A proud Novocastrian and loyal custodian of the red and blue, Lachlan Fitzgibbon will notch a special milestone this weekend.
Having played his whole NRL career with the nib Newcastle Knights, the forward will run out for his 100th game in the NRL against the Wests Tigers this Sunday at Leichhardt Oval.
The Souths Newcastle junior has come through the ranks and become an established first-grader in his nine years at the Knights.
Renowned for his tough runs and ability to sniff out a try, 'Fitzy' has worn the jersey with immense pride over his last 99 games.
Here is a look back at Lachlan Fitzgibbon's journey to 100.
2015
- After a stellar year in the NSW Cup, Fitzgibbon earned his shot in the top grade in 2015.
- Interim Coach, Danny Buderus, handed the then 21-year-old his debut against the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Round 21, coming off the bench.
- 'Fitzy' would get his sole taste of first grade before returning to the NSW Cup and going onto win the Cup's Player of the Year award.
- The Cup side also finished the year as premiers.
2016
- Fitzgibbon earned another five NRL appearances in 2016.
- Making cameos off the bench, the local junior scored his first try in a Round 13 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys.
- The season was a tough year for the Knights with the side finishing bottom of the pack.
2017
- 2017 was a huge year for Fitzgibbon with the forward solidifying his place in the top 17.
- The second-row forward tasted his first win in the NRL with a Round 10 victory over the Canberra Raiders.
- Fitzgibbon went onto be the Club's second highest try-scorer for the season with eight tries.
- The forward was a shining light in what was another barren year for the Club, finishing in last place for the third straight season.
2018
- Fitzgibbon kept charting on the right trajectory with another impressive season in 2018.
- The forward played in 21 NRL games, his most in a single season up to that point.
- He became synonymous with hitting holes on the left edge leading to another nine tries.
- Fitzgibbon also made 12 line-breaks and ran for over 1,800 metres with the ball.
- The Knights narrowly missed out on the finals, finishing the year in 11th.
2019
- The local junior played another key role in the Knights campaign in 2019.
- Fitzgibbon featured on 21 occasions for 10 victories forming a lethal combination with Kalyn Ponga.
- The forward made his 50th NRL appearance in a Magic Round victory over the Bulldogs.
- He scored another five tries and, for the second straight season, ran for over 1,800 metres.
- The Knights just missed out on a playoffs place finishing in 11th.
2020
- Continuing his position in the second-row, Fitzgibbon was vital in the Knights' pursuit of finals football.
- 'Fitzy' played in 17 games of the shortened season due to COVID-19, and played a role in 10 wins.
- He averaged over 100 running metres per game and made five line-breaks.
- The Knights finished the year in seventh spot, with the forward playing his first finals game in the NRL against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
2021
- 2021 was a tough year for Fitzgibbon, having had two shoulder reconstructions which saw him only play a handful of games.
- In his 10 matches, 'Fitzy' played to his usual high-standard and earned himself a new contract tying him to the Hunter until the end of the 2023 season.
- The powerful second-rower crossed the stripe on three occasions in 2021.
- Fitzgibbon also contributed two try-assists along with 21 tackle breaks.
- The Knights finished in seventh for the second straight season, however 'Fitzy' would miss out on a finals appearance due to injury.
2022
- 2022 was another interrupted season for Fitzgibbon, paying in nine games across the season.
- The forward suffered a knee injury in Round 2 against the Wests Tigers.
- Returning in Round 9, 'Fitzy' made a triumphant return against the North Queensland Cowboys.
- Albeit playing nine games, the forward averaged just over 70 run metres per game and nine offloads.
2023
- Fitzgibbon returned to his favoured left edge to start the season across the Tasman against the Warriors.
- He scored a try combing with Ponga for our first try of the 2023 campaign.
- The forward will notch his 100th game against the Tigers in Round 2 of the 2023 season.
