VOTE: Best second rowers in Knights history

It's fair to say the nib Newcastle Knights have been blessed with some dominant back rowers over the years, particularly those on the edges who have shown abilities in rock-solid defence and bursting attack. 

We've chosen 10 of the best second rowers, as we look to you, the fans, to help select a fan-voted all-time Knights team.

Cast your vote in the poll below.

Note: No current Knights players were considered.

 

Ben Kennedy

Knights Appearances: 86

Years: 2000-04

We’ll start with arguably one of the best recruits the Club have made in Ben Kennedy who thrived as both the team’s damaging enforcer, and a ball-running back rower who often found the try-line.

He was one of the best on ground in the 2001 Grand Final win and almost played 10 games for New South Wales, and other nine for Australia whilst he was at the Knights.

 

Steve Simpson

Knights Appearances: 216

Years: 1999-10

Steve Simpson sits at No.7 on the all-time Knights appearances chart and with good reason considering his outstanding level of consistency he showed in red and blue.

A strong and sturdy defender with a great ability to hit gaps in the opposition’s line, Simpson won it all – a Premiership in 2001, three State of Origin winning series from his 13 games and seven games for Australia.

 

Sam Stewart

Knights Appearances: 81

Years: 1988-92

The first-ever captain and first life member of the Club, Sam Stewart was a weapon in the backrow earning himself the tag ‘Slammin’ Sam’.

Stewart led the team daringly in the opening years and played 10 matches for his country, New Zealand as well. We just wish we got to see more of him as he only became part of the club late into his career.

 

David Boyd

Knights Appearances: 114

Years: 1988-93

After making his debut at the Bulldogs, David Boyd linked up with the Knights in 1988 where he spent the next six years and 114 games.

Boyd was hardy and tough in the backrow and that helped the side achieve their first finals spot in 1992, before he moved on to play in England a year later.

 

Paul Marquet

Knights Appearances: 137

Years: 1990-96, 2001

Joining the Club in 1990, stocky edge-runner Paul Marquet was an engine for the side, throughout both of his stints.

Unfortunately, he left before the 1997 Premiership triumph, but did return after winning the 1999 Grand Final with the Storm, to win the 2001 Premiership with his local club in his final year of rugby league in Australia.

 

Adam Muir

Knights Appearances: 99

Years: 1992-97

A Lakes United junior, Adam Muir was a mobile ball-runner who played an inspiring role in the 1997 Grand Final victory.

That proved to be his final year with the Club, but before that he almost hit the century-mark for appearances and featured for New South Wales nine times and for his country.

 

Wayne Richards

Knights Appearances: 51

Years: 1991-94, 1997-98

Another member of the famous 1997 Premiers, Wayne Richards first started with the team six years earlier debuting as a 20-year-old and playing in various positions from the bench.

He left for a brief spell with the Dragons before returning just in time in 1997 as a valuable member of the team before finishing his career with the Rabbitohs.

 

Clint Newton

Knights Appearances: 112

Years: 2001-07, 2014-15

Now the Head of the RLPA, Clint Newton, who was actually born in South Carolina, USA, was an esteemed teammate of the 2001 season-winning side before injury ended his season prematurely.

Beyond that year, Newton consistently featured as a starting second-rower playing in four finals matches.

 

Chris Houston

Knights Appearances: 160

Years: 2008-15

A grizzled veteran of the game, Chris Houston proved himself a workhorse over his eight years in red and blue.

The NSW Country representative played in five finals matches and although he never attained any prestigious honours, his constant courageous work ethic he showed week in week out never went unnoticed.

 

Beau Scott

Knights Appearances: 54

Years: 2013-15

Beau Scott often epitomised what an ‘enforcer’ should be and although he wasn’t at the Club for a long time, he made sure he was remembered for those years with some big performances.

He picked up the Dally M Second Rower of the Year award in 2014 and his efforts earned him six appearances for New South Wales, and two for Australia, during his time at the Knights.