A gratefulness of the rare opportunity afforded to them is what’s being instilled in the next generation of the Newcastle Knights.
For the past month, several of the club’s brightest up-and-comers have participated in a Wellbeing and Education Project in conjunction with the Newcastle Jockey Club.
During that time, they’ve undertaken numerous tasks, from repairing the circuit after a meeting to function preparations.
“It’s an important part of their development as players and people in general,” Knights head of pathways Michael Dobson said.
“These boys have a chance to do something most others don’t… play in the NRL.
“So, an initiative like this teaches them to have an appreciation of what everyday men and women do.
“They get up early, pack their lunch and go to work.”
Newcastle Jockey Club CEO Duane Dowell admitted he was impressed by the emerging stars.
“The guys attend the Newcastle Racecourse each Wednesday between 7am and noon and work within the NJC team in track maintenance and event set-ups learning many skills,” he said.
“That might include moving the rail out on the track or fixing certain things.
“They even assisted in the preparation of The Hunter Race Day.
“It’s not easy [work].
“But, they get right in.
“We hope this is just one of many programs that we can partner with the Knights to deliver great development outcomes for these young guys.”
One local making the most of the Wellbeing and Education Project is Kurri Kurri product Jye Linnane.
The talented half, who debuted in the Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) Denton Engineering Cup in 2023, admitted he was happy to step out of his comfort zone.
“It’s been a good experience,” the teen said.
“There’s the football side of things, which we all know like playing and training, but then there’s the non-football side… we need to realise how lucky we are.
“Plus, after suffering an ACL injury, it makes me more grateful.
“Not everyone gets an opportunity to follow their dream and, possibly, play NRL for their hometown club.
“So, I’m more focused on what I need to do to succeed.”
For more sports stories:
- ALM: Hometown hero Musialik believes Jets are headed in right direction
- Hunter teen sensation Bray named in Australian U19 T20 World Cup team
- Knights Old Boys: Newcastle greats still leaders in the community
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