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Ben Jeffries might be the person to information Newcastle to a record-equalling third-consecutive NRLW title, star halfback Jesse Southwell says.
After inspiring the Knights from winless wooden-spooners in 2021 to back-to-back premiers within the following years, Ron Griffiths stepped down as head coach in November to take cost of Newcastle’s NSW Cup facet.
The transfer, to which Griffiths alluded after the 2023 grand remaining, left Newcastle to poach Jeffries from North Queensland as they aim a ‘three-peat’.
A Knights junior in his taking part in days, Jeffries coached the Cowboys to a 2-7 report in 2023, with the facet really fizzling out as their inaugural season progressed.
Newcastle’s Tamika Upton, the reigning Dally M Participant of the 12 months, and Caitlan Johnston labored with Jeffries throughout his time as Indigenous All Stars coach.
The 43-year-old additionally mentored up-and-coming Knights gamers Felila Kia and Jayde Herdegen when he was Queensland’s under-19s State of Origin coach in 2022.
The Knights’ official pre-season does not start till Might, with spherical one of many NRLW set for July, however some gamers have already convened for casual classes beneath Jeffries to maintain their health up.
Teammates’ endorsements, and her dealings with the brand new coach, have left Southwell believing Jeffries might help make sure the premiership trophy stays within the Hunter.
“That is the plan,” Southwell advised AAP.
“All the women could not communicate extremely sufficient of him and mentioned that he’d be nice for us.
“He is a legend of a bloke. From all that I’ve seen and heard, everybody cannot discuss extremely sufficient of him.”
Southwell, who went from uncapped hopeful to State of Origin starter beneath Griffiths, mentioned the Knights have been pleased to see their former mentor settling into his new function.
“He is doing rather well with the boys so far as I do know,” Southwell mentioned.
“We want him all one of the best. All of us knew the place we have been at as a staff and what we wanted – Ronnie knew what he wanted and what we wanted.
“He made one of the best resolution potential.
“We’ll nonetheless see him across the membership. It is actually good that we’re not simply parting methods without end.”
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