The Newcastle Knights can confirm that the Club has completed an internal disciplinary process involving player Jermaine McEwen.
As a result of this process, Jermaine has been suspended by the Club for one NRL match and will be unavailable for selection for the Clubs Round 16 NRL Telstra Premiership clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons at McDonald Jones Stadium.
The suspension follows a show cause process initiated by the Club after McEwen was charged by NSW Police on 22 May 2026 with a drive with low range prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) offence.
In addition to the one-round suspension, McEwen has been issued a fully suspended fine of $5,000, which will remain suspended for twelve months on the condition that no further breach of his Agreement or the NRL Code of Conduct occurs during that period.
The Newcastle Knights have kept the NRL Integrity Unit fully informed of this matter.
Knights Director of Football Chris James said the Club takes its responsibilities seriously, both to its players and its community.
“Jermaine is a young man we care deeply about, and this has been a difficult process for everyone involved,” James said.
“We have been transparent and thorough throughout, and Jermaine has been cooperative and accepted full responsibility for his actions. That speaks to his character and we respect that.”
“At the same time, the standards we hold ourselves to as a Club are non-negotiable.
Our players carry the weight of this community every time they pull on that jersey, and the way we conduct ourselves off the field matters just as much as what we do on it.”
“Jermaine has a big future ahead of him here at the Knights. This is a lesson learned, and we will support him every step of the way as he moves forward.”
McEwen acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and offered the following apology:
“I am deeply ashamed of my actions on 22 May 2026. There is no justification for what I did, getting behind the wheel with alcohol in my system was irresponsible, dangerous, and completely beneath the standards I hold myself to as a person and as a professional footballer.”
“I am fully aware of the trust the Newcastle Knights have placed in me, and I let the Club, my teammates, and everyone who supports this team down.”
“The NRL is a privilege, and I do not take lightly the responsibility that comes with it.
"I offer my unreserved apology to the Club and to all stakeholders who have been affected by the reputational harm caused by my behaviour.
"I am committed to making this right, through my conduct, my professionalism, and my actions going forward.”
