“Once a Knight, always a Knight” is the motto of the Newcastle squad’s former members, celebrating another season of one of the most beloved teams in the NRL.
The Old Boys say the club’s spirit, foundation and unmatched support network continue to set them apart in the competition, decades after their maiden kick-off in 1988.
Born out of a city fighting for its place in the NRL, the Knights quickly became a symbol of Newcastle’s working-class identity.
Crowds of thousands packed into the then Marathon Stadium in the organisation’s formative years, establishing one of rugby league’s most passionate fan bases.
Mark Hughes. Photo: Peter Stoop
For former centre Mark Hughes, who played 161 games between 1997 and 2005, those moments still bring him joy to this day.
“From our history in 1988, our foundations were set by the founding teams and coaches,” he said.
“They led the way for a lot of success in the 90s and, of course, in 2001.
“I love coming and mixing with the older players, telling stories and hearing about their journeys.”
Hughes said he remembers the roar of the iconic Newcastle chant and the weight of expectation.
“Whenever that got going, it would bring shivers down your spine,” he said.
“The supporters gave us so many amazing memories.
“There was a sense of pressure to perform because they’d turn up rain, hail or shine… we owed them everything.”
That same passion famously boiled over during the 1997 NRL grand final, when Darren Albert crossed in the final seconds to seal Newcastle’s first premiership.
“Seventy-nine minutes we were hanging in there, struggling through, and then in the last minute we found a way to win,” said Hughes.
The Newcastle Knights’ premiership-winning 1995 reserve grade squad. Picture: Newcastle Knights
Stephen “Crowey” Crowe, who debuted in 1991 and was still around for the 1997 triumph, said the celebrations defined the town.
“The region went bonkers,” he explained.
“I didn’t pay for a taxi or a beer for a month or two after.
“It was incredible.”
Crowe said the famous “New-Cast-Le” chant began that day in Sydney and had stuck with the club ever since.
While the 1997 title remains one of the squad’s greatest moments, the 2001 premiership, led by the Johns brothers and a host of local juniors, cemented the Knights’ reputation as a powerhouse.
Steve Simpson. (AAP Image/Action Photographics/ Jonathan Ng)
Steve “Simmo” Simpson, who pulled on the red and blue jumper 216 times between 1999 and 2010, said the bond with his squad was a defining factor.
“It’s such an important part of a successful footy team, how tight you are with your teammates,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We did everything together, even away from footy.
“That really held you together in moments of pressure.”
For Simpson, the fans were just as crucial.
“When you’re doing it tough on the footy field, the supporters really go above and beyond,” he said.
“For me, they’re like another player.
“They’ve gotten me through some tough periods.”
Once a Knight Old Boys Kurt Gidley, Mark Hughes and Ashley Gordon. Image supplied
Kurt “Gids” Gidley, who played 251 games and captained the club through the 2000s, grew up as a fan before making his debut in 2001.
“I used to sit on the southern hill with my mum, dad and brothers, watching the faces of the players,” he recalled.
“They’re the backbone of the Knights and the community.
“Because we’re a one-team town, we’re working class, we’re blue collar, and our community expects that of us.
“They’ve always been loyal through good times and bad.”
Across generations, the Old Boys agree the Knights’ identity is built on more than just wins.
Hughes noted it’s about loyalty, resilience and a love for Newcastle.
“You’re representing far more than a team,” he said.
“You’re representing a region, a community.
“People’s lives revolve around seeing their team play on the weekend, it’s a special jersey to wear.”
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