Adam Clune's career crusade set to catapult with Newcastle Knights

Since progressing through the Illawarra Steelers ranks and Dragons' Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup side before ultimately debuting in 2020, the Red V has been all the Albion Park-Oak Flats product has known.

However, that will all change over the next couple of weeks, as he prepares to shift his life to Newcastle - with the playmaker signing on with the Knights for the next two NRL seasons.

"It's an exciting challenge and one I'm really looking forward to tackling head-on," Clune said.

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"It's one that will hopefully allow me to take my career to the next level, from fringe first-grader to regular fixture in the 17 each week.

"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity from the Knights and I'll do everything in my powers to repay that faith in the coming years."

This opportunity came to fruition in August when the Novocastrians reached out to Clune's management.

"To be honest, it came out of the blue a little, as I wasn't looking around too much, seeing as though I still had a year to run on my contract," said Clune, who returned to Wollongong three days following the Dragons' round 25 20-16 loss to the Rabbitohs.

"However, the Knights reached out to me but as I technically wasn't allowed to negotiate with a new club until November 1, I had to request permission from the Dragons to interact with rival clubs - which they did and I'm extremely grateful for.

"From there, it all happened very quickly, as the extra year on my contract and having the chance to play for the club I supported growing up was too good to pass up - to have the chance to play first grade for them potentially is extremely exciting.

"On top of that, going out of my comfort zone into a new city and team will help me grow not only as a player but also a person."

While the Knights will shape Clune's future, his past has been defined by the WIN Stadium-based club, which will always hold a special place in his heart.

"It was a very tough decision to ultimately leave the Dragons, who have been extremely important in getting me to where I am today," Clune said.

"The hardest part was saying goodbye to the relationships I've built up over the years, with countless life-long friends - not to mention all my mates and family outside of footy.

"It's the first time I've ever had to make such a monumental decision like this but deep down, I know it's one that's going to benefit me in more ways than one."

Upon reflecting on his 25 games with the joint venture club, the Junee-born half outlined numerous highlights.

"Obviously the debut week and getting that call from Mary [Paul McGregor] was amazing and something I'd been working towards for years - especially with all the support I got," he said.

"However, the game itself, against the Bulldogs, didn't play out as I had hoped.

"Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long for my first win in the Red V, with as defeating the Sharks soon after - that was really special, especially as it marked Matt Dufty's return match and Matt is someone I've known and played with since year six.

"Mary's last game is also one that stands out last year, as no one gave us a chance, but we showed just what we could do it we played our best footy.

"Then this season wins against Parramatta and Newcastle are ones I'll never forget.

"Among those, there was obviously some pretty disappointing results but I've taken plenty away from all of them and learnt what areas I need to work on, which I'm confident will put me in good stead for the rest of my career, starting next season with the Knights."

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To prepare himself for the start of pre-season with his new club, expected to kick-off in early November, the 26-year-old has been training at WIN Stadium each morning to stay fit.

"I'll start pre-season with the Knights as soon as I can, to try and make a positive impression with my new teammates and the coaches," said the Illawarra Sport High School alumnus, who will be joining fellow Park junior Dylan Lucas at the club.

"It's exciting to go into a new environment, with such high pedigree like the Knights.

"I've already spoken to former teammates such as Tyson Frizell and Kurt Mann - which will make the transition easier - and it's really exciting to link back up with them - as they had nothing but positive things to say about the club."

While he hasn't spoken to coach Adam O'Brien, a former Batemans Bay Tiger, himself yet, he expects to in the comings week, in terms of what role they have earmarked for Clune.

"A couple of guys I've spoken with have raved about how sharp of an operator Adam is - shown by the successful systems he's been a part of in the past," he said.

"The Knights are a club on the up and Adam's influence is a big part of that - I can't wait to start to work with him."

Two others Clune singled out that he's eager to strike up a relationship with are fellow halves, Mitchell Pearce and Jake Clifford.

"First and foremost, I want to be a solid teammate and earn the respect of all the boys by training hard and doing whatever I can to help the team succeed.

"My game has evolved dramatically over the past two years and having watched a fair bit of tape on the Knights, I feel as though my style matches up with theirs, which will allow me to play to my strengths and have an impact on the side.

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"From my passing game to being a consistent threat at the line and leading the boys around the park are all aspects I feel as though can be an asset to the side, especially by having the chance to work and build continuity with players such as Mitch and Jake.

"Mitch has an extremely successful career and someone I'll be sure to learn as much off as I can.

"Jake's a young player with plenty of promise, who I look forward to striking up a bond with.

"With so many options in the halves, there are no guarantees going into pre-season but I'm going to do whatever it takes to get in the 17 for round one next year.

"Obviously my main goal is to lock down a halves spot but I showed this year I'm more than capable of playing nine or that number 14 role off the bench.

"At the end of the day though, I'm going to Newcastle to play first grade and I am willing to play any role in the team that allowed me to do so."

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