Paul Harragon OAM

Premiership winning Captain

Paul Harragon affectionately known as “Chief” Captained the Newcastle Knights to their maiden NRL Premiership in 1997. He played 169 games for Newcastle between, 20 games for the NSW Blues in State of Origin and 20 Tests for Australia between in the 1990’s. In retirement, Paul has enjoyed a highly succesful career in the media. He was a long standing presenter on the Nine Network’s The Footy Show and as of 2013 is the Chairman of the Newcastle Knights Advisory Board.

Paul loved his time on The Footy Show. He was a regular fixture between 2001 and 2008. One of his segments “That’s Gold” became immensly popular. On Saturday 1 September 2007, his single “That’s Gold” debuted at #8 on the ARIA Singles chart and #2 on the ARIA Physical Singles Chart. The song was distributed by Destra Entertainment/MRA Records. Following format changes to the programme before the 2009 season, Paul decided to leave the production however did make special appearances from time to time.

Paul was an Ambassador for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and was appointed an Official Ambassador for the Hunter by Bob Car in May 2000. He has been a patron for the Hunter Medical Research Foundation and the NBN Telethon for Kids and the Family Action Centre.

Paul is a supporter of the Starlight Foundation, The Red Cross, The Fred Hollows Foundation, The Two Bishops Trust and Kids Safe in the Hunter. Paul has won numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career including winning the 1997 Ken Stephen Memorial Award for citizenship and services to the game and receiving an OAM at the 2000 Australia Day Awards. In 2002 he was inducted into the New South Wales Hall of Fame. In 2003, Paul received the NSW Children’s Week Award in 2003 in recognition for outstanding service to children.

Paul Harragon OAM