Last year was a full season of Knightmares for the Newcastle Knights. A long season kept getting worse, week by week, except for the rare matches we won. There is no need to dwell on it, so let’s move on to 2026.
The year 2026 marked a change of the guard. A new coaching staff and a new head of office arrived. When the open Knights training sessions on tour were announced, I found them very intriguing.
The first one in Raymond Terrace was actually on my birthday, and after working out, a friend picked me up from the gym and drove his kids and me to the training session.
The very second I got out of his vehicle, I sensed a change. The players seemed much happier, the fans had more positivity, and after talking to the players, introducing myself to some new Knights on board, plus showing my Knights tattoo, I went back in my friend’s car and said, “Our buys are far happier now.”
The Knights kicked off their season in Las Vegas against North Queensland, and after a back-and-forth battle, Newcastle went on to seal the deal 28-18. I was there for the match and was over the moon. I also went to Honolulu, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco for the trip of a lifetime.
This year, the Knights have been far better in attack and clicking so well. We’ve had very convincing wins and even some ugly victories. After 12 games, we outscored last year’s Knights team in both tries and points. Our Round 9 win against South Sydney, a tight thriller, was ugly. But I also dare say it brought back the confidence our players needed after three consecutive losses.
#6 Fletcher Sharpe (photo, New Castle Herald)
I was in attendance at our win against Wests Tigers this past Sunday, and one thing that will live rent-free in my head for the rest of my life. It was the Knights fans in full unity, standing and cheering as Bradman Best ran untouched under the posts to score an amazing full-field try. It was a scrappy win, but two points are worth two points.
Next week, we’ve got a very red-hot Dolphins side. While both teams have players out due to Origin, the Dolphins will be a very tough side to beat. I’ll be in attendance once again for that match, and I am really looking forward to doing the Newcastle chant with my fellow Knights fans.
