At 29 years of age and with 179 first grade games to his name, Kade Snowden is well and truly an experienced leader among the Knights’ forward pack.
As he enters his fifth season with the Club since re-signing in 2012, he deems the opportunity to impart knowledge to the Club’s emerging talent as an important responsibility.
“I need to be more of a leader, we have a really young squad,” he told Knights TV.
“That will be the biggest thing for me and few other older players.”
The prop was voted Players’ Player by his teammates for season 2015, an award that’s testament to his reliable and hardworking nature within the team.
“I need to have another consistent year and hopefully go even better,” he said.
The opportunity to work with the Club’s young players during the pre-season has been refreshing for Snowden who thinks the quality of talent bodes for the future.
“They are willing to learn and are a great bunch of blokes,” he said.
“They are only young but they have their heads on their shoulders.
“I haven’t played with a lot of them, so I’m looking forward to that and I know they’re all training really hard and trying their best.
“They want to be in the team."
Contracted to the Club until at least 2017, he's resolute on building his reputation further as a player who gives his all for the Club and the team.
“I want to be consistent and make sure Newcastle and the fans are proud I’m still here,” he said.
“I want to be proud of myself and keep getting better and better until I can’t go anymore."
Snowden says the squad is thriving under the guidance of new coach Nathan Brown and is making impressive progress on the training paddock.
“It’s really good. He’s brought some new training staff in and the boys love it,” he said.
“(Nathan) Browny has been really good for the boys so we’re looking forward to the season starting.”