VOTE: Best centres in Knights history

Author: Newcastle Knights
Timestamp: Wed 8 Apr 2020, 08:01 AM

In the centre position, there's been numerous State of Origin and International representatives who have played for the nib Newcastle Knights.

We've chosen 10 of the our best, as we look to you, the fans, to help select a fan-voted all-time Knights team.

Cast your vote in the poll below.

Note: No current Knights players were considered.

Tony Kemp

Knights Appearances: 87

Years: 1988-93

One of the members of the inaugural Knights signed from Doncaster, Kemp was an aggressive runner of the ball and was a valuable player over the six seasons he played.

He scored 20 tries and was one of the first international players at the Club playing 22 games for New Zealand.

Jamie Ainscough

Knights Appearances: 87

Years: 1992-96

Signed from Wests Magpies, Ainscough played a rapid, hard-hitting style of footy but was also a proven try-scorer managing 47 in Knights colours.

1995 proved a major year for him where he played an integral part in the side reaching the Preliminary Final while also winning the Dally M Centre of the Year award and representing Australia as well.

Ainscough also made six appearances for New South Wales whilst at the Knights.

Matt Gidley

Knights Appearances: 221

Years: 1996-06

The oldest Gidley brother, Matt is one of the few men to have played in both premiership-winning season and accordingly, has become a much-loved Old Boy from the past.

A crafty centre who loved a flick pass to his winger and assisted far more than his own 68 tries, he not only played 220 games for the Club, but 17 for Australia and 11 for New South Wales.

Mark Hughes

Knights Appearances: 161

Years: 1997-05

Another man in the two-time premiers club, Kurri Kurri-junior Mark Hughes was a warrior for the Knights, whether he was playing on the wing, or in the centres where spent the majority of his career.

Hughes scored 66 tries and represented New South Wales on three occasions in 2001, where his versatility saw him play at fullback, before injuries hampered in career late-on.

Owen Craigie

Knights Appearances: 76

Years: 1995-99

Making his debut while he was still at school, Craigie showcased his natural skill in his five years, including in the 1997 Grand Final win.

He scored 32 tries of his total 50 wearing red and blue and even knocked over a few conversions as well.

George Carmont

Knights Appearances: 83

Years: 2004-07

He spent most of his career playing for Wigan in England, but Carmont kicked it off in a big way at the Knights scoring 10 tries in his first season.

He ended up with 33 and played an important role in progressing the Club into the finals in 2006 which also earned him a spot in the Samoa side.

Junior Sa’u

Knights Appearances: 86

Years: 2008-12

Sa’u was a Kiwi international whose strength and physicality was often feared by oppositions.

He featured in both finals appearances in 2009 and 2011 and finished his Knights career with 26 tries before moving onto the Storm.

Wes Naiqama

Knights Appearances: 75

Years: 2008-12

Signed from the Dragons, older brother of Kevin, Wes Naiqama captained the side on two occasions, scoring 15 tries and 60 goals as well in his time.

He ended up captaining Fiji as well and played in the Knights’ finals match in 2009.

Dane Gagai

Knights Appearances: 128

Years: 2012-17

He’s one of the top try-scorers in Queensland Origin history, and although Gagai 29 tries doesn’t match up to some on the list, his individual skill and flair was something that sparked fans.

He played a significant role throughout his six years, including helping the team reach the Preliminary Final in 2013, and whilst playing for the Club, played seven games for QLD, and a further five for Australia.