Newcastle Knights premiership winner Michael Hagan returned to the club to deliver a coaching clinic for Knights staff, reinforcing the club’s commitment to growing coaches alongside players.
Held at the Knights Centre of Excellence, the session brought together coaches from across the club’s pathways system through to NRL Head Coach Justin Holbrook, creating a shared learning environment focused on long-term development.
Hagan said it was special to reconnect with the club and reflect on the foundations of the Knights’ junior system.
“I really appreciated the warm welcome from the pathways coaches and enjoyed sharing some of the history of the Knights’ junior system in the early days,” Hagan said.
“It’s great to see the club investing in the Newcastle, Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast regions, particularly through coach education programs.
“The Knights have a proven history of producing young talent and the future looks exciting.”
Director of Football Chris James said the session reflected the club’s broader ambition to lead the way in development.
“It’s always powerful having a club legend like Michael Hagan back here working with our coaches and passing on his knowledge,” James said.
“Our ambition is clear. We want to be the leading development club in the game. That’s not just about producing players, it’s about developing great coaches as well.
“From Justin (Holbrook) right through to our junior rep coaches, everyone in that room is part of the same pathway. And we want them all aligned in how we develop teams and build for the future.”
The clinic forms part of the Knights’ ongoing investment in coaching education, ensuring standards are embedded across all levels of the football program.
