Newcastle Knights brother-sister duo ready to make their mark for New South Wales in U19s Origins

Newcastle has a long history of siblings making it on the big stage, and now a rising brother-sister duo are set to stamp themselves as the future of the Knights, starting in Thursday’s U19s Origins.

Newcastle Knights siblings Evah and Jermaine McEwen will represent the NSW U19s.

There’s a long line of siblings to have succeeded in the red and blue of the Knights.

The Johns brothers (Andrew and Matthew) delivered Newcastle its first premiership in 1997 and the Southwell sisters (Jesse and Hannah) did the same in 2022.

Now there’s a rising duo who are looking to create history in their own right as the first brother-sister combo to make it to the big time concurrently at the club.

Dynamic duo Jermaine and Evah have been rising stars of the Knights junior pathways, culminating in selection for New South Wales in the U19s Origin fixtures on Thursday.

Both are explosive second rowers who will have Queensland edge defenders shaking in their boots.

Knights head of pathways Michael Dobson also serves as Jersey Flegg coach and has welcomed the young gun into his side after graduating from two years of SG Ball.

“I’ve had a bit to do with him over the past two years and we’ve seen real progress in his leadership,” he said.

“He’s a very powerful runner with the ball, is aggressive and defends well.

Jermaine McEwen (right) was a key player in the SG Ball Cup finals. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

“The little efforts off the ball that you need as an NRL player, he’s getting those in his game. Seeing him develop and be consistent over 70 minutes is great. He’s getting better and better.

“When I first got here he would float in and out of games, but he’s become really consistent and is developing into a real leader.”

It marks Jermaine’s second appearance with the NSW side after being named as the reserve last year.

“He was 18th man last year and had a bit of a stop-start SG Ball season,” Dobson said.

“He’s consistently played Flegg and I’m sure this is only going to enhance his confidence as he continues to keep progressing through the grades.”

Evah McEwen helped the Knights reach the grand final of Tarsha Gale Cup. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

With Evah still a year young, NRLW coach Ben Jeffries said the future is bright for the rising talent.

“It’s a great accomplishment to make the side, especially being a year young,” he said.

“She can have two years in that space if she works hard and knuckles down.

“She competes and is a very dynamic player. She breaks tackles and can make metres. She wants to do what is best for the team.”

Jeffries will have the chance to work more closely with Evah as she steps into a NRLW development player position for the upcoming season.

“I hope she enjoys the experience. They don’t come around that often and they’re a crucial part of development,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what she can learn in that environment and bring back into the NRLW space.

“It’s very exciting for the club, but more so the family. To have both siblings playing one after the other. It’s exciting for everyone involved.”

They’re not the only McEwen’s in the pathways systems however, with younger brother Matthew graduating to Harold Matthews this season.

“We try and promote ourselves as a family club and they certainly fit the bill.”