Houston quits Knights after drug supply charges

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Fair enough, but im just saying, we just need to focus. Theres nothing anyone can do now... so thats why I said get over it. Thinking about it too much aint gonna help anyone. Thats why we need the leaders of the team to step up and get everyone focused.
 
If Wicks and Houston are where it stops, then the damage to team morale may not be that bad or lasting. Problems might only arise if there are 'factions' in the side where some players are dead against these two and what they've done; and others who are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and might have wanted them to have 'another chance'.

If everyone's singing from the same song sheet then - from a club perspective - damage should be short lived. The media will make an awful lot of this through the season. The club now has to maintain a very clean profile - there can be no more slips in standards of behaviour in any field. No extra-marital affairs, no drunken binges, nothing. They're now under greater scrutiny because of the actions of a tiny minority.
 
pommieknight said:
If Wicks and Houston are where it stops, then the damage to team morale may not be that bad or lasting. Problems might only arise if there are 'factions' in the side where some players are dead against these two and what they've done; and others who are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and might have wanted them to have 'another chance'.

If everyone's singing from the same song sheet then - from a club perspective - damage should be short lived. The media will make an awful lot of this through the season. The club now has to maintain a very clean profile - there can be no more slips in standards of behaviour in any field. No extra-marital affairs, no drunken binges, nothing. They're now under greater scrutiny because of the actions of a tiny minority.
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I agree with all that.. Except maybe the "tiny" part since there's nothin tiny about Danny ;)
 
Enough of this 'We're F**ked' talk. Whether we are or not, the season hasnt even started. So chin up, and lets just look forward to the footy, which is only 9 days away!
 
Apparently he is yeah. Quite a shame, also considering Simpsons & Cross are injured a majority of the time due to age. But Ciraldo & Dan Tolar are back so who knows maybe they will step up this year, alongside Patterson, Fa aoso, Karawana, Mika etc. Not a good start we'll have, especially kicking off against Bulldogs who have a tough side but lets pray this year goes good. Just gotta keep positive & hope Newcastle realises they need to lift this year and not listen to what everybodys saying, and rumours about wooden spoon.
 
I'd be happy if he was gone as of now. Better now than when the footy starts... I know it is still all alleged but it really isn't looking good so I'd be happy if he ended his association with the Knights completely. This goes for anyone else that was involved and didn't put their hand up when Burro asked. It would be good to clean it all up before the season officially gets underway.
 
Biggest problem will be if there are still players to be named, and other players in the side know who they are, so their thoughts may be on their 'mates' not getting caught out or whatnot. And of coarse those who know they are involved, will be affected by the guilt even more.

If the team can get a few good wins under their belts to start the season, they will most likely put the whole thing behind them, or even use it to their advantage. Given our tough schedule to start the year, it could easily go the other way, and the players might lose hope and determination etc.

Either way, we need to support the club, and the remaining players. It sure will be interesting to see how this pans out on the field.

Over the last 6 or so years this club has been through so much, many tough times. It seems as a supporter that every year we are faced with new challenges, dont seem to have the easy runs other clubs seem to get. But no matter what gets thrown in front of us, all i ask of the players is to play to their ability. I dont care if we come last, as long as i can see the players trying week in, week out. 2005 was a horror season, but you could see the players trying their hearts out, and as a result the players are stronger, and the club is stronger. Its seasons like those that define players, and most of all define the 'true' fans of the club.

I know im a better supporter because of that season, because before that i had never experienced a horror season with the knights since i started going for them around 96/97. I took winning and the success for granted, so it was a learning curve for me, as im sure it was for many on here. We get through this season in tact, everyone involved with the club can hold their heads up high.
 
Sammyyy said:
Its not something that you can just get over like that. Its gonna have a massive psycological impact on the boys and even if they say its not affecting them it definetly will be! IMO Its not looking good.
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It shouldn't have a huge impact ... imo it's no different to him doing a knee in a trial and being out for the season. Team just has to move on.
 
Jonno_Knights said:
Biggest problem will be if there are still players to be named, and other players in the side know who they are, so their thoughts may be on their 'mates' not getting caught out or whatnot. And of coarse those who know they are involved, will be affected by the guilt even more.

If the team can get a few good wins under their belts to start the season, they will most likely put the whole thing behind them, or even use it to their advantage. Given our tough schedule to start the year, it could easily go the other way, and the players might lose hope and determination etc.

