Chad Redman became the 257th first grade player to wear the Newcastle Knights jersey when he made his debut on Sunday at Hunter Stadium.
You could sense just how pleased the coach and captain were for the 22-year-old to debut after being called into the team to replace the injured (shoulder) Adam Clydsdale.
"Chad’s probably been waiting for this chance for the last couple of years,’’ Kurt Gidley said following the win.
‘‘I know he’s trialled in first grade and he’s kept working at his game, so we’re all really proud of him.
‘‘And then to score one at the end was great for him.
‘‘It’s a great start to his career.’’
Redman, who is from Shortland and entered the Knights system as a 15-year-old, scored the match winning try in the 77th minute.
"Chad didn’t let us down in any facet," Rick Stone added.
"He was pretty sharp out of dummy-half, his service was pretty good and he scored a valuable try.
‘‘So, like Gidsy said, we’re really proud and happy for him.
‘‘It’s been a work in progress for a while to get a first-grade debut.
"He got his chance today and he took it with some confidence.’’
While Chris Houston also praised the young hooker in an interview after the match.
“Chad went great, he brought plenty of energy on the field," told Knights TV.
“Just to get a try is extra special for him, if he hadn’t got that everyone would have still been proud of the way he played."
Clydsdale is expected to be fit when the Knights host the Brisbane Broncos at Hunter Stadium next Monday, making it a healthy competition for spots when Stone announces his team on Tuesday afternoon.
