'Queen of the Castle' adamant her Knights can claim the crown

Newcastle captain Yasmin Clydsdale understands all the finals fuss about the Roosters and Broncos but is confident the Knights can challenge those teams for the NRLW title. 

In her 50th NRLW appearance, the NSW and Australian second-rower inspired the Knights to a 30-22 victory over the Dragons last Sunday, setting up an elimination final in Newcastle against the Titans.

After a sloppy start to her milestone match, the Knights rallied from a 16-4 deficit late in the first half to overhaul the Dragons and secure third spot behind the Roosters and Broncos.

Though the Knights have not matched the top two for consistency and must overcome the Titans before looking any further into the finals, Clydsdale likes their chances of competing for a third title. 

“I just feel like our character has been tested a lot and I think we've learned and grown from that,” Clydsdale said. 

“And semi-final time, I think everything gets thrown out the door and it's a new slate, so we’re ready to step up as a young squad and take on any challenge that comes our way.” 

Coach Ben Jeffries, who took the Knights to the final four last year only to be knocked out by defending premiers Sydney Roosters, agrees his team can lift the trophy on October 5. 

“Absolutely,” Jeffries said. “There's no doubt the Broncos and Roosters have shown the comp for the first 11 rounds where they sit, but now it is a new comp. 

“So basically it's all on from here. So if you can bring your, I suppose your ‘A game’, your intensity, your effort areas up another notch, that's who will end up winning the comp.” 

A two-time premiership-winner at Newcastle in 2022-23, after success with the Roosters in 2021, Clydsdale is the first Knight and sixth player to reach the half-century after Keeley Davis, Isabelle Kelly, Ali Brigginshaw, Shaylee Bent and Chelsea Lenarduzzi. 

Carrying her nephew Zavier in her arms, Clydsdale walked out through a guard of honour of teammates, family and friends dressed in commemorative T-shirts adorned with her smiling face. 

“Her captain’s knock today was outstanding,” Jeffries said. 

Christened 'Queen of the Castle' by one banner-waving Knights fan, she had two try assists, was involved in the lead-up to two more tries and ran for 161 metres. 

“I'm just super privileged to be at a club that recognises and celebrates wins like that,” Clydsdale said. 

“And getting to 50 games, I probably didn't think it was such a big deal, but it's pretty special. Our media team... created such a beautiful video that I know I'm going to cherish forever. So I feel extremely lucky to have a club that supports us the way they do.” 

Clydsdale was appointed Knights captain after previous skipper Hannah Southwell departed for the Dragons during the NRLW off-season. 

Southwell more than made her presence felt on Sunday, rattling sister Jesse with a heavy hit in the 14th minute before being reported for a high tackle on Shanice Parker in the second half.

Clydsdale took it upon herself to lead by example after Newcastle’s sub-par first half, and again late in the game when the Dragons scored to cut the deficit to 26-22. 

“I just feel like I'm a senior player, and some moments you do have to step up and take those tough carries,” Clydsdale said. 

“But again, I feel like it was a team effort and credit to ‘BJ’ and the coaching staff for having a plan and we stuck to it."

Clydsdale, 31, has enjoyed the extra responsibility of leading a Knights team that in the past two years has lost senior players and stars including Tamika Upton, Hannah Southwell, Caitlan Johnston-Green and Millie Elliott. 

“Oh, I think it's just definitely creating an environment where girls can flourish and be the best player that they can be,” she said. 

“It's something that I think is really important, especially having a younger squad than previously. So yeah, just trying to get all the potential out of [those] girls by making them feel comfortable.” 

A home crowd of 12,689 watched the Knights defeat the Broncos 30-24 in a semi-final in 2023 and Clydsdale is hoping for similar support against the Titans on Saturday.

“I really just hope everyone shows up and supports us,” she said. 

“I think we have the best supporters in the NRLW, so I know that they'll get around us and hopefully show up and cheer us on.”