Knights Forward Dylan Lucas Honors Late Coach Scott Dureau
Dylan Lucas, a Newcastle Knights forward, publicly honored the late Scott Dureau, a former Knight who guided him from a sidelined Dragons prospect to a first‑grade player. Lucas highlighted Dureau’s role in reshaping his position and encouraging his comeback from a fractured ankle, while reflecting…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In the wake of the Knights’ elimination‑final win over the Warriors in Auckland, forward Dylan Lucas took a moment to honour the memory of former Knight and mentor Scott Dureau. The 26‑year‑old, who had been sidelined by a fractured and dislocated ankle earlier in the season, credited Dureau with turning a stalled career into a NRL success story.
From Dragons Reject to Knights Star
Lucas’s journey began in the Illawarra region, where he played junior rugby league for the Albion Park Eagles and rose through the Illawarra Steelers system. As a five‑eighth, he was never considered a top prospect for the South Sydney Dragons, a fact that left him searching for a new path. In 2023, he moved to Newcastle, hoping to find a fresh start. It was there that he met Scott Dureau, a former Knights legend who had recently taken on coaching and development roles in the Hunter region.
Dureau, who had played the iconic No. 7 jersey for the Knights after Andrew Johns, was one of Lucas’s first senior coaches. “He had an impact on my time here, and then he was with the full‑time squad when I first started training full‑time as well,” Lucas recalled. Dureau’s belief in Lucas’s potential led to a pivotal position change from five‑eighth to back‑rower, a move that unlocked the player’s speed and strength on the field.
Scott Dureau: A Mentor Who Changed a Career
Scott Dureau’s influence on Lucas extended beyond positional coaching. After a playing career that saw him make 42 first‑grade appearances for Newcastle and 97 for the Catalans Dragons in the Super League, Dureau returned to the Hunter area to nurture young talent. He battled cancer for 13 years before passing away in July at the age of 39. His legacy lives on through the players he mentored, with Lucas standing out as one of the most direct beneficiaries.
Lucas reflected on Dureau’s role: “He’s probably right up there with the biggest influence on my football. He was here when I first got here, and I was just a young kid who took a chance coming up here. He had that belief in me and gave me my opportunity to give myself a chance.” The former coach’s encouragement helped Lucas transition into a role that suited his physique, leading to a breakout season in 2026.
Season Highlights and the Road to the Final
Lucas’s 2026 campaign has been a rollercoaster. He made his NRL debut for the Knights in 2023 and earned an Origin debut for New South Wales in the same year, a milestone that filled his family with pride. However, he was later dropped for the Origin decider, a setback that fueled his determination to prove himself.
In the Knights’ elimination final against the Warriors, Lucas returned from a severe ankle injury that many thought would end his season. After a six‑week recovery and a positive scan, he played 14 minutes off the bench, contributing to a 28‑20 victory that kept Newcastle’s finals hopes alive. “I just wanted to give myself every chance,” Lucas said. “These opportunities don’t come around very often. So when they’re here, you want to be a part of it.”
Looking ahead, Lucas will be part of the Knights’ preliminary final against Penrith on Sunday. The match will test the team’s resilience and Lucas’s continued recovery from injury.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Lucas’s tribute to Dureau underscores the profound impact a coach can have on a player’s trajectory. “I’m sure he’d be up there smiling. I know how much the Knights meant to him, I’m sure he’d be very proud,” he said. The former Knight’s passing has left a void in the Newcastle community, but his teachings live on through players like Lucas.
As the Knights prepare for the upcoming preliminary final, Lucas’s story serves as a reminder of perseverance, mentorship, and the unpredictable nature of a sporting career. Fans will watch to see if he can maintain his form and help Newcastle advance further in the NRL season.
Key facts
- Dylan Lucas thanks former Knight Scott Dureau for career guidance
- Transition from five‑eighth to back‑rower was pivotal
- Lucas returned from a fractured ankle in elimination final
- He earned an Origin debut but was dropped for the decider
- Knights face Penrith in the preliminary final
Why it matters
Lucas’s tribute highlights the vital role mentors play in professional sports, especially for players who face early setbacks. It also underscores the resilience required to overcome injuries and seize opportunities on the biggest stages.
Frequently asked questions
What position does Dylan Lucas play?
Lucas is a back‑row forward for the Newcastle Knights.
How did Scott Dureau influence Lucas’s career?
Dureau moved Lucas from five‑eighth to back‑rower and provided mentorship that helped him secure a spot in the NRL.
What was the outcome of the Knights’ elimination final?
The Knights won 28‑20 over the Warriors in Auckland.
When is the Knights’ next match?
They face Penrith in the preliminary final on Sunday.
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “NRL 2026: Newcastle Knights forward Dylan Lucas pays tribute to late coach Scott Dureau”
