Newcastle Knights’ revival reflects a 1987 vision for the club
Newcastle’s run from wooden-spoon contenders to an NRL preliminary final has revived an ideal set out by inaugural coach Allan McMahon before the club’s 1988 debut. Current players and officials say local pathways, community ties and a collective purpose have helped shape the turnaround.
The Newcastle Knights’ emergence from wooden-spoon contenders to their first National Rugby League preliminary final in 13 years has revived a blueprint written before the club played its first match. In a 1987 newspaper column, inaugural coach Allan McMahon described the type of player he wanted Newcastle to recruit: young prospects with much of their football ahead of them, a desire to win, defensive strength and speed. He also emphasised the region’s rugby league nursery.
That vision is reflected in the current squad, according to director of football Chris James. He said McMahon’s ideas were among the reasons he joined the club and argued that representing Newcastle and the surrounding region gave the players a purpose beyond individual achievement. Phoenix Crossland is one of the clearest examples.
The 26-year-old half-turned-hooker came through the club’s pathways after playing for the Erina Eagles and made his top-flight debut in 2019. He said the club and its supporters had always motivated him, while coach Justin Holbrook had asked him to focus on tackling, defending and turning up for his teammates. The Knights’ players have also been encouraged to connect with the community.
During pre-season, Holbrook took the squad into a local coal mine to show them the work undertaken by many of their supporters and to reinforce the privilege of playing professional rugby league. James said the team’s confidence grew after a win in New Zealand. He described the mood as a belief that no opponent or match situation should frighten the players, and said the ambition quickly shifted towards winning the competition.
Several members of the extended squad came through the Newcastle region, including Fletcher Sharpe and juniors from Maitland and Cessnock. The Knights face the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final. Even if that match ends Newcastle’s season, the club’s turnaround has already become one of the campaign’s notable stories.
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