The nib Newcastle Knights newest recruit, Adam Clune, has arrived in the Hunter in preparation for a huge new season.
Donning his new colours, Clune and some of his new teammates returned to training for day one of pre-season on Wednesday.
Having signed on for the next two years, the halfback couldn't contain his excitement on his first day at the Club.
Adam Clune's first interview as a Newcastle Knight
“I’m super excited to be here,” Clune said.
“There is a great squad here that is on the right trajectory, so that was obviously a drawcard for myself.
“I went for the Knights growing up so that was a pretty big factor in me coming here.
"So to get the opportunity to potentially put on the red and blue is one thing I'm really looking forward to."
The 26-year-old made his debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2020 where he went onto play 25 games across two seasons.
A natural playmaker who can cover the halfback, five-eighth and bench utility positions, Clune will add considerable depth to the halves stocks.
The decision to sign for Newcastle was an easy one for the half having supported the Knights as a youngster.
Having also grown up idolising former Knights halfback Andrew Johns, Clune said it will be 'unbelievably exciting' to learn off and work with the Eighth Immortal.
“He’s (Johns) obviously one of the best ever to do it, if not the best,” Clune said.
“To be able to work with him, get feedback and bounce ideas off him is something I’m really looking forward too.
“Him and Danny Buderus were playing when I was supporting them and when I was growing up.
“I can’t wait to pick his brain.
“I’m super excited to be amongst it and have the Knights emblem on my chest."
The 2022 Draw: Brought to you by our favourite Knights moments
With the NRL draw released, the countdown is on until the opening round against the Sydney Roosters.
Clune will be looking to build relationships and combinations with his teammates over the course of the pre-season.
The half also spoke about what he believes he can bring to the team.
“I like to think that is one of my strengths (game-management),” Clune said.
“I’m a good communicator, I’ll be looking to bring that on the field and other things.
“There is a good opportunity to learn off Joey and plenty of the coaching staff.
“Continuity and combinations is important, especially amongst the spine."