Either way, we need to support the club, and the remaining players. It sure will be interesting to see how this pans out on the field.

Over the last 6 or so years this club has been through so much, many tough times. It seems as a supporter that every year we are faced with new challenges, dont seem to have the easy runs other clubs seem to get. But no matter what gets thrown in front of us, all i ask of the players is to play to their ability. I dont care if we come last, as long as i can see the players trying week in, week out. 2005 was a horror season, but you could see the players trying their hearts out, and as a result the players are stronger, and the club is stronger. Its seasons like those that define players, and most of all define the 'true' fans of the club.

I know im a better supporter because of that season, because before that i had never experienced a horror season with the knights since i started going for them around 96/97. I took winning and the success for granted, so it was a learning curve for me, as im sure it was for many on here. We get through this season in tact, everyone involved with the club can hold their heads up high.
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Agreed mate that season was very tough so its just a matter of getting through this one basically without self distructing
 
Lets look at Poms!

Wicks is gone now Houston and looks like simmo might call it a day after this season! Lets look for some big quality forwards but not just out of the NRL lets look at Super League too.
If anyone watched the four nations last year they would have noticed the 6'8ft 128kg monster Erol Crabtree, Awesome on his feet for a big man and has an amazing off load lets get him in the Red and Blue! Can any of you guys think of big powerful players who will actually make an impact who we could sign? We need a sam burgess type!
 
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sky news has just revealed that Houston will resign this afternoon, this is apparently what burro has said.
Also they are reporting all sponsors arent happy and are reviewing there involvement with the club
 
shiels11 said:
Wicks is gone now Houston and looks like simmo might call it a day after this season! Lets look for some big quality forwards but not just out of the NRL lets look at Super League too.
If anyone watched the four nations last year they would have noticed the 6'8ft 128kg monster Erol Crabtree, Awesome on his feet for a big man and has an amazing off load lets get him in the Red and Blue! Can any of you guys think of big powerful players who will actually make an impact who we could sign? We need a sam burgess type!
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good idea. now that over-rated houston is gone we can start to rebuild the squad with QUALITY in ALL areas this time. nothing wrong with signing a pom or a kiwi or a frenchman or south african or anything as long as they are quality i don't give a rats' where they are from
 
Jonno_Knights said:
Over the last 6 or so years this club has been through so much, many tough times. It seems as a supporter that every year we are faced with new challenges, dont seem to have the easy runs other clubs seem to get. But no matter what gets thrown in front of us, all i ask of the players is to play to their ability. I dont care if we come last, as long as i can see the players trying week in, week out. 2005 was a horror season, but you could see the players trying their hearts out, and as a result the players are stronger, and the club is stronger. Its seasons like those that define players, and most of all define the 'true' fans of the club.

I know im a better supporter because of that season, because before that i had never experienced a horror season with the knights since i started going for them around 96/97. I took winning and the success for granted, so it was a learning curve for me, as im sure it was for many on here. We get through this season in tact, everyone involved with the club can hold their heads up high.
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I agree with this 110%. The next time we hold up the trophy (and yes, of course they'll be a next time), it's just going to mean so much more because of all the crap we've had to go through to get there.
 
Newcastle Knights say Chris Houston lied over involvement in drugs scandal
By Stuart Honeysett
March 03, 2010
Newcastle Knights chairman Robert Tew has revealed Chris Houston lied to him over his involvement in the drug scandal that threatens to derail the club.

Tew said the club had pleaded with all players to come forward if they had anything to hide after Danny Wicks was charged with drug supply and possession in December.

"That's been a standard in our discussions prior to Christmas," Tew said.

"We are disappointed to an extent but more importantly since Danny Wicks' arrest and charging we've been open-minded as to what may come at us.

"As we said then and we'll say again now, 'whilst we've got no indication there's any more to come out, we're open-minded what may and we won't be afraid to take action'."

Houston was interviewed by club chief executive Steve Burraston in December after Wicks, his former housemate, was charged by police with six counts of drug supply and two of possession.

There were reports the Knights on Tuesday night had accepted Houston's offer to resign from the club, just as Wicks had done.

Strike Force Welham detectives on Monday charged Houston with three count of supplying ecstasy and one count of supplying cocaine.

