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Canavan appointed Director of Football

The nib Newcastle Knights are pleased to announce the signing of Mr Brian Canavan as Director of Football.

Mr Canavan joins the Knights from the NRL where he has spent the past two and a half years as Head of Football.

Highly credentialed, he brings years of experience in senior positions including CEO of the Sydney Roosters and Chief Operating Officer of the Gold Coast Titans.

Knights CEO Mr Philip Gardner said while the Club has many applicants for the position, the appointment of Mr Canavan was an easy choice.

"Brian is one of the game's top administrators," Mr Gardner stated.

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"He is well regarded and held in a high esteem by his peers. Having someone of his expertise eager to join the organisation is further proof that the Club is headed in the right direction.

"We had some highly qualified applicants for the position but to have a person of Brian's expertise overseeing the Club puts the Knights in a very strong position."

During Mr Canavan's time with the governing body he played a key role in setting up the new pathways programs and had overseen the first increase in participation in Rugby League for several years.

He had also been responsible for setting up the first NRL Women's premiership competition.


Set to join the Knights soon, Mr Canavan is excited to return to clubland with a team growing exponentially and a new Centre of Excellence on the way.

"The Knights are a Club on the rise," Mr Canavan said.

"Not only are they financially secure and well governed but they're building into a very strong contender on the field. 

"With the upcoming move into the Centre of Excellence, the team and region are on the cusp of something very special.

"Newcastle is a rugby league town and well positioned to return to its rightful standing as a regional rugby league and sporting powerhouse. I'm excited to be part of it."