Former Gold Coast Titans coach Garth Brennan is set to play an integral role in laying the foundations for future long-term success at the Knights after being appointed as the club's new Head of Pathways.
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Widely acknowledged for his support role in helping to turn the Penrith Panthers into a premiership powerhouse and setting up development programs while coaching at the Titans, Brennan will take charge of all the Knights' operations below NRL level and work alongside Alex McKinnon to develop the club's future stars.
Knights CEO Phil Gardner yesterday confirmed Brennan's appointment, telling the Newcastle Herald he was a standout contender.
"His record speaks for itself and we are really excited to have someone with Garth's experience and passion to come in and head up our pathways programs with Alex's support," Gardner said.
"What he did at Penrith with their junior system in helping to develop and bring through so many of their young players who are now playing at the top level speaks volumes.
"He's also a local boy who has played from the juniors right through into the senior grades in Newcastle so he knows the local rugby league landscape as well as anyone does.
"It's just an exciting appointment for us. Next season, we'll have teams in the Under 17's, 19's, 21's and NSW Cup competitions as well as our three women's teams and Garth will be in charge of all of those.
"His focus will be on putting in place coaches and programs at all those different levels to give locals from Northern NSW the best chance of eventually becoming NRL and NRLW players."
Brennan, who coached for nine years in the Knights junior system prior to a highly successful six-year stint at the Panthers that led to him being appointed Titans head coach in 2018, is excited by the new challenge.
"I've always been passionate about developing young players," Brennan said.
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