Alongside Middleton, will be life-member Mick Tiernan in the role of vice-president.

“He has been around for more than 30 years and this year there are a lot of new faces on the committee,” Middleton said.

“Next year we want the kids to have fun, we want an environment where the kids are enjoying their Rugby League.”

Middleton said it was important for children to enjoy sport at a young age.

“It is where they form good memories as kids, playing Rugby League and playing their sport,” he said.

“It is a time when they foster their friendships with other kids, we want to promote that and that it’s all about the kids having fun and developing their skills.”

Middleton was on the committee for the past four to five years, before taking up the role as president.

“I’ve learned a lot, there’s a lot of hard workers who devote their time to the committee and the kids, so I’m enjoying working with them and the parents,” he said.

Last year’s attempt by the senior Knights to claim the Group 7 premiership, offers the junior teams a great deal of inspiration and players to look up to.

“I was at the grand final when they unfortunately lost to Jamberoo, they’re a good young side with a lot of good players and I look forward to working with the senior Knights to have them come and promote the seniors to the juniors and have them teach the juniors as well,” Middleton said.

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