Sandon Smith leads Newcastle out of an Immortal shadow

Sandon Smith has accomplished something rare by sharing an accolade with Andrew Johns, Newcastle's iconic halfback and club legend. Fresh off his double play in the Knights' 22-14 win against Penrith, Smith joins Johns as the only halfbacks in club history to play in a grand final. Smith acknowledges the comparison to Johns but emphasizes that it's wrong to hold him to the same standard, as Johns remains the ultimate legend and hero of the club and city.

Johns' immense influence on the Knights' halfbacks since his retirement in 2007 has created an enormous shadow over them, making it difficult for any player to escape. Smith, however, aims to create his own legend by winning the grand final, proving that he doesn't need to be Johns to achieve greatness.