David Riccio
August 12, 2007 12:00am
THE exodus continues at Newcastle, with fullback Milton Thaiday choosing retirement in preference to another season under coach Brian Smith.
Thaiday's shock decision to quit the NRL follows a week of turmoil in Newcastle that has rocked the Hunter region.
The troubled week was highlighted by comments from Knights skipper Danny Buderus that morale had reached an all-time low under Smith.
Thaiday's decision to walk out on the game adds merit to Buderus's claims.
It's believed Thaiday told Knights officials this week that he'd had enough – and instead will take up a position with their major sponsor Coal and Allied.
Battling injury for the majority of 2007, Thaiday was off-contract with Newcastle and failed to display his explosive talent this season.
The Knights were keen to renew his contract and it's also understood the Cowboys and Souths were interested in securing the 26-year-old.
However, it's believed Thaiday's passion for the game had waned over the past year.
His decision continues the mass-exodus of players that threatens to destabilise the proud foundation the club has been built on.
The former Super 12 fullback for the NSW Waratahs joins a worrying list of departures from the Knights that includes Andrew Johns, Clint Newton, Josh Perry, Adam Woolnough, Kade Snowden and Brad Tighe.
Football manager Steve Crowe also resigned this week, having spent nearly two decades at the club.
The Knights have proven reserved in their recruitment for next season with Matt Hilder, Chris Houston, Danny Wicks, Wes Naiqama and Ben Cross their noted signings.
Meanwhile, Knights legend Andrew Johns says he has been shocked to learn of the turmoil engulfing his former club, but has ruled himself out as a potential replacement coach for the embattled Smith.
Johns, currently on holiday overseas, said he had been in contact with several of his former teammates, but remained hopeful Newcastle could pull out of its self-destructive nosedive.
But he categorically ruled himself out of becoming Knights coach.
"As for suggestions of me coaching, you can forget it," Johns said. "There is more chance of me making a playing comeback than there is of me coaching.
"Maybe in hindsight, we should have seen the trouble coming. Hopefully, Brian Smith and Bedsy can get together quickly and find a way to get past what has already gone down and management can play a role here too. There needs to be some give and take on all sides."
