Having grown up dreaming of one day pulling on the red and blue, Adam Clune has loved every minute since his arrival in Newcastle.
The off-season recruit has been hard at work forming pivotal combinations with his new teammates and learning off the likes of former playmakers and current coaching staff members, Andrew Johns and Blake Green.
Furthermore, the decision to join the Knights was an easy call for the half to make.
On the latest episode of the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast, Clune spoke about how the deal came about and the enticement of playing in the colours.
“I sort of wasn’t expecting it,” Clune said on the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast.
“I got a call from my manager who said the Knights were on the radar. I still had one year to go on my contract at the Dragons.
“Lucky enough, they let me get a release and I was able to join the club.
“I (supported) the club growing up and that was one of the drawcards, but obviously a great squad, you always want to be playing in good footy teams and have prospects and success.
“Great place to live as well, that is also important and the partner was happy to move.”
Blake Green on working closely with Adam Clune
The new playmaker also shared stories of watching the Knights in his younger days.
Having grown up in Junee, 587 kilometres south-west of Newcastle, opportunities to watch the red and blue play were few and far between.
“I was a massive Knights fan growing up,” Clune said.
“I remember going to a game in Canberra with my Dad and another mate and it was absolutely pouring.
“We were sitting in the seats, but it was too wet and watched the rest of the game from under cover. It was a tough day, but loved watching them.
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“I lived in Junee at that time, so I didn’t get to go to many games, but when they played the Raiders, I got the opportunity to go watch live.
“One other memory that comes to mind, my twin brother went for the Cowboys growing up and the Knights were playing the Cowboys. We were watching at home.
“The Knights were winning most of the game and got pipped at the post. I remember sprinting up the stairs crying because my brother was carrying on and I was pretty disappointed.”
The new playmaker has also excelled away from the field.
Clune gratuated from University of Wollongong with a double degree in commerce and law.
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The 26-year-old made his long-awaited NRL debut in 2020 for the Dragons and has played 25 first-grade games.
NRL Assistant Coach, Blake Green, spoke about Clune's influence having worked closely with the half since his arrival.
“I think that speaks volumes of the type of person (Adam) is,” Green said.
“He’s a hard-worker, he’s got good detail and spends time on his game to get the best out of himself.
“We’re stoked to have him here. I think that, before he come to the Club, one thing that really stood out watching the Dragons from afar is that they actually won games when he came in and played.
“There is not many halves that can come into a team and the team continue to win or the team perform better."
Listen to the full episode HERE to hear more about the new signing including his combinations with Ponga, Clifford and co and working with Andrew 'Joey' Johns.
We also hear from Blake Green who talks about his recent retirement, his transition into coaching and the evolution of the modern halfback.
