Australian singer-songwriting musician.-Beginnings and Feeding the Wolves :Josh Pyke was in his first band by age 12 and played his first performance in front of 650 parents and students at his primary school graduation. Playing guitar and initial song writing efforts came aged 14...
.