They’re the most successful club in NRLW history, and the Newcastle Knights are looking to continue that through the next generation.
With two titles in three seasons to their name, the Novocastrians rose from a wooden spoon to the top in a short period.
Now with a new coach at the helm and the NSWRL female pathways at the strongest level they’ve ever been, the NRLW is working closer than ever with the young guns coming through.
Ben Jeffries is the man in charge of leading the club to a three-peat, and said the chance to work closely with the juniors in the Hunter Region was a reason for his transfer from North Queensland.
“One of the reasons why I took the role on was the timing of the competitions,” he said.
“With Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale at the front end of the year, and Harvey Norman at the back end as a genuine reserve grade to NRLW.
“Being able to be around the U17s and U19s daily, it’s been good to see who’s coming through.
“There’s plenty of talent coming through. It’s a big region to choose from and it’s exciting for young players at this club. There’s a genuine pathway leading to the elite level.”
Lilly-Ann White, Evah McEwan and Evie Jones are three Tarsha Gale talents with future NRLW contracts currently lining up this weekend, with Jeffries optimistic they can take the next step.
“I’ve got no doubt Lilly’s going to be a long term player, hopefully for this club,” he said.
“Evah is very dynamic and powerful. She’ll take some time to develop her whole game.
“All three are good people, that’s one of the things we look for first and foremost.
“They’re all very good talent wise and ability wise, it’s just nurturing and guiding them through to the next level.”
With the female pathways as strong as they’ve ever been, Jeffries said patience was the key to sustained success when reaching the top.
“You want to see them go from 17s to 19s to Harvey Norman and NRLW,” he said.
“Someone that’s only just played Tarsha Gale, their progression would be a season of Harvey Norman to get used to the contact and physicality of playing against women week in, week out.
“Some people need to understand that’s not a failure if they haven’t played NRLW if they’re in the squad. It’s part of their progression.
“In today’s society they want it so fast without realising it takes time. If you want to be in the game for a long time, don’t be in a rush.”
With the Tarsha Gale trio set to lead the Knights to a finals run, Jeffries said they will have the opportunity to learn from the best once their season is finished.
“For these three players in particular, someone might play NRLW before their peers and they might think ‘I play with her, I should be playing’, but that’s not necessarily the case,” he said.
“It depends on what position they play and who’s in front of them too.
“For Lilly, she’s the understudy to Tamika Upton, but that’s not detrimental to her, she gets to learn off the best in the world.
“At some point she will find her rightful position and spot in this squad, I have no doubts.
“It’s something I’m very open and honest with all three of them and other players in our squad.”
A number of their current NRLW stars are involved in the pathways coaching system, something the coach is thankful for.
“Players like Yasmin Clydsdale, Sheridan Gallagher, Liv Higgins, Hannah Southwell and Tamika Upton helping the younger ones is only going to make our space better,” he said.
“It’s an inclusive environment. I’m quite proud to be apart of it.”
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