Newcastle Knights pathways system: NRL legend Adam Blair set to join club in future-defining role

The Knights are poised to appoint a former New Zealand captain and Melbourne Storm premiership-winner in a role that will define the club’s future.

Adam Blair. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Newcastle are poised to appoint former Kiwis captain Adam Blair as their new head of elite pathways - a crucial role that will heavily impact the future of the NRL club.

Blair is in negotiations to take up the role with the Knights having worked at the Warriors in junior development and SG Ball coaching for the past two seasons.

The intention is for the former Storm, Broncos, Wests Tigers and Warriors to oversee the Knights elite pathways players, align the coaching philosophies from NRL down to Harold Matthews Cup, while also work in retaining the club’s nursery of talent in the Hunter alongside head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan.

Blair has an increasing reputation within the game for his ability to harness and develop young footballing talent.

Adam Blair oversee Newcastle’s pathways system should he join the club. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Newcastle are aware they need to be better at identifying and retaining their own talent having lost a string of junior talent to rival NRL clubs including Latrell Mitchell, Nick Meaney, Jacob Kiraz, Mitch Barnett, Hudson Young, Joseph Tapine, Danny Levi, Pasami Saulo and Josh King.

The Raiders have also signed Knights SG Ball captain Myles Martin from 2025.

The position for Blair has become available at Newcastle due to a coaching restructure following the departure of NSW Cup coach Ronald Griffiths, assistant coach Rory Kostjaysn and recruitment manager Adam Doyle.

A premiership-winner with the Storm in 2009, Blair finished his 15-season NRL career with 331 appearances in 2020, while he finished his Kiwi career with 51 Tests in 2019, and at the time was only the second New Zealander to reach the 50 mark.