I knew Smith would be trouble: Newton
By Dean Ritchie
August 10, 2007 NEWCASTLE's number one fan, former golf champion Jack Newton, has long held fears the Knights' experiment with coach Brian Smith would "end in tears".
Although reluctant to discuss the coaching drama after his son Clint was forced to Melbourne, Jack questioned Smith's selections and philosophies.
"There's trouble here for sure," Newton told The Daily Telegraph.
"I thought it was always going to end up in tears.
"And nothing I've seen in recent times has made me change my mind."
Newton's fears started when Smith was given the job after four previous coaches had rejected the Knights coaching position.
"I don't think it's any secret that there were three or four on their hit list and they didn't get one of them," Newton said.
"Smith then got the gig.
"Personally I don't think he understands Newcastle.
"I thought he was smart enough to know this isn't Sydney.
"It is totally different to Sydney."
Newton remains confused over Smith's selection policies.
"I might have a limited knowledge of rugby league, but you need some senior players on the field," he said.
"I have been very disappointed in a couple of the team selections.
"Last week we needed to win to keep alive our chances of making the top eight and he rests Daniel Tolar, Adam Woolnough and Kirk Reynoldson.
"I don't understand that - maybe someone could explain it."
Newton is angry at how Clint was portrayed when he left the Knights.
"My son is not a quitter but that is how he has been painted up here," Newton said.
"He left because the coach didn't respect him.
"There needed to be some changes but having said that, there wasn't much wrong with the club.
"I'm not sure what is going on or what the answer is.
"He (Smith) has a history of doing this at all his previous clubs."
