One of the Newcastle Knights “favourite sons” is calling on his former club to display some grit and gumption to get their season back on track.
Considered a strong play-off contender at the start of 2021, the Adam O’Brien-coached outfit has been a major disappointment in the opening 11 rounds, slipping to 12th spot on the ladder.
Their performances have caught many by surprise but none more so than Ashley “Flash” Gordon, the Knights’ first-ever signing.
“If I had to be brutally honest, I’d like to think we could play a little bit better football than what we are,” he said.
“There’s a few people in the side who need to [look at] proving themselves as quality first-graders.
“You don’t want to be just handling first grade.
“You need to dominate, especially against your opposite number.
“If people can outplay their opposite number, you’ll play well together as a team.
“But, there are definitely a few who need to pull their socks up.”
Gordon, who played 71 games between 1989 and 1995, where he held countless records for tryscoring and goalkicking, feels the current squad is still about “three quality players” shy of challenging for the top eight on a regular basis.
“I believe they just need some help at the moment,” he said.
“Obviously, taking our creativity out doesn’t help, so when Kalyn Ponga doesn’t play, we struggle.
“Or, when Mitchell Pearce got injured, that was always going to be a huge barrier for us.
“However, we need creativity; we need players who can pull defensive lines apart.
“There are still some young blokes who must learn that trade.
“But, I understand when guys are injured, it’s hard.
“They just need to band together – and fight through this period.”
The Knights enter Sunday’s clash with the Manly Sea Eagles at McDonald Jones Stadium on the back of consecutive losses to the Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys.
The heavy defeats also raised questions about the culture within the Newcastle organisation, and its diminishing connection with the greater Hunter community.
“It’s what happens when you stay away from local talent,” said Gordon, a descendent of the Gamilaroi people.
“At the end of the day, there’s two things here – firstly, always look in your own backyard to recruit; and secondly, my philosophy is if you can pick quality people, you can develop quality players.
“We’re all there looking for the next Sonny Bill Williams or Latrell Mitchell.
“Sometimes, you just need quality people.
“If you get them in our system, they’ll play for Newcastle for the rest of their lives.
“That would make retention and recruitment a lot easier.
“However, I do believe, getting back to connecting with the community, full-time football’s done that.
“If you’re a new player to the area, I feel it’s your responsibility to make an effort.
“Connect with the local community, whether it’s through a business or a charity.
“Professional footy [these days] has caused it [disconnection].
“But, we need to recognise it is an issue, especially in Newcastle.
“When we played, it was all about the local community.
“We ran onto the field for those people.
“In the long run, it not only helps the club, it also helps the game.”
Gordon, who was awarded the Dally M Winger of the Year in 1990 – the first Knight to ever receive the prestigious accolade, said he was looking forward to the annual indigenous round.
It allows the NRL to honour the likes of the ex-Cardiff junior, along with other illustrious players such as Arthur Beetson, Larry Corowa, Laurie Daley, Gorden Tallis, Justin Hogges, Steve Renouf, Cliff Lyons, David Peachey, John Ferguson, Ricky Walford, Wendell Sailor, Matt Bowen, Owen Craigie, Nathan Blacklock, Anthony Mundine, Greg Inglis, Mal Meninga, Preston Campbell, Johnathan Thurston and many more.
“I think, for this week, it’s important to recognise the impact of sport and rugby league has had on Aboriginal communities,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“There is a strong connection between the game and our communities.
“So, as all Australians, if we can reflect on that, we do want to improve and change people’s lives.
“There are many who are still struggling or are disadvantaged.
“I’d like to see the NRL continue such initiatives.
“I know they’re trying new ways and programs to change people’s lives in disadvantaged communities.
“This [indigenous round] is one of them.”
Following a stellar playing career, Gordon’s dedicated much of his time assisting the charities’ sector, as well as focusing on health and wellbeing education, program design, development and delivery for indigenous communities.
He is also on the board for the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, which handed out $930,000 worth of funding grants to 15 NSW-based organisations at the Merewether Surf Club on Thursday 27 May.
“I’m really enjoying it at the moment,” he said.
“This ceremony’s been fantastic – just to see the impact that a donation can have on a local charity.
“The good work is always there, the volunteers are present, it’s just about assisting them and recognising their efforts in any way possible.
“We’ve certainly witnessed that [today].”