Burraston has penned a letter to the club's supporters apologising for the latest scandal and pleading with them to stand by the embattled club this season.

Newcastle cannot afford to lose money at the gate this year as the club walks a financial tightrope and several sponsorships worth about $1.6 million a season are also in jeopardy.

"This is without doubt one of the most difficult and emotional episodes the Newcastle Knights have ever faced in our 23-year existence and there has never been a time when we have needed our sponsors, members and supporters more than we do now," Burraston said.

"We have a proud history and as we've proved in the past, our club is far greater than a few individuals.

"We truly understand your anger and frustration and I apologise personally and on behalf of the club."

With two of its leading forwards now gone and captain Kurt Gidley unavailable for the opening four rounds at least with a hamstring strain, the Knights have been installed by betting agencies as the new favourites to win this year's wooden spoon.

Gidley, and a player who was also involved in a drugs scandal, former champion halfback and current assistant coach Andrew Johns, pressed on with the job despite the drama unfolding around them at training on Tuesday.

Burraston denied the Knights had a drug culture.

"The Knights are not aware of anything other than a strong anti-drug culture within our club and our testing regime reinforces that view," he said in a statement.
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Steve Burraston expects Chris Houston to resign from Newcastle Knights

March 03, 2010

Newcastle Knights chief executive Steve Burraston expects Chris Houston to officially resign from the NRL club on Wednesday afternoon.

Houston was charged with three counts of supplying ecstasy and one count of supplying cocaine on Monday and was stood down indefinitely by the club.

Burraston says Houston offered his resignation on Wednesday morning and the board would accept it.

"Chris Houston has indicated to me today that he will be resigning from Newcastle Knights," Burraston said.

"I expect that will happen today (Wednesday).

"I've indicated to Chris that I will accept his resignation.

"It is important that we give him time to fight these alleged charges and obviously he wouldn't be able to get his mind around football.

"We expect that (his resignation) sometime this afternoon, that we will get notification from Chris of his resignation and the club has indicated it will accept it."

The former St George Illawarra forward's impending exit comes less than three months after Houston's former Knights teammate and flatmate Danny Wicks was charged with supply and possession of a prohibited substance.

Wicks left the club in December after he was released on bail and will appear in court again on March 31.


AAP
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This thread has now been closed, not much else to discuss and everyone has expressed their anger and dissapointment.

He has officially quit the club as expected.

CONTROVERSIAL Newcastle Knights forward Chris Houston has quit the club after he was charged with supplying drugs.

Knights met with his barrister Peter Harper this afternoon and Houston walked away from the final three years of his contract by mutual consent following allegations he supplied drugs.

Houston 25, will appear in Newcastle Local Court on April 13 to answer the charges with his playing future now under a huge cloud.

Knights chief executive Steve Burraston said Houston offered his resignation this morning and the board would accept it.

Houston released a statement this afternoon in which he said "the club has taken enough hits because of these charges."

CHRIS HOUSTON'S STATEMENT:

"I wish to announce that I am voluntarily terminating my playing contract. I have always had and will continue to have high regard for the Knights club, its supporters and its sponsors.

"The Knights have a strict code of conduct which I have always supported. The club has taken enough hits because of these charges. Therefore, I feel obligated to disassociate myself from the club until my matter is resolved.

"I hope by resigning and leaving the Knights that these problems will now leave the club and go with me so that my teammates will now be able to focus completely on the 2010 season without distraction, and that the club will remain strong and united. I sincerely hope that all sponsors and supporters remain faithful to this great club and region."

Chris Houston

3 March 2010

Earlier today, Knights CEO Steve Burraston said Houston had offered his resignation and the club would accept it.

"Chris Houston has indicated to me today that he will be resigning from Newcastle Knights," Burraston said.

"I've indicated to Chris that I will accept his resignation.

"It is important that we give him time to fight these alleged charges and obviously he wouldn't be able to get his mind around football.

"We expect that (his resignation) sometime this afternoon, that we will get notification from Chris of his resignation and the club has indicated it will accept it."

The former St George Illawarra forward's exit comes less than three months after Houston's former Knights teammate and flatmate Danny Wicks was charged with supply and possession of a prohibited substance.

Wicks also quit the club.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ewcastle-knights/story-e6frexnr-1225836607771
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