Newcastle rugby union: New coach unveils grand plans for Blacks

The former halfback chalked up 185 first-grade games for Maitland to sit fifth on their all-time list of games played.

The 35-year-old captained the Blacks to the 2010 grand final, going down 39-34 to Hamilton, and has enjoyed premiership success in the lower grades as a player-coach.

"The biggest thing is to create an environment where the blokes want to be there,' Cunningham said.

That is top of the list for the newly appointed first-grade coach and his assistant Mick Howell as the Blacks start preparations for the 2021 Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union season.

"I'm extremely passionate, not just about the club, but success for the club," Cunningham said. "I hope that rubs on to the playing group regardless of how long they have been at the club. Between Howelly and myself, we have a fair bit of first-grade experience."

Maitland have been knocking on the door of a premiership in recent seasons.

They made the grand final in 2018, again only to surrender to Hamilton (20-12), and were were knocked out in the preliminary final by Wanderers 50-28 in 2019. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have started talking to a lot of boys who were part of the 2018 and 2019 teams," Cunningham said. " Most of them have shown interest. I certainly plan on continuing the success that started when Ryan McCormack and Mick Hickling were at the helm. Then Matt Thomas, in his last year, went within a game of the grand final. This is not a rebuilding year by any means. That is something I have discussed with the club and the players."

Carl Manu and nephew Devante had linked with University for 2020 before COVID hit and they, along with a few others, played for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.

"I'm all for our players, especially the younger guys, having a crack at a higher level," Cunningham said. "If they don't like it, they are always welcome back at the club. I think it is a great thing. We lose too many players to Sydney clubs. I'm all for Newcastle being in the Shute Shield."

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A number of other Blacks players suited up for Beresfield in the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby League competition this year.

"My goal is to create an environment to bring these guys back," Cunningham said. "Even though a couple of them weren't originally from the club, I know for a fact that they loved their time here. I'll be doing everything I can to get those guys back."

Travis Brooke, the 2019 Anderson Medal winner presented to the best player in the competition, has returned to New Zealand, but Cunningham is hopeful that the No.8 will return.

"I will happily pay his airfare," Cunningham said. "We will look at bringing in players to strengthen positions if we need to. It will be more difficult with the COVID situation and players from overseas, but we will look it. The borders might be open to New Zealand next season."

Also missing on field will be Howell, who retired earlier this year after a head knock at training, which continued a spate of concussions for the NSW Country lock.

"Head knocks are not something you take lightly," Cunningham said. "He will be a massive asset for us on the coaching front. His knowledge and the contacts he has will be invaluable."

As well as Howell, Cunningham intends to lean on some of his former teammates.

"I hope to get a few older heads like Darren Dimock involved," Cunningham said. "With a lot of those guys, they don't want to step on people's toes but they are champing at the bit to help in some capacity."

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