Clint Newton says he feels privileged to be given another chance to play in the NRL for Newcastle on Saturday, seven years after he was banished by his junior club.
The 32-year-old’s last first-grade game for Newcastle was round-nine in 2007 when the Knights were slaughtered 71-6 by Brisbane.
The next day, a shattered Newton announced he was leaving the Knights after learning he wasn’t in the long-term plans of then coach Brian Smith.
Of course that wasn’t the end of Newton’s career; he went on to win a grand final with Melbourne and played 100 games for Hull KR in the English Super League before linking with Penrith.
But Newton will add another important chapter on Saturday after overcoming injury and a reserve-grade stint to be elevated to the Knights’ bench for the clash against the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.
“I’m pumped, it’s certainly been a long time coming,” Newton told AAP.
“What’s in the past is in the past. I’m just happy to be back.”
As well as signing on to boost Newcastle’s depth this year, Newton is busy in his off-field role as general president of the Rugby League Players Association.
The respected back-rower says the series of devastating incidents which have affected the Knights this year have helped him develop his understanding of his job.
Newcastle players were left deeply affected by the tragic injury suffered by teammate Alex McKinnon and also facing uncertainty over the club’s ownership saga.
Newton says his presence at the club has been mutually beneficial for he and Knights players.
“I certainly think it’s helped that they’ve got someone as a sounding board and someone with a direct line (to) the association,” he said
“I’ve got a vested interest in the club but I’d like to think that (if this had happened) at any club, and I was able to get involved then I would.
“I wanted to get stuck into it and try and make a difference for the players.
“The character of the group has really stood out through all the difficulty they’ve had to endure.”