Novocastrian dreaming of shot at NRL glory he missed out on at Penrith …….Read more 👇

Novocastrian dreaming of shot at NRL glory he missed out on at Penrith …….Read more 👇

Newcastle Knights recruit Jack Cole is chasing a second chance at NRL glory—this time in his hometown colours. The 22-year-old playmaker, a proud Novocastrian, made the move north from the Penrith Panthers after struggling for consistent first-grade opportunities behind the club’s star-studded spine. Despite being part of the Panthers’ extended squad during their premiership-winning campaigns, Cole never featured in a grand final and now has his eyes set on a fresh start.

“This is home for me,” Cole said. “To have the chance to fight for a premiership with the Knights—it’s what I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid.”

Cole has been training at five-eighth during the pre-season and is pushing for a starting role alongside halfback Jackson Hastings. Knights coach Adam O’Brien has been impressed with his work ethic and maturity, suggesting Cole could be a key figure in the club’s 2025 campaign.

While he values his time at Penrith, Cole admits the desire to carve out his own legacy was too strong to ignore. “I learned a lot at Penrith, but now it’s about proving myself here,” he said. With Newcastle building momentum, Cole is determined not to let this opportunity slip.