Why the fire kept burning for Newcastle as Knights chase back-to-back NRLW premierships

When Yasmin Clydsdale arrived at Newcastle there was plenty of work to be done.

The Knights were fresh off a horror first season in the NRLW where they didn't win a game. For such a proud rugby league region, it simply wouldn't do.

Fast-forward 18 months and the Novocastrians are unrecognisable. They started their remarkable turnaround by winning last year's second NRLW premiership and now, ahead of Sunday's decider against the Titans, they're warm favourites to do it all again.

"In the last two seasons we've definitely built something that's really special," Clydsdale said.

"We didn't want to settle. We don't settle, we always want to be better, that's something we had to carry forward from last year's win."

Clydsdale arrived at Newcastle last year as part of the club's monster recruitment drive.

The New South Wales and Jillaroos backrower was passionate about two things for the next stage of her career — bringing success to the Knights and inspiring the next generation of players from the upper Hunter area.

She was just one of a number of stars to come to town, with the likes of Tamika Upton, Millie Boyle and Hannah Southwell all signing on, but Newcastle's success isn't as simple as stacking their side like a fantasy team. Talent alone can't get the job done.

That's why the Knights kept rolling when Southwell missed all of last season with a knee injury, it's why they barely missed a beat when Boyle – the best forward in the sport — left for the Roosters.

Clydsdale hailed the efforts of coach Ron Griffiths in building what has the potential to become an NRLW dynasty.

"He instilled a team first mentality as the core value of the club and every girl has bought in and he's really personable, he gets to know every girl before we sign them so he can make sure they fit in with our culture.

"We follow a lot of team-first actions. It's never about one person, it's always about the team and I think that's how we come away with some of our wins.

"Through the season we've won games by a lot, but we've also had to come back late or hold off the other side in a big finish.

"That grit is a big part of the Newcastle Knights."

One of the keys to Newcastle's success is the constant improvement of the squad, including established names like Clydsdale.

The 29-year old has been in career-best form this season and was nominated for a spot in the inaugural NRLW Dally M Team of the Year.

With Upton one of the favourites for the main award, the message is pretty clear — come to Newcastle and you'll get better.

The region is responding to their success as well, with a bumper crowd of over 12,000 showing up for their preliminary final victory over the Broncos.

With more fans leading to a greater base of junior players and a greater base of junior players invariably leading to more success, the Knights are in the stages of building a rugby league empire.

On a personal note, Clydsdale is chasing a third straight grand final triumph to go with her victories with the Knights and Roosters in 2022.

With her excellent record on the biggest stage, Clydsdale is ready to return to what works to bring a second title back to the Hunter.

"You have to know your job and you have to understand your part in the bigger picture," Clydsdale said.

"You have to enjoy it. You have to savour the moment, because it can go so fast, and you have to win every one of those little moments. That makes the difference."