A teacher of 34 years, a junior rugby league coach for 55, Douglas Knight has imparted his own brand of wisdom to generations of Mackay kids, both in sport and in life. The local legend received his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to rugby league on Australia day, having done “pretty well for himself.”
‘Dougy’ has a legacy of more than five decades in the game, both as a player and a coach, although admittedly not so much of a player nowadays at 77.
His illustrious career began in Bowen, but he soon realised he wasn’t making any waves on the playing side, having a self-proclaimed penchant for food, Dougy took to the coaching, which offered far less running.
“I enjoyed playing but wasn’t much of a trainer; I could never get motivated to run around the block to come back to where you started but put me into a game situation and I always put my full effort in,” Dougy said.
When he took up coaching, much of his league time was spent with Souths Suburban – the Sharks – where he would hold the positions of junior president and senior president in his tenure, as well as coaching at every junior grade.
Dougy now hangs his hat as the Under 6’s coach at Souths, continuing his love of the game, which has given him so much over the years.
“Some people describe it as herding cats,” Dougy laughed.
“They’re definitely different from the other grades, but they’re keen and always want to have a go.
“I guess I get along with them well, because I never really grew up.”
He spoke of his first cohort of players back in 1969, and how good it was to see them grow up.
“I think the biggest thing was seeing different kids growing in confidence; seeing the confidence they get, and the friendships I made and the friendships they make.
“A lot of them are still close friends among themselves, and I still see them sometimes around town – I’m lucky like that.”
He said that being awarded the Order of Australia Medal was fantastic, not only for himself but for all volunteers throughout Mackay and the region in any sport.
In Rugby League, he was proud to have helped so many young people grow into not only great players, but great people.
“It’s confidence and being able to have a go at things, win or lose, you have a go and put in your best effort; that carries over into real life.”
Doug Knight has served rugby league in Mackay for over 50 years
“That’s what it’s all about, teaching these kids to become their best selves and build confidence”
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