With 2021 having drawn to a close, we thought we would take a look back at the year that was on the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast.
The podcast made its debut in '21 and provided an in-depth and fresh perspective on the Knights family with special guests including Kalyn Ponga, Danny Buderus, Jayden Brailey, Tyson Frizell and many more.
Across 17 episodes, the podcast provided many insightful, hilarious and incredible moments, so here is the most listened to episodes from the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast throughout 2021.
#3 - Kalyn Ponga is back
Coming in third as the most listened to episode for 2021 is coincidentally the third episode of the year as Kalyn Ponga made his debut on the podcast.
After missing the first five rounds due to off-season shoulder surgery, Ponga described the rehabilitation process ahead of his triumphant return to the field.
Sharing stories with former teammate, Connor Watson, the fullback also spoke about how he almost joined the AFL as a teenager and won a New Zealand junior golf tournament at 13.
#2 - KP and Connor crash the Pod
Second on the podium is a hilarious episode brought to you from inside the inner sanctum of the Knights relocation hub on the Sunshine Coast.
Guests Jake Clifford and Mitch Barnett jumped on the podcast to talk about bubble life and Clifford's mid-season move from the North Queensland Cowboys, before being interrupted by two more guests on the Zoom call.
Ponga and Connor Watson joined the episode making for a funny moment and explaining why Clifford has now been dubbed 'The Human Iron Board'.
Honourable Mentions
After 17 episodes across the year, there were a few honourable mentions to choose.
Our chat with dummy-half Jayden Brailey and his partner, Liliana Brogan, provided many hilarious moments, while our sitdown with Knights and Wests CEO, Phillip Gardner, provided an insight into the Club and the vision for the future.
Episode four with Kurt Mann and Lachlan Fitzgibbon proved to be another special edition with Mann discussing his close ANZAC connections.
The pair also depicted an unforgettable, but rather forgettable moment for Mann, whilst playing for the Knights during their junior years.
#1 - Hayden Knowles
Coming in at the top as the most listened to episode for the year is our chat with newly appointed General Manager of Performance, Hayden Knowles.
The renowned physical performance manager talked about his time with the Penrith Panthers premiership-winning squad and within NSW Origin camps, while also detailing his decision to join the red and blue.
Knowles also spoke about the new additions to the football department and what he's most excited for in 2022.
KNIGHTS // HQ Season 2 will continue in 2022 and will once again be brought to you by Maxwell Recruitment & Training.
You can listen and subscribe to the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts or listen to the entire catalogue of episodes HERE.
