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Recently, I asked an open forum question on a Newcastle Knights supporters group page. The idea behind it was to discover just how the base is feeling after a long period of frustration, as well as some thoughts on the team’s chances in 2023.
I received many responses and those that follow were provided by people who have given me permission to include their names.
“I’m an eternal optimist, so I’ve seen our side on paper over the last few years and been quite hopeful (including this year). It has become a long running frustration though, that we underperform. I don’t know what the underlying issues are, whether it’s culture, coaching or something else, but I’m at a loss as to why we can’t seem to click after so many years and quality signings. I’m quietly hopeful it comes together this year.” – Cameron Davey
Kalyn Ponga (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
“As a proud supporter I feel for the future of the club. We have the best supporters and our stadium was once a feared ground to play at for the opposition, but those days are gone. I feel the fans are being let down by the club. We don’t want wins every week, we just want effort and passion. I fear for the future of the next generation of fans. What is going to attract my grandchildren to attend Knights games in the future? At least I have the glory days to remember.
We need a club that embraces the community, fans and especially young people. An example is the absence of the Family Fun Day that didn’t happen this year. We need to see our players interacting with fans after the game – win, lose or draw. The club is nothing without fans and we have no team without the club. Let’s work together and focus on being the club other supporters wished they belonged to.” – Julie Antidormi
“Hopefully we will see a more consistently performing team this year. One that shows passion and pride in the jersey, club, supporters and the town of Newcastle. Defend the home ground fortress like the teams of old. Show up on game day and put in the effort for the whole 80 minutes. Get the little things right. Dig deep when you have to and don’t give up. The team needs to narrow the gap between its worst performances and its best. Week in, week out, leave it all on the field and hold your heads high. Please bring back the passion and grit of old in 2023.” – Jason Mather
Daniel Saifiti (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
“There appears to be a disconnection between the Knights and the local Newcastle competition. The days of plenty of local players making first grade appear to be long gone. The great Knights’ teams of the past had one common theme – plenty of local juniors. Can’t blame Dom Young for leaving. Players want to win a premiership and Sydney Roosters are a well-structured club that does what we once did.” – Craig Rolls
“I feel the club is in a major decline, unable to hold onto top tier players. Something at the top has to give and I think the coach should be first on the list.” – Andrew Murray
These responses are very insightful and there is one more I’d like to share. My own.
“I feel like the fans are still on the mend from our disastrous 2022 season. After a fiery start, our season soon tumbled. Our players’ heads went down and never came back up. I share the frustration and disappointment. In a way, I still don’t think the club has recovered from Brian Smith’s destruction of our pathways, systems and culture and I don’t think any coach can fix it without the right staff in the office.
A long term goal is pathways, which are being mended bit by bit. Another important goal is to turn our stadium back into a feared fortress. We have the most passionate supporters in the league, we travel to see our team and we’re a one club town.” – Adrian Megale
To all Knights fans, I say that I know last year was painful. We were the most unfit team and having weeks off due to COVID affected us. But this is a new season and we not only should encourage our players to play for the town but also for us.
With things improving in the front office and our club in a brilliant financial position, we could have a bright future ahead.
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