A decades-old newspaper snippet gives blueprint of modern Knights
Thirteen years since their last NRL preliminary final, the Newcastle Knights are on a quest to do the unthinkable — go from wooden spoon to premiers in a single season. Writing in 1987, their inaugural coach spelt out the player who would get them there.
In 1987, Newcastle's inaugural coach Allan McMahon penned his vision for the Knights in a newspaper column, before the club even debuted in 1988. McMahon emphasized that the primary focus during player recruitment should be on players who excel in front of their opponents, possessing strength, tackling prowess, speed, and an unwavering desire to win.
He also highlighted the abundance of talent available in Newcastle's rugby league environment, stating that the club should nurture and support promising players with promising futures. Tracing the lineage back to McMahon's vision, the 2026 Knights squad includes players like Phoenix Crossland, who embodies the spirit of a true Knight, and Fletcher Sharpe, a versatile player capable of excelling in multiple positions.
The coaching staff, led by Justin Holbrook, has instilled the same motivation and determination in the team, as evidenced by the simple task list given to Crossland: focus on tackling, defending, and being a committed team player. The Knights' director of football, Chris James, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's belief that they can overcome any obstacle, no matter the opposition or game scenario.
The club's success is attributed to their strong connection to the local community and a commitment to represent their town and region with pride.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
