In the first of our Player Profiles from nib Newcastle Knights history, we start with one of the most influential players to don the red and blue in Paul 'The Chief' Harragon.
A fearless warrior, the forward left everything on the field in his highly-decorated 11-year career.
Harragon was one of the games best forwards during his playing days due to his bravery and leadership in the middle of the park.
Born and raised in Kurri Kurri, the forward emerged from the inaugural Knights side to go onto play at the highest levels of the game.
His crowning jewel came on a memorable day in 1997.
A foundation player of the Knights, Harragon made his Club debut against the Balmain Tigers in Round 18 of the 1988 season at only 19 years of age.
The forward made five appearances off the bench in the inaugural season.
Harragon scored his first try for the red and blue in Round 22 of the 1989 season against the Parramatta Eels.
After four seasons in the former NSWRL (now NRL), 'The Chief' had an almighty season in 1992.
The front-rower became a mainstay in the Knights side and played in his first finals game against the Western Suburbs Magpies.
The 1992 side made it to the Minor Semi Final, an historic moment in the Club's short history up to that point.
In the same season, Harragon would make his debut at State level for New South Wales.
Harragon started in the front-row in the 1992 State of Origin series and played all three games in the Blues 2-1 series victory.
He became synonymous in the Blue jersey playing 20 consecutive games between '92 to '98, a Blues record at the time.
During his time at Origin, he won five series' including three straight between '92 and '94.
After his breakthrough '92 series, Harragon was selected for the Australian side for their three Test series against Great Britain.
Harragon played a huge part in Australia winning the Ashes in 1992.
His first game was in a 22-6 win over Great Britain.
Harragon went onto earn 20 appearances in the green and gold featuring in the Kangaroos Tour of England and France in 1994 and in the World Cup winning squad of 1995.
'The Chief' was bestowed one of the highest honours, captaining Australia in their 1995 World Cup group game against South Africa.
Anointed captain of the Newcastle Knights in 1995, Harragon played an enormous role for the Club on and off the field.
Apart from the '92 finals series, 'The Chief' played in another three finals series in '95, '97 and '98.
After all his accomplishments in the game, one of Harragon's finest moments was his role in the triumphant season of 1997.
Paul Harragon became the first Newcastle captain to raise the premiership trophy after the Knights 22-16 Grand Final win over Manly.
After an 11-year career, Harragon announced his retirement in 1999 after playing 169 games in the red and blue.
Among his other accolades include 6 games for Country Origin, Dally M Prop of the Year in 1996, Ken Stephen Medal in 1997, inducted into the Knights and NSW Hall of Fame and an Order of Australia (OAM) Award.
Etched into Newcastle Knights folklore, Paul Harragon is one of the most colossal figures in the Club's history.
