Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley pleads for fans ‘support’ after Cronulla thumping

CEO Matt Gidley has penned an open letter to Knights fans pleading with them to show their “continued support” for the club following the 62-0 loss to the Sharks.

Tariq Sims comforts Dane Gagai after the 62-point thrashing against the Sharks.

NEWCASTLE chief executive Matt Gidley has penned a letter to fans pleading with them to show their “continued support” for the club’s “young and emerging team” following the Knights’ record breaking 62-0 loss to Cronulla on Sunday.

Growing angst among Newcastle fans prompted Gidley to reach out to the club’s members in a bid for solidarity behind new coach Nathan Brown.

“We know the result was disappointing,” Gidley said. “We are hurting like you as we navigate our way through this stage of our club’s development.

Tariq Sims comforts Dane Gagai after the 62-point thrashing against the Sharks.

“Since the appointment of coach Nathan Brown, a plan was put in place to develop a team for long-term success. We knew this meant significant short-term pain.

“With a number of injuries, and rest assured we are not making excuses, the challenge is greater for our young squad.”

The Knights fielded a near unrecognisable squad last Sunday featuring a host of first year players. Representative players — and Newcastle’s highest paid players — including Trent Hodkinson, Jarrod Mullen, Kade Snowden, James McManus are sidelined as is back-rower Robbie Rochow.

This has forced Brown to blood the likes of halves Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger, with Gidley noting the side had 10 players make their debuts including seven local juniors.

“As we introduce our next generation of players with a significant number of senior players unavailable, it is certainly a real test of our resolve,” Gidley said.

A young Sharks fan rubs salt into the wounds at Hunter Stadium.

“Giving local players an opportunity to represent their home town is part of our philosophy and in-line with the feedback from our community. Some have been given their debut match much earlier than we could have anticipated, however this bodes well for our future.”

The Knights play the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.

Originally published as Newcastle Knights chief executive Matt Gidley pleads for fans ‘support’ after Cronulla thumping