When players look back on their careers, they always proudly recount the moment they were handed their first game in the top grade.
Over the history of the Newcastle Knights, the Club has unearthed some incredible players and given them their opportunity.
On that theme, here is the ten youngest players to pull on the red and blue jersey... so far.
#10 - Brett Kimmorley
Knights fans might forget that former NSW and Australian halfback, Brett Kimmorley, started his NRL career at the Club back in 1995.
The halfback made his debut at the age of 18 years, 10 months and six days in the red and blue.
Kimmorley spent two years with the Knights and made six appearances before departing in 1997.
#9 - Matthew Gidley
Next on our list is one of the Knights all-time greats in Matthew Gidley.
The oldest of the Gidley brothers made his debut in 1996 at the age of 18 years, nine months and 13 days.
Gidley went onto play out his decorated career in Newcastle and become one of the first players inducted into the Knights Hall of Fame.
#8 - Cory Denniss
Another local junior, Cory Denniss, comes in at eighth.
Denniss made his debut in Round 3 of 2016 at the age of 18 years, nine months and one day scoring two tries in a memorable 24-all draw with Canberra.
The outside back played 18 games for Newcastle across three seasons before signing with South Sydney.
#7 - Timana Tahu
The highly-talented Timana Tahu comes in at seventh.
Tahu deputised back in 1999 at at the age of 18 years, seven months and seven days.
The winger went onto become one of the Club's all-time leading try scorers with 93 and was named in the Knights Team of the Era (1988-2007).
#6 - Matthew Rodwell
Before a famous No.7 came along, Matthew Rodwell was pulling the strings at halfback for the Newcastle Knights.
Rodwell made his debut in 1990 at the age of 18 years, five months and 10 days.
The halfback picked up the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 1992 before departing the Club in 1994.
#5 - Kade Snowden
Coming in at fifth is former front-row enforcer, Kade Snowden.
The only middle forward on the list, Snowden played his first game for the Club in 2005 at the age of 18 years, two months and 13 days.
Snowden made 92 appearances for the Knights across two stints and went onto play for NSW and Australia.
#4 - Jarrod Mullen
A very young Jarrod Mullen earned his first shot in the top grade back in 2005.
The halfback made his debut at the age of 18 years, one month and six days.
Another one-club player, Mullen went onto play 211 games for Newcastle and was recently announced as a Life Member.
#3 - Sione Mata'utia
A fan-favourite amongst many, Sione Mata'utia makes the podium on the youngest players to debut for the Knights.
Mata'utia started his career on the wing and started alongside his brother Chanel in 2014 at the age of 18 and one month.
After a string of stellar performances, Mata'utia was called up to play for Australia in the same year after only seven NRL games.
#2 - Bradman Best
Our latest inductee to the youngest debutants list is centre, Bradman Best.
Best made his debut in Round 23 of 2019, only 15 days after his 18th birthday.
'The Beast' has so far played 31 games for the Knights and is one of the key focal points in the side's attack.
#1 - Owen Craigie
And coming in at the top as the youngest player to debut for the Knights is Owen Craigie.
Craigie made his debut in 1995 at the age of 17 years and two months.
A spectacular player for the Club, the outside back made 76 appearances for the Knights across five seasons and was integral to the Knights maiden premiership win in 1997.
