*best read in the voice of Matt Nable. Figured Fox wouldn’t give us a nice promo.
Tradition. Grit. Inspire. Win. The Knights Way. Nova Castria.
Tradition. The past that shapes the future, and haven’t we had some greats. Paul “The Chief” Harragon leading his players into war in the 1997 grand final. Ferocious, courageous, tough, unflinching. Danny Buderus. What he lacked in size he made up for with hard work, determination and a whole lot of heart, one of the best 9s the game has seen. And who could forget the immortal, the GOAT? Andrew ‘Joey’ Johns. Hailing from Cessnock, he’d play 15 years for the Knights, claiming 2 premierships and his spot as not only the Club’s greatest, but the game’s greatest.
What better way to pass on tradition, than from one of your own. Justin Holbrook. Part of Newcastle’s prime, he played with some of the greats and knows what it takes, knows what it means to the town and he’s taken no time at all instilling this in his group of Knights.
Grit. We find a way. No stranger to adversity, having collected wooden spoons in years past. This new beginning under Coach Holbrook, and the arrival of Dylan Brown, gave new hope to their ever-loyal, passionate fan base of Novocastrians showing shades of brilliance in the opening Round in Vegas. But nothing comes easy. Opening round injuries to the electric Fletcher Sharpe and Dylan Brown threatened to curtail their season before it started. And the injuries kept coming. And coming. And coming. But here they are, last season’s wooden spooners - in September - ready play finals. Talk about Grit. This season isn’t over yet.
Inspire. Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes, but it provides hope, and lifts others to new levels. Look no further than the Captain, Kalyn Ponga. Dazzling footwork, creative ball playing and fist pumps for every occasion. Kalyn rides the waves- he commiserates the defeats, and celebrates the victories big or small. He’s not alone, Phoenix Crossland inspires those around him with his tenacious and unrelenting efforts, something one Danny Buderus would be proud of. And who can forget the new kid on the block - Fletcher Sharpe - fast, exciting, inspiring.
Win. A winning mindset is everything. These Knights know they can win, they know their potential. Through the challenges they have faced - they’ve shown their grit, they’ve inspired and they have won. They have rewarded their victory-starved, ever loyal fans with their effort, resilience, heart and skill. They will be sharing the force of every tackle, the elation of every try and supporting every step of the way.
Nova Castria. Newcastle. This is the beginning.
*now for some gambling ads*